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“Sure.”
She brewed him a cup in the Keurig and brought it out to him.
Gray grinned. “We could get used to having a coffee girl around. You’re hired.”
“Your brother already hired me, but not to bring you coffee.”
“Wait. What?” Gray raised an eyebrow.
Gavin stood. “She needed to be briefed on Emmaline Swisher, and the only way that could happen was if she signed the contract.”
“So, you’re not hiring your girlfriend as your personal assistant or some such nonsense?”
“No. He is not.” Samantha scowled at Gray. “First of all, I’m not Gavin’s girlfriend. Secondly, I’m a law-enforcement ranger, you think I’d be happy acting as anyone’s personal assistant?”
“I’m betting working as Gavin’s assistant pays far better than the state of Pennsylvania does.”
“Drop it before you put us both in the doghouse. There is a reason I hired Ben for that job. I don’t have to worry about him getting emotionally attached.”
“Smart move, bro. Keep shoveling until the hole swallows you.”
Sam decided to let him off the hook. “Let’s get back to the matter we’re here to discuss.”
“Right.” Gavin sat and leaned forward in his chair. “Samantha and I did some more surveillance this morning at the Ricketts Estate. A catering van pulled in. The side read ‘Taste of Class.’ It might be a lead worth following. If we can get them to cooperate Wade, you might be able to get a couple of your people inside to check out the estate.”
“You lost me, Gavin. Why exactly are we investigating the Ricketts Estate?”
“I forgot you weren’t up to speed.”
Gray cracked his knuckles. “We think they have Cate.”
“What do you mean ‘have Cate’?”
“She’s missing. So is Emmaline Swisher. Emmaline’s cell phone was found near their property line. They’re using drones for what seems to be security measures. And on top of all that, Emily overheard snippets of conversation that didn’t sit right with her. Something is going on there. We need to find out what they’re up to, and if Cate and Emmaline are there, we have to get them out.”
“How is it that a federal judge’s daughter and a billionaire’s daughter both go missing and I know nothing about either of those cases?”
“We kept it out of the news thinking Cate would be safer that way. Swisher thinks his daughter is off gallivanting somewhere. He didn’t want to stir up a fuss only to find out she’s partying in Malibu.”
Wade continued as if Gavin hadn’t spoken. “Worse part is how my best friend’s sister is one of the missing girls, and he doesn’t even think to call me the moment he realizes she is gone? What is wrong with that picture?”
“Sorry. My brain took a hiatus the second I got the call from Scott.” He gestured to his right hand man.
Wade frowned. “You were with Cate when she was abducted?”
“No. I got to her sorority house in time to follow her to class, and she was already gone.”
While Gavin and Gray caught Wade up on all the details Sam slipped from the room and made herself a cup of tea. Jenna joined her in the kitchen. “You okay? The guys can get a little weird when they’re together. Gray doesn’t mean any harm.”
“I’m fine. Just needed a breather. Gavin can be a little intense.”
“I’ve never seen him so smitten before. It’s cute.”
“Stop. He is not.”
“Didn’t you notice the way he couldn’t even look in your direction without looking away. He’s afraid everyone in there will see the emotions flit across his face.”
“You’re imagining things.”
