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He definitely looked like he could be one of her brothers. Then again, the DNA report hadn’t lied. This man—and his two younger brothers—was the first solid lead on Dee Davis she had found. Now she had to figure out how to get him to listen and cooperate.
“Hello, Mr. Davis, I’m sorry to just show up this way. I can assure I don’t want anything more from you…than basic answers. Information.” A direction to go in next, more than anything. Zoey forced her hands not to tremble. Kept her gaze firm…and in charge.
Just like she would have any regular suspect. That was what she had to do. Be objective.
“What kind?”
“I’ve been trying to contact you, Mr. Davis.” This guy probably had people wanting things from him all the time. One of Hollywood’s top-grossing male actors of the last decade would have a great deal of allure for people after things in general. She wasn’t stupid, after all.
“In regards to?” He looked like Rafe at his most suspicious, no denying that.
“I’m with Blessed Reunions. The private investigation agency operating out of Finley Creek, Texas.”
His face tightened, his body tensed even more. If she hadn’t been a trained observer she wouldn’t have caught it. “I’m not interested. Neither are my brothers. Just who exactly are you?”
“My name is Zoey Daviess.” She watched him for half a moment. “And let’s just get it out there, neither of us want to bother with games. I’m your sister. We share the same biological mother. And…you and I, at least, the same biological father.”
He snorted, a look of derision in the eyes staring at her now. Cynicism. Well, she could understand that. “Sure you are. I’m a famous man, lady. You’re not getting a dime from me.”
“I assure you; I don’t need your money. As soon as my colleague gets here, I’ll have DNA results to prove it.” She’d just keep it professional. She’d assisted with two reunions through Blessed Reunions in the last six months. Neither of those had beeneasy.
Why should it be any different with her own genetic family?
“Once again, nice try. I never gave anyone a DNA sample.”
“Yes, you did. To me,” a quiet voice said behind him. One Zoey recognized. She looked toward the open door.
Sydney stood there, a stack of envelopes in her hands. And a look on her face Zoey couldn’t identify.
“Hello, Slater Davis, so we meet again.”
His dark eyes widened. The man paled. Strong arms crossed over his chest. “Sydney, you’re a part of this scam?”
“See you at least remember my name. I’m surprised. Considering our former personal connection, I decided I’d be the one to bring the paperwork to Masterson. Hey, Zo. Please tell me your night improved after I called.”
Going to a concert on FCU campus with Pen was one thing—flying up here by herself—was another. Sydney had been told to take it easy. And not push things by doing too much too soon. “You shouldn’t be here. Did someone come with you?”
“I have my ways. It’s amazing what having a Houghton can do. A little sore but…priorities. I needed to be here when you talked to Slater. Just call me your delivery girl.” Sydney stared at Slater.
Who stared right back. Zoey wasn’t stupid. Somethingmorewas going on here. There was definite electricity in the air. These two…had met before. Sydney, an actor who had a reputation with women—Zoey was putting things together fast here. Even though Sydney had never told Zoey the name of the man who had hurt her before. Hell, no. Life just couldn’tworkthat way.
Sydney looked at Zoey, a storm of emotions in her light brown eyes. “The family was hovering again. I can’t stand it when they do that.”
“What in the hell do you two want? I’m not giving you a damned cent, so don’t ever try to blackmail me, Sydney. I’ll destroy you.” He took a step toward the younger woman. Sydney didn’t back away. She raised her chin in challenge.
Challenging a three-time mixed martial arts champion with no one but Zoey to back her up.
“Please, I’m pretty well set for life. That hotel we met in—babe, Iownpart of the place. Birthday gift, actually. I have a private suite on the top floor. And about twelve others throughout the country. Or is it thirteen now? I’ll have to check. I flew up here on a private jet that I can access with a simple dial of a phone extension. I’m not here for your money, Slater. I don’teverwant anything from you again. But you do need to listen to us now. This is important, and it impacts other people far more than you. Where are your brothers? What are their names again, Wonkus McBubbles and Doofus the Royal Clown?” Sydney walked further into the room, passing near him.
He just watched. Like a hungry predator ready to leap at any moment.
“In the lobby, checking in. You aren’t getting near them.” He reached out, wrapped a hand around her arm. And pulled Sydney closer. Far more roughly than he should have.
The fury on his face had Zoey fighting the urge to grab her off-duty weapon from her ankle. Just in case. Sydney winced.
“Hey, pal. Let her go before you seriously hurt her. Now.” Zoey had seen enough. “Get your hands off her. You’re hurting her, damn it. Let her go!”
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