“But I doubt Scott was sitting in the café,” Olivia argued.
“He knows a lot of people in this town,” the deputy replied.
Keane had accepted the excuse given yesterday, but he hadn’tknown the security cams went out at the exact time her tires were slashed.
“I’d like to tour the downstairs,” Olivia announced.“I’llsee if there’s anything we can salvage.”
Her friend led her inside carefully.
Keane held back with Garrett.
“I don’t like the sound of any of this,” Keane said.
Garrett already had his phone out, texting quickly.“I’llget Ruby on it.”
Ruby Lockwood.The private investigator on retainer with thecompany.“Tell her we’re paying.We can’t involve Ruby if she’s going tocontact Olivia’s dad unless Olivia wants it.”
Garrett frowned.“Apparently she’s already contacted Ruby.Ruby says she’s investigating Scott.Olivia put her on it last night.”
Keane felt his jaw tighten, and then he forced it to relax.She was learning to trust them.He had to give her that space.“Explain thesituation to her.And I’d like some information on Jason and his girlfriend.Find out what happened to the woman Scott left with.I want to knoweverything.”
Garrett nodded and then stepped away, dialing Ruby’s number.
Keane stood outside, staring at the building.She could havebeen in there.He knew she was the type of person who worked late nights whenshe had to.She wouldn’t hesitate.The idea of Olivia trapped in that building…
Maybe he should call her father.
Or he could trust that he and Garrett could support her andfigure all of this out.
“What the hell?”a deep voice said.
Keane turned, and there was the man from the day before.Scott stood in his perfectly fitted suit that likely cost more than a month’sworth of Keane’s pay.More.His hair was perfect, and he carried an elegantleather case.
This was what Olivia was attracted to.At least she hadbeen.Garrett could look like that.Garrett had managed to make himselfcomfortable in Olivia’s world.
Keane would always be a cowboy.
“Where is Olivia?”Scott asked like he had a right to know.
He might not wear thousand-dollar suits, but he knew how toprotect a woman.He stepped between Scott and the front door to the building.There were people walking around the small town square, and there was no doubtthey were all trying to figure out what was going on.
“She’s inside with Deputy Morgan,” Keane said quietly.
Scott took a step toward the door.
Keane moved in front of him.“They don’t need visitors atthis time.”
Scott’s shoulders went back, eyes narrowing.“I’m not avisitor.I was once her fiancé.”
“No, you weren’t.”He knew the history.
“Well, I was going to be had circumstances not gone the waythey did.I realize now what I walked away from.”
“I doubt it, but you are not with her at this time sorespect her privacy while she deals with this.I understand you’re here towork.Well, I understand that’s your excuse.I’m sure Olivia will call you.”
Scott’s eyes narrowed as he studied Keane.“And I know she’susing you as a shield to keep me at arm’s length.There’s no way OliviaBarnes-Fleetwood ends up with some nothing cow poke.”
“I don’t know why not.Her mother did,” Keane quipped.
