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Joey looked at him in surprise. Cole had been so hesitant to let her inside his pharmaceutical fortress, she’d expected him to put his foot down about more BTS staff.
Flint responded to Cole’s question. “It should be. They’ll look out for Joey and help see the mission through.”
“I don’t need a babysitter, Raven,” she insisted. Tank wasn’t exactly inconspicuous anywhere he went. And Will Gilbert was one of the best operatives she’d ever seen. And he was Ross McClain’s right-hand man. Ross was the co-owner of Black Tower along with Flint.
Usually, Will was sent out on a lot of solo missions. Even she didn’t know many of the assignments he was given. They were classified even within the team. That was some serious backup Flint wanted to throw at this.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Cole said. His gaze nearly burned a hole in her when he continued. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” Joey started to shake her head to disagree, but Cole leaned closer. “Joey, whoever the killer is, he saw you in the alley. Possibly slashed your tires. And if there’s any chance you can identify him, I’m guessing he’s not going to let you go. You have to trust us.”
Joey swallowed her objections. Trusting Flint she could do. And Tank and Will. But trusting Cole? That would be harder. Even after last night, there were so many unanswered questions. He might not be a killer. And he had been surprisingly thoughtful with her and concerned about her safety.
But he had also destroyed lives through his business tactics, had a convicted felon as his right-hand man, was apparently paying off a judge, and still had far too many connections to Syndicate members. Part of her was desperate to trust him. And the other was frantically trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that made sense.
After a moment, she nodded. “Okay, fine. Will and Tank can come to the party.”
“Joey, this isn’t a joke,” Cole said. His eyes were serious, concerned.
“I know that. But honestly, if I don’t laugh, I’m afraid I’ll cry. And I hate to cry. I just want to figure out who this is so it can all be behind us.”
“Where are you at with the false report?” Flint’s quiet question shifted the direction of the conversation. She was grateful for the redirect because if they spent any more time talking about how her life was in danger, she was likely to scream.
Joey straightened. “I’ve got the groundwork laid. I need someone to help make it a convincing fake. Cole, I guess that’s you?”
He nodded. “Sure.”
“Have you heard anything from the police?” she asked him. Maybe they’d caught the culprit. It would sure make walking into the office on Monday a lot easier.
Cole shook his head. “Nothing yet. Tommy said the videos didn’t show a face. The detective didn’t seem too concerned about the other person anyway. And access logs show that the only person in the lab was Laura, until I showed up.”
She frowned. “How can that be?”
Cole sagged. “I don’t know. Apparently, my security system needs an upgrade.”
Joey shook her head. “I don’t think so. I want to look at the logs again. Maybe I missed something?”
“You never miss anything, Joey,” Flint replied confidently.
“Even so… I have to do something. Point me to a computer.”
Flint replied, “The best thing you can do is finish up that fake report so our mole sticks his head up again.”
“And then?” Cole asked.
Flint smacked his hand on the counter. “Whack-a-mole, obviously.”
Joey chuckled, then glanced at Cole with concern. As part of BTS, she knew that sometimes humor was the only way to get through a serious situation. But how would Cole react to a joke like that, when it was his company and life goal on the line?
He didn’t laugh, but he smiled slightly at Flint. “Thanks, man.” He turned to Joey. “You can use my office. If you need anything else, we’ll have it brought over from BTS. You’re staying here for a few more days.”
Joey choked on her coffee. Flint raised his eyebrows before responding. “We can keep her safe at BTS, Cole. Or Miranda can get her a safehouse.”
Joey struggled to breathe as their exchange continued. Cole wanted her to stay here?
Cole nodded. “I’m sure you can. But here, we can work on the report. And my beds are more comfortable.”
Joey pointed a playful finger at Cole’s excuses. “He’s not wrong. That bed should come with a warning label. May cause inability to sleep anywhere else ever again.” Even Miranda’s legendary ability to find last-minute accommodations couldn’t compete with that bed. “But I’ll stay at BTS,” she said firmly, ignoring Cole’s pained expression.
It was sweet he wanted to protect her. But also, she worked at a security firm that employed a handful of ex-military commandos and had the most high-tech security system in the world. Cole might not like to concede, but he had to admit she would be fine.
