Trent’s skin went cold.What woman?
The accomplice hesitated. “What about her?”
“She saw me at the marina,” Royer said. “I’m sure of it.”
The other man shook his head. “I don’t think so. Besides, I took care of it.”
“Pardon?” The menace in Royer’s voice was clear.
“I, um, handled it for ya.”
Royer’s feet stilled. “Did I ask you to handle it?”
Trent’s skin crawled and he wasn’t even in the direct line of fire.
“No, sir.”
Trent could sense the guy wanted to say more, defend his initiative.
“Then give me the information I asked for.”
He wanted to call the police, but a call would reveal his position and he didn’t think a text would be answered at this hour. He could move in for a takedown, but it was a safe bet there was a weapon in that duffel bag. Lousy odds. Especially with Natalie so close.
“Her name is Natalie-something,” the accomplice reported. “She’s sorta local. Works as an art teacher over in Charleston. Some private school.”
Wow. Whoever this guy was, he not only didn’t want his boss to find Natalie, he had enough courage to lie about it. Impressed, he wanted to assure the other man that Royer would never catch sight of Natalie again.
“That’s all you’ve got?”
“It ain’t enough?”
“Guess we’ll find out.” The flashlight winked out. “Let’s go.”
The men and hustled away toward the water, limiting Trent’s options. He could break cover and try a surprise attack or wait and keep hunting. Choosing discretion, he waited. With this new intel, and knowing Natalie might be a witness, the decision was easy.
CHAPTER 10
Natalie fidgeted, her thoughts racing as she waited for Trent. More than once, she got all the way to the locked door before remembering her promise. Sitting still was impossible. Desperate, she fiddled with the wire, wrapping it into whatever shape her fingers chose.
She checked the clock on the oven. He had three more minutes and then she’d call 911. He couldn’t possibly fault her for caring enough to protect him.
One minute in, she was sure she heard footsteps outside, but nothing showed up on the security camera or triggered the motion sensor lights. Inching toward the door, she listened, trying to see something. The only movement came from the shadows of palms swaying in the breeze. Sidling back toward the counter, she pulled the meat mallet from the drawer. She and her sisters always joked it was the best weapon in the kitchen. No way she’d go down without a fight.
The security panel near the door glowed as someone entered the code outside.Please be Trent. Please be Trent. Her hand tightened on the mallet handle and she tucked herself low against the countertop. If needed, with a little luck, she could take out a knee before the intruder spotted her.
The lock hummed and the door eased open. “Natalie? It’s me.”
The breath whooshed out of her. Relieved, she rushed him, throwing her arms around his shoulders, forgetting about the mallet in her hand. It thudded against his back. “Sorry. Are you okay?”
“What is that?” He closed and locked the door before nudging her back into the kitchen to turn on the light.
“Meat mallet.” She slid it back into the drawer. “Did I hurt you?”
“No.” His gaze raked her head to toe. “Good thinking.”
“Thanks. Did you find out what’s going on over there?” She scanned every inch of him, head to toe and back up again. She didn’t see any signs of a fight, only damp spots on the knees of his pants from the soft ground.
“Better stop looking at me like that.”
