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So why not this time?
Because he was enjoying toying with Kendra Michaels, savoring how she would feel when he pulled the trigger? He had been terribly angry with Michaels when she’d wounded him with that nail gun and then stolen Tricia from him. He’d been watching her for two days and had become aware of the growing intimacy between the two women. It was clear they were taking comfort from each other’s company. He’d decided that it might be even more enjoyable to indulge himself during that splendid explosion that was to come if he let them both believe they were safe. But he’d only counted on hours, perhaps a day. Why had he let it drag on like this?
There was no way he’d admit that he’d made a mistake or allowed himself to soften. He wouldn’t have done that—even the thought offended him. It must only be as he’d first thought, that his instinct had been to just enjoy the Walton kill before he permitted himself to rid himself of Kendra Michaels. But now he was back on track…
Chapter
11
Lynch was having a drink in Olivia’s condo when they brought Harley back. After he fought off Harley’s first bout of enthusiasm, he turned to Tricia. “How is Harley doing? I never had much of a problem with him, but Kendra said you’re a miracle worker.”
Tricia shrugged. “He’s intelligent and full of love. The rest is just training and repetition.” Her eyes were twinkling as she added, “You probably didn’t have problems with him because you’re both male and think alike. Women can be much more complicated.”
“Ouch.” He grimaced. “I can think of at least three insults hidden in that answer.”
“Think deeper. You’ll find others.” Then she threw back her head and laughed. “Stop looking like that, Kendra. I’m kidding. Lynch and I have come to terms. All I had to do was behave with the proper humility.”
“Bullshit,” Lynch said. “Shut up, brat, or I’ll drown you the next time I catch you alone in that pool.”
“You wouldn’t stand a chance. I’m a far better swimmer than you are. Besides, it would ruin that fancy reputation you’ve conned everybody into believing.”
Kendra was pleasantly surprised. “Break it up.” She’d only seen Lynch briefly in the last two days and had missed that light interaction between the two of them. “You’re acting like my students at recess.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Olivia said. “Lynch, while I get Harley some water, why don’t you tell Kendra and Tricia why you graced me with your presence? That was much more interesting.”
“At least more optimistic,” Lynch said. “I just dropped in to tell you both that I’ve finished plugging the security holes at the swimming center. It will only take a brief scan on my computer every morning to check and then it will be safe until it’s locked up at night.” His voice was suddenly gentle. “That’s one other place that we know you’ll be safe, Tricia.”
“That’s three, isn’t it,” she asked flippantly. “Kendra’s, here at Olivia’s, the swim center. Pretty soon I won’t be able to count them on one hand.” Then her tone was suddenly weary. “It’s not enough, Lynch.”
“I know it isn’t,” he said quietly. “You should have the entire world. We’ll get there.”
“I know. I trust you,” Tricia said. “But this crap gets old.” She turned to Olivia. “I need to get my mind off it. Is it okay if I work on that computer update for a while tonight? I’ll sleep sounder.”
“Be my guest.” Olivia laughed. “Or my slave. Whichever you choose to call it.”
“Mistress of your fate,” Tricia said. “That sounds better.” She turned to Kendra. “Go on back to your condo. I’ll have the guard escort me when I’m ready. Or I might curl up on Olivia’s couch.”
Kendra frowned. “Let me know.”
“I know the rules. All of them.” She patted Harley on the head. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get to work.” She glanced over her shoulder at Lynch. “Make sure her condo’s safe. Do you hear me?”
“I hear you,” he said dryly. “I believe I can take care of that. Good night, Olivia. Tricia.”
***
As soon as the door closed behind Lynch and Kendra, Olivia turned away and moved over to her office area in the corner of the living room where Tricia was adjusting the computer. “You did that very well. I was impressed.”
Tricia was silent. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Olivia laughed. “Then perhaps I should ask if you’re really going to have trouble sleeping tonight, or if I should get you a cup of strong coffee to keep you awake.”
Another silence. “You thought I was lying?”
“I thought you were using your weakness and turning it into a strength.”
“You’re very perceptive. Kendra was right. You do see more than the rest of us.” She paused. “It was only half a lie.”
“But you really wanted to give Lynch and Kendra an opportunity to go to bed together.”
