Lex pressed a hand dramatically to her chest. “Well now I’m tempted.”
A few quiet laughs rippled around the room, but Pope’s posture didn’t ease, especially when Carson didn’t join in.
Pope yanked out a chair a little too hard, and the legs grated on the hardwood. He dropped into it and waited for the bomb to drop.
Carson gathered the photos scattered in front of him and passed them to Pope. “When Theo wasn’t eloping in Vegas, he spent time in New York City interviewing Summer’s ex.”
Every muscle across his shoulders snapped tight. “And?” His voice came out gritty.
Theo grimaced. “The guy’s a moron.”
“That narrows everything down. Might as well close the case.” Denver’s comment brought a snort from Theo, but Pope clenched his fists.
Theo noticed and gave him a direct look. “He’s bouncing around the East Coast living off women and odd jobs. He calls himself a hobo sexual.”
Lex blinked once. Slowly. “I’ve heard a lot in my career, but that’s new for me.”
Disgust rolled through Pope’s chest.
Theo’s expression echoed the sentiment. “Said he couldn’t commit to Summer, let alone a kid, so it was better they never take those vows. Claimed he couldn’t love, honor and obey, forsaking all others.”
A low growl escaped Pope before he could stop it. He dragged a hand over his jaw, battling the surge of anger moving like lava through his bloodstream. He wanted to fly to New York City just to put his fist through the guy’s face.
Summer and Ben deserved so much better than some selfish asshole who treated them like temporary inconveniences.
The worst of his temper cooled enough to listen to the rest of Theo’s evaluation.
Theo spread his hands. “Point is, I’m one thousand percent sure this guy has nothing to do with the threats.”
Carson nodded once. “From what I’ve seen, I agree.”
“So we’re back to the drawing board,” Willow muttered.
Lex’s high heels tapped the floor as she moved to the table and picked up the photos as if her experience alone could determine whether their findings were correct.
She set aside the photos and focused on Pope with an unnerving directness.
“Unless these threats aren’t really about Summer.”
He narrowed his eyes.
She folded her arms and began to pace, her stilettosclick-click-clickingas she moved from one side of the table to the other. “Everyone in this room is operating under the assumption that Summer is the intended target.” She glanced around the table. “My job is to challenge assumptions.”
He fixed her in his stare. “Keep talkin’.”
“The tire, the groceries, the timing of your assignment. I wanted to determine whether the incidents centered on Summer or whether she was simply the most accessible way to get to someone else.”
“That someone being Pope,” Carson said.
Lex nodded. “From what I’ve heard, it’s no secret around here that you took an interest in Summer at the bar.”
“That’s true.”
“And it’s easy enough for someone with the right resources to track you to the Black Heart Ranch.”
He dipped his head in agreement.
“You’re former military. Your last operation in Baghdad created potential exposure points, so I started there. Surviving family members, known associates, anyone with a possible reason to come after you.”
