Page 257 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Maddox’s eyes widened.

“My nephew discovered it. It’s so tiny, he didn’t know what it was at first.”

Addie’s pulse increased. “Do you have the chip?”

“Yes, it’s here. My nephew thought it might be important, so he sent it back with the bracelet.”

She put a hand to her chest. “I’ll be there shortly to pick it up. Thank you, Mr. Steinway.”

“My pleasure,” he said, ending the call.

Her mind raced as she turned to Maddox. “Do you think the chip contains the formula for PZT?”

Maddox shook his head, an ironic grin curving his lips. “When the rest of the jewelry came up clean, it seemed highly unlikely that the bracelet would contain anything.”

“Obviously, the odds were better than we thought,” Addie chuckled.

He searched her face. “What do you want to do, if it is the formula?”

“I dunno. Maybe get it to someone who can work the bugs out of it?”

Maddox looked thoughtful. “Or sell it to someone like Barrett Medical for a pretty penny.”

“No way would I sell it,” she countered, giving him a sharp look. “As far as I’m concerned, it would be blood money.” Herbrows bunched as she glared at Maddox, hardly believing he’d suggest such a thing.

“I don’t mean keep the profits. You could stipulate that the proceeds go to help patients with Alzheimer’s.”

Warmth spread through her chest as she smiled. She reached for his shirt and pulled him close. “That’s an excellent idea,” she said, her lips taking his in a long, slow kiss that sent shivery tingles circling through her.

A few minutes later, he pulled back. “All right. Are you ready to go inside the pet store?”

She made a face. “Now? But we need to get to the jewelry store,” she argued.

“All in good time,” he drawled. “Don’t you dare open that door,” he said as he jogged around and got the door for her.

“My Southern gentleman,” she chimed, giving him a doting look. “Thank you.”

He nodded. “Of course.”

When they stepped inside the store, the teenage girl behind the counter smiled broadly in recognition. “Hello, Mr. Easton. I have your package ready for you.”

Addie gave him a dubious look. “Package?” The last time she’d heard the word package it had a bad connotation. Sutton’s men had referred to the kidnapper as thepackagethey were to pick up.

“I’ll be right back,” the girl said.

Addie looked at Maddox who had a Cheshire Cat grin on his face. “What’re you up to?”

Light danced in his eyes like sunlight sparkling over azure water.

The girl returned a minute later, holding a crate wrapped in a large, red bow. Addie peered inside the crate, surprised to see a cream ball of fur sitting in the middle. She laughed in surprise. “You got me a puppy?”

“Us a puppy,” he corrected. He took the crate from the girl and placed it on the floor. He opened the door and pulled out the puppy, cradling it in his arms. The sight of Maddox holding such a cute and cuddly puppy caused her heart to melt. She rubbed the puppy’s head, his fur feeling soft against her skin. “He’s a golden retriever.”

“Yep,” Maddox said proudly.

A smile curved Addie’s lips. “Much better than a fish.”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” the girl said. “Here are your instructions.” She flashed a large smile as she handed Addie a small, white envelope.

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