Page 4 of Safeguarding the Witness

“Can I talk to him?”

“We don’t have his number. He uses burner phones and throws them away after each call. He gave me your secret code word on the condition that you don’t try to contact him. Not until after you’ve made your decision about the inheritance.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not a psychic, Mollie. I don’t know what the hell your dad is thinking. I don’t have anything in common with the man.”

“Do you know my father?”

“I know enough.”

“Do you have a problem with him?”

Spence didn’t like or admire a man who abandoned his twin daughters after his wife’s death. The part he played when testifying against the cartel led to the murder of Mollie’s sister and dragged Mollie herself into danger. “It’s not up to me to judge your dad.”

“If you knew him, you’d understand.”

“Guess I have to take your word for that.”

Her blue eyes narrowed, and her chin tilted up so she could look down her nose at him. In spite of her grungy T-shirt, baggy shorts and messy hair, she conveyed an attitude of cool sophistication. “Tell me about yourself, Spence. What kind of lawyer wears a bespoke Armani suit and carries a gun in a shoulder holster?”

He didn’t feel obligated to give his credentials, but he wanted her to trust him. “I consider the suit and tie to be a lawyer uniform. I prefer a Beretta M9 because that was the weapon issued to me when I was an Army Ranger.”

“A Ranger, huh?” In spite of her pseudo-snobby attitude, she sounded impressed. “Some people say they have better training than Navy SEALs.”

“I would be one of those people.” He grinned. “Rangers lead the way.”

“Is that so?” She scoffed.

“When I joined my family at Cameron Law Firm, I facilitated a security and protection program based on the needs of our governor and other lawmakers at the Oregon State Capital in Salem. My staff works for other high-profile clients across the Pacific Northwest.”

Mollie rolled her eyes. “Are you supposed to be some kind of secret commando?”

“I have the training and the skill set, but I never claimed to be a superhero.”

Just because he wore Armani instead of a red cape and tights, it didn’t mean he wasn’t battle-ready. The security work came more naturally to him than lawyering. He’d still be in the Rangers if he hadn’t been injured and lost most of the vision in his left eye—a personal detail he didn’t plan to share. No matter how enticing she appeared, he didn’t intend to get close to her. She and her father were clients. Therefore, off-limits.

Rush-hour traffic clogged the streets. The slowdown wasn’t really a problem because the chartered jet wouldn’t leave without them. Maybe it was better to arrive in Oregon after nightfall when Mollie’s return could be kept secret. Once the news got out, gossip would race through downtown Cloverdell and across the hills and fields of the Willamette Valley. The three grandnieces needed time to make sure they weren’t in danger and to plan a strategy.

He glanced over at her. “Made up your mind?”

“I have a few more questions.” She shifted in her seat. “How can I be sure Erin and Bethany won’t be in danger because they meet with me?”

“Leave that to me. Through CLF, I’ve developed a chain of safe houses, installed security systems and provided 24/7 bodyguards.”

“CLF?”

“Cameron Law Firm.”

“Uh-huh.” She nodded. “CLF sounds way more dangerous.”

Pretty little Mollie was a bona fide smart-ass. “Any other questions?”

“What am I supposed to do about clothes and money? I have a go-bag in my front closet, packed with necessities, but there wasn’t time to grab it.”

“Yeah, it’s inconvenient to go on the run when bad guys are shooting at you,” he said dryly. “I’m guessing Bethany or Erin can help you out.”

“Do they both still live in Cloverdell?”