Page 39 of Dangerous Secret

“Maybe,” Liam said. “From the gossip floating around, she’s been vocal about how Pressley lied to her and strung her along, promising he was going to divorce his wife. Then when he actually was divorced, he ghosted her.”

“Woman scorned,” Cooper said. “She should be a good source of info.”

Grayson nodded. “Hope so. The man’s a piece of work.” Pressley deserved what was coming to him, and to do that, he needed to get into that safe. “I have a plan.”

* * *

“I have to fire you.”

Grayson pulled his cell phone away from his ear and stared at the screen. He’d been happy to see Harlow’s name light up but getting fired wasn’t what he expected. He put the phone back to his ear. “What happened?” Because something did between the time she left his house to now.

“Anthony was waiting for me when I got home. He saidthat if he found out I was cheating on him, whoever it was, they’d never find his body.”

Grayson laughed.

“It’s not funny. He’s killed before and gotten away with it. We know that.”

“Honey, your ex doesn’t have a clue who has your six. You’ve got three highly skilled men behind you.”

“I know that means you have my back, but—”

“It’s more than just that. A normal person would say they have your back, meaning they’ll stand up for you. When we say it, it means we’ll give our life for yours.” At hearing her gasp, he wanted to slap his forehead. It did mean exactly that, but he shouldn’t have said it. That was what she was worried about, why she wanted to fire them.

“No, Grayson. Just no. I can’t let you and your friends risk your lives.”

This was a conversation they needed to have in person. “Listen, I’m about to go into a meeting. I’ll call you tonight and we’ll talk this out.” Except it would be face-to-face.

* * *

“Come out to your balcony.” Grayson disconnected the phone before Harlow could respond. The sun had disappeared over the horizon, but it was still the twilight hour. He glanced out at her lake and there were her swans gracefully gliding across the water. He liked that they’d made an appearance, that he’d gotten to see something that gave her so much enjoyment.

The sliding door opened, and she peeked her head out. “Grayson?”

He bowed. “My lady, would you care to join me on this beautiful summer eve?” As he’d hoped, that got a smile, albeit a quick little one. It was a start, and he’d take it.

“What are you doing here?” She stepped out, and Einstein scurried past her, going straight to Grayson. She glanced over the railing. “How did you get up here?”

“I think Einstein’s asking the same questions.” The cat was chattering up a storm. “Sit, and I’ll give you both answers.” He grinned. “I’m asking you to sit, not Einstein.” Another little smile.

She slipped onto the chair closest to her. “Really, how did you get up here?”

“This way.” He picked up the hook and rope he’d used. “Easy-peasy.” Settling into the other seat, he reached next to him and grabbed the small cooler, taking out two beers. “You liked this one,” he said, handing her the craft beer she’d had earlier today. Was that only today? Seemed like more than a few hours ago. He’d missed her.

“Thank you.” She eyed the rope. “You really shimmed up that?”

“Yep. I didn’t want to risk Pressley or any of his spies seeing me at your front door.”

“I’m impressed, but you shouldn’t be here.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Tell me what Pressley said to you. Did you record it?”

“No, and I’m so mad at myself for forgetting to do that. It was what I told you over the phone, that if I was cheating on him, they’d never find the body.”

“What else did he say?”

“That he owned me, that he could do with me as he pleased. He also claimed he was going to let me see Tyler but because I was gone all morning that window had closed. That was a lie. He has no intention of letting me see Tyler unless I go back.”

“You’re not going back.” He fisted his hands. Five minutes in a closed room with the man was all he wanted. Thethreats were escalating, and Grayson feared Pressley would end up hurting her. This needed to end, and soon.

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