Page 42 of Protector Unmatched
“It was Kevin’s idea!” Tim said, and pointed at his friend. “He knew about the safe in the house. He’d worked there on some carpentry job. He knew about the alarm system.”
“Fuck, Tim!” Kevin said.
Daphne pivoted and glared at Kevin. “Oh, by the way, about the alarm system…” She went right up in his face, but Kevin didn’t dare make a move. He was actually afraid of Daphne, a woman several inches shorter and many pounds lighter than he. “There was a second alarm system, you idiot! You nearly got me arrested!” She pushed him back, and he landed on the couch.
“I wouldn’t have done it,” Kevin said, and pointed back at Tim, “if Tim hadn’t known that guy who hawks expensive stuff. But he said that guy could sell anything for good money. And the stuff in the safe, it’s worth a shitload. And Tim owed money to him from some other deal, so he needed to get him something.”
Pearce let out an exasperated breath. “Enough!” All eyes shot to him. “You’re both guilty! And if it wouldn’t implicate your sister, I’d drag both your sorry asses to the police and let you rot there. But I won’t, because Daphne doesn’t deserve this. She’s gone through enough.” He glared at both men. “So listen carefully. If you ever plan anything like this again and even attempt to draw Daphne into it and use her, then I’ll be personally skinning you both alive. Is that clear?”
Tim and Kevin gaped at him, Tim’s face drained of blood, Kevin’s just as white under the layer of tomato sauce.
“I need an answer. Let me give you a hint: there’s only one right answer.”
Both blurted out, “Yes.”
Pearce motioned to Enya, letting her know that they were done here. Then he took Daphne’s arm. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
Without a word, Daphne turned around and marched out of the apartment. Pearce followed her, Enya on his heels. She shut the door behind them. In the hallway, Pearce turned to her. “Thanks for the help.”
Enya sighed. “Sure. What now?”
“I’ll take Daphne home.”
“Will you be in the office later?” Enya asked, and he knew she wanted to know if he was returning to the compound.
He nodded. He’d done what he needed to do. Daphne’s brother was safe—had been safe all along. But Tim now knew that he’d be in trouble if he ever again tried to involve Daphne in any of his criminal activities. Daphne was on the right path again. Pearce was convinced that the event that had sent Daphne on the path to kill him had now been averted. He had helped Daphne out of a jam, and she was thankful. She had no reason to kill him now. No reason at all.
