Page 16 of Wired Fear

He wished he could kill Terence’s parents, but his aunt and uncle were already gone, collateral damage in a business dispute years ago. Instead, he would have the blood of anyone Terence had ever known or loved. He’d go after Terence’s favorite family connections. He knew where they lived. He’d draw out their pain and enjoy every minute of their suffering. Akane’s gloved hands opened and shut in anticipation.

He’d leave Terence for last, so his cousin could rage and grieve as Akane was doing now.

Akane reached Lee Chow, groaning on the floor. He leaned over and patted Chow’s shoulder awkwardly. “Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to go off on you like that. I’ve got a major bonus for you, but I need some information first.”

Chapter Twelve

The building manager’s keys rattled as he opened the door of the first unit for Jake and Sophie. He reeked of cigarettes and the greasy chicken they’d interrupted him eating when they arrived for the showing, and Jake noticed Sophie’s nose scrunched in obvious distaste as they stood downwind. “It’s a studio. Best feature is the view,” the man said.

A simple room with linoleum flooring, a kitchenette, and a bathroom, the place did have a deck with a sliding glass door that looked out over Hilo Bay. The soft gauze of “vog” cast a powdered gold glow lit by afternoon sunlight falling over the gently swaying palms, Hilo Bay’s gleaming water in the distance. The busy thoroughfare of their office was only blocks away; it was a convenient location, even if not the most beautiful building. Sophie looked around at the simple space. “I think I’d like a little more room than this.”

“We were going to look at the one bedroom, too,” Jake told the manager.

“Sure.” The man glanced at their joined hands. “You could save money by sharing. As roommates. Or just shacking up.”

Jake suppressed a grin—the guy was making his case for him.

Sophie was testy. “Your opinion is not relevant, sir. Please just show us the unit.”

The man shrugged and led the way out of the studio down an open exterior corridor to the next unit. This one had a separate bedroom, living room, and a galley-style kitchen. Sophie’s gaze darted around the space. “I’ll take this one, Jake, if you don’t mind.”

He knew how she would furnish it: with blackout curtains in the bedroom, triple locks on the door, and not a lot of furniture—if any.He’d shop for both of them.

“I like the studio better, so this works out perfectly.” Jake squeezed Sophie’s hand, suppressing the twinge of hurt he still felt over her insistence on separate spaces. She’d tried to tug her hand away during the appointment several times, but he found that if he just persisted gently, she usually warmed up. Her standoffishness was a habit as much as anything, and he relished every time she let him get closer.

But today, something was definitely up with her.

They’d had amazing lovemaking after the talk at the restaurant, but Sophie’d come to work from that therapy session at Dr. Wilson’s looking pale, shaky, and totally shut down. He’d tried to get her to open up, but no go.

He’d give her space, but not for long.

Secrets were toxic. They eroded trust, and trust was the foundation for everything that mattered. He’d set out to prove to Sophie that he could be trusted, and so far, so good. That she’d shared the situation with her mother and the project she and Hamilton were working on was huge—but he wanted to know her emotional secrets, too, even if they hurt.

Even if they involved her feelings for Alika.

They wrapped up the appointment by completing applications for the two units, then heading back down to the white Security Solutions SUV.

“Think we should let the dogs out before we go to the ad agency?” Jake asked, getting behind the wheel. “We’re passing right by the motel.”

“Good idea. Can you do it? I’m so tired; I just need a small nap.” Sophie reclined her seat. “Ten minutes. That’s all I need.”

“No problem.”

Sophie reached into that backpack she carried everywhere and took out a black sleep mask. She slid it on, reclined her seat, and by the time he’d pulled the SUV out of the parking lot, she was asleep, her long body curled sideways on the seat facing him.

Nope, they hadn’t slept much last night, and all of that activity had wiped her out. Jake smiled at the memory.

He navigated back to the motel and rolled down the vehicle’s windows, parking in the shade of the motel’s trademark banyan tree so Sophie would stay cool while she rested. He put Ginger and Tank on their leashes and took them for a short run, letting the ad agency they were investigating know they were going to be a little late.

The dogs cavorted and tugged, pausing to pee on every tree and patch of grass. They’d been able to let the animals stay together since they’d rented adjoining rooms, but once they were in their separate apartments, they’d likely have to be split up. He didn’t think the dogs would like that.

Jake put the dogs back in the room and gently shook Sophie. “Hey, Soph. Hate to wake you, but we have to get into our disguises as a couple shopping for an advertising firm.”

“Oh.” Sophie knuckled her eyes. She was so beautiful, even rumpled and sleepy—okay,especiallyrumpled and sleepy. He loved her that way—it brought out all his caveman instincts. Carrying her back to the room seemed like a fun option, if she’d let him.

Jake opened her car door, hoping to grab her up, but Sophie got out and stood, stretching her arms and yawning widely. “Thanks for letting me nap.”

She picked up her pack and headed for the motel room as he closed the vehicle’s windows. He pulled the magnetic Security Solutions signs off the doors so they could go incognito as clients to Coconut Wireless Advertising & Marketing.

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