Page 34 of Walking the Bird

“Cute houseguest,” Ryan teased, taking the beer from Cade’s offered hand. “I’m assuming you waited until my kids were asleep before you plowed her.”

“She has a name, Ryan,” Cade bit back, his protectiveness breaking through. “I’d suggest you use it, because if I get my way, she’ll be around for a long time.”

“You’re serious? You and Melinda?”

“Yes, me and Melinda. And I don't want to hear any shit about how I barely know her.”

Ryan waved his hands in surrender. “Hold on little brother, you forget I fell in love with Elli ten seconds after I met her.”

Shooting Ryan a satisfied smile, Cade brought his beer to his lips, taking a healthy pull as he turned his attention to the stars in the sky.

“I found out something tonight, it might be coincidence, but I wanted to talk to you about it.”

“Don't believe in coincidence, little brother.” Ryan reminded Cade, tilting back his bottle and draining half.

“I know, which is why I waited up for you.”

Chugging the last of his beer, Cade turned his body toward Ryan’s, repeating everything Melinda had told him. “What I can't figure out is why protein powder and flour?”

“Drug cookers use flour as a base, and protein for the vitamin kick. Which would make sense considering the chemical makeup of the drugs we pulled out of the ocean.”

“And the pool motor?”

“Think about it, Cade. What is a pump's sole purpose?”

“To move water.”

“Exactly, whoever stole the pump needed to move a lot of water, and I have a feeling I know why. Now, come on, I want to do a search for stolen pumps in the area, see if my theory holds water before I call my team.”

“Did you leave a trash can for Elli in case she throws up?

“Nah, Jordan had the bartender water down the drinks once the girls started feeling good.”

“Tell me Eleni got back to her room safely.”

“She did, Alex took her himself.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep, he maybe clueless, but he’s not stupid enough to let a girl like Eleni go. Come on, let me show you how easy it is to break a hotel's firewall.”

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