Free Love Inspired Suspense October 2015 #1 by Lenora Worth, Hope White, Diane Burke

daughter is safe while you do your job.”
    Her father nodded. A dismissal.
    Rikki breathed a sigh of her own and motioned to Blain. “I’ll show you out, Detective Kent.”
    Blain gave her a surprised glance but followed her. He stopped near her father’s chair. “I want to find the person who did this so I hope you understand. And I hope you’ll trust me.”
    â€œI do not trust easily,” Franco replied, his gaze on the roaring fire.
    Blain didn’t move. “Neither do I.”
    â€œLet’s go,” Rikki said, almost a plea.
    Blain put his hands in the pockets of his jacket and followed her toward the side door to the garage.
    When they were outside, he turned to her. “I know a threat when I hear one but I’m okay with that. But you need to understand something, Rikki.”
    She shivered in the wind. “And what’s that?”
    â€œI’m trying to protect you, so don’t do anything stupid, okay?”
    â€œI’ll try not to,” Rikki retorted, anger warming her now. “I plan to stay right here and visit my mother while I try to get some work done.”
    â€œGood plan.” He looked sheepish. Swiping at his hair, he glanced over at her. “At least you have a nice place to stay hidden.”
    â€œYes, a virtual paradise,” she quipped. “A comfortable prison.”
    â€œIs that what it feels like?” he asked, his gaze tearing at her with his unspoken questions.
    â€œIt’s always felt that way but I try not to complain. I have everything here I could ever possibly need, except freedom.”
    He drew closer and touched at her hair. “Hey, I know this has been tough and I’m sorry I’ve had to drill you. But I have a job to do.”
    Before she could pull away or respond, he leaned closer, his eyes as dark as driftwood at midnight. “But you call me anytime, you hear? Anytime.”
    Then he dropped his hand and walked to his car.
    And left her there shivering in the wind again.

SEVEN
    B lain went back over the list Rikki had emailed him late yesterday. She had several high-profile clients in the area, including one of Blain’s best friends, Alec Caldwell.
    Deciding to be completely transparent with Alec, Blain dialed Alec’s number and waited. When Alec came on the line, Blain went right into action. “Hey, man. Listen, I’m going over a client list for Regina Alvanetti and I noticed you’re on it.”
    Alec chuckled. “And how are you today, Detective Kent?”
    â€œSorry,” Blain said, rubbing the throbbing nerve in his forehead. “I can’t talk much about it but I guess you’re familiar with this case I’m working on, right?”
    â€œOh, yes. Aunt Hattie and her friends are all concerned they’ll be next. They read the papers and listen to the news on a constant basis. Should I be worried?”
    â€œI don’t think so. This appears to be more of a calculated hit than a random robbery. But that is not for public knowledge, especially not for Aunt-Hattie-type public knowledge. But please reassure your aunt that she and her friends certainly need to be alert and cautious but to go about their regular activities.”
    â€œGot it,” Alec replied. “I’m sorry about the woman who was murdered. And to answer your question, yes, Aunt Hattie and I consulted with Rikki when we were redoing some of the rooms at Caldwell House and Marla and I asked her to help with some sketches for our wedding décor. She sent her ideas free of charge and let our wedding planner take over from there since she wasn’t sure she could make it back for the wedding. She’s good at her job.”
    â€œThis isn’t about her job but more about anyone she’s worked with,” Blain said. “I’m going down a list of her clients, calling people to see if anyone might be upset with her.”
    â€œI can’t answer to