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He’d left her in the office while he went to speak with Colby Ballard.A man who always put her on edge.His light blue eyes were so cold when he looked at her.
The door to the office flew open, and Lark gave a start of surprise.
“Boss, the Cadillac Escalade was reported stolen—” Jase Guillory broke off when he saw her.“Oh, I, uh, heard Oliver was here today.”
She rose and smoothed her hands over the front of her jeans.“He’s in a meeting with the Executive Assistant Director.”
Jase winced.“That has to be hell.”His gaze darted around the office then slid back to her.“Sorry to bust in.I’ll come back later.”
But Lark hurried toward him.Her hand flew out and her fingers lightly touched the side of his arm.“What did you find out about the Escalade?It was stolen?”
“Yeah, stolen about four hours before you saw it.It belongs to a high roller in town.He checked in about two days ago, and it was taken right out of the valet lot at his hotel.”
“Which hotel?”Lark asked as her stomach seemed to dip.
“Oh, you know the one.”
No, she didn’t know it.That was why she’d asked.Her brows scrunched.
“It’s got all those dancing fountains in front.”His hand waved vaguely in the air.“Apparently, it’s our high roller’s favorite place to stay.”Jase rattled off the name of one of the most well-known hotels and casinos in the area.Then he shook his head.“And I just got word the Escalade was found fifteen miles outside of Vegas.Whoever took it must have ditched it.The area where it was found is known for a pretty high crime rate.The officers on scene say the vehicle was heavily stripped down.”
“So whoever ditched the Escalade would haveknownit would get stripped out there,” Oliver said, his strong voice sounding from behind Jase.
Jase whirled around.“Boss!Didn’t realize you were there!”
Lark’s hand fell back to her side.
“We need to get video footage from the valet lot,” Oliver said.“They’ve got great security there.Hell, I was in that hotel not too long ago on another case.”
His gaze dipped to Lark.
She lifted her chin.She knew exactly what case he was talking about.She’d been at the same location, following up on a lead from a PI that had not panned out.To her surprise, she’d walked straight into Oliver in the hotel’s lobby.She’d stumbled into him and right into the case he’d been working.One that had sent the building into lockdown as a killer was hunted.
“I have connections there,” Oliver added.“I’ll put in a phone call and get us access right away.You head over and start talking to the security personnel and to the valet attendants.I want to know everything they saw.”
“Absolutely.”Jase started to edge around him.
“I’ll be…technically on leave,” Oliver said quietly.
Jase stopped his edging.“What?No, no, do not tell me that the Executive Assistant Director—”
“My choice.Not his.I have some off-book investigating I want to do.All the intel you collect should still be directed my way.”His gaze drifted to Lark.“I’m staying close to her until I’m satisfied we have the right man behind bars.”
Her heart slammed hard against her chest.
“You—you think—” Jase stopped and shook his head.“Boss…”
“I think I need to be certain.After I leave here, I’m going to talk to Lane Lawson.You get to the high-priced hotel.Update Theo.You two are going to keep working the attack from last night.That is priority.The local cops aren’t in charge.You are, got me?”
Jase nodded quickly before hurrying away.Oliver moved to fully fill the doorway.His broad shoulders took up all the space, and his hooded gaze swept over Lark as she stood there, with her hands loose at her sides.
When the silence stretched a little too long, she licked her dry lips and asked, “We’re going to talk to Lane?”
“I am.Alone.”
“But—”
“I have to be able to read him, Lark.If you’re in the room…” And he advanced into his office and shut the door, sealing them away from the other agents.“His reactions will be different.I tried to interview him before.Many times.He refused.Wouldn’t say a word.”
