Page 21 of Spock’s Snare

"Then we cross those suspects off the list and keep digging. Speaking of that, I’d like a list of all the workers you’ve sacked. Spark can dig into them to see if any are plotting revenge."

She sighs. “I hadn’t considered one of them, but you could be right. I’ll put together a list. God, this is such a mess.”

“We’ll figure it out and put a stop to whoever is doing this. You have my word. They made a mistake going after you. You have the protection of the Demon Dawgs now.”

She searches my face for a long moment before giving a single nod.

For the first time since this nightmare started, I think she believes we're going to find the son of a bitch responsible. And I'm determined not to prove her wrong.

"Before Rush and I head out, you mentioned meeting the guys from Desert Storm Construction. What about Sin City Construction or Adams Construction?"

Chloe doesn’t hide her disgust, which piques my interest. “Elvis Monroe is a tool. He’s an arrogant misogynist who shouldn’t be allowed in public.”

I chuckle at her vehemence. “Yeah, that was my take, too. He didn’t hit on you, did he?” If he did, I may call Dice and Wildcard to deliver a personal message from me to Elvis when they stop by.

“Ew. No. But every time our paths cross, he tries to convince me to sell my business because, in his words, ‘a woman should be holding a spatula, not a hammer.’ Idiot.”

Idiot indeed.

"What about Adams Construction?"

"The Adams brothers? They’re good guys. I’ve run into them at a few events. We’ve had dinner and drinks after to talk shop. Usually as part of a larger group. Mostly men, of course."

“Did they hit on you?”

She laughs. “They did, but nothing over the top or too serious. They asked. I said no. They accepted it without drama, which was nice. I’ve called them a few times when I needed an extra hand or with a question. They’ve done the same. I don’t think they’re the ones causing problems.”

Based on my experience with them, I agreed with her. Monroe was the one most likely to cause problems. Not only did he lose the contract, but he lost the contract to a woman. A misogynist like Monroe wouldn’t take that well.

I glance around the construction site and see the men working. Every so often, one glances in our direction. I have to wonder if one of them might be responsible. Could the enemy be closer than we originally thought? The idea that the danger could come from within leaves me cold. I want to grab Chloe, take her away, and hide her. However, I know that isn’t an option. I’ll need to protect her another way.

“One more thing,” I say. “Hawk will remain on site to send a message to anyone who may be watching. The prospects hung a few cameras yesterday, but Spock is ordering more. We’ll install them later. That won’t be a problem, will it?"

She blinks.

"That's... a lot."

"No." I shake my head. "It's enough."

She starts to protest, but I cut her off.

"Whoever is causing problems has had free rein here. That ends today. We want to see who comes and goes.”

She studies me for a long moment.

"You don't have to spend club resources on me."

"Yes, we do."

"Spock, this isn't your problem."

“Yes, it is.” My voice comes out firmer than I intend. “I told you. You’re important to us, so you’re under our protection. Puma insisted. I don’t think you understand how much Inferno Ridge means to him. He’s turning the club into exactly what he wants, a club focused on family. Inferno Ridge is his baby. He can’t wait to share a house with Alisa and the kids. He wants to see the other houses built and full of club members. Hell, he wants everyone to pop out more babies. He’s obsessed with building a community out there. That can’t happen if you aren’t around to make it happen.”

Chloe lets out a slow breath, the fight draining from her shoulders.

“Okay. I’ll stop fighting you.”

“Good, there’s one more thing.” I smirk when she huffs out a frustrated breath.