Page 52 of Forged in Peril

“Look, if the actual scumbag who hurt you is dead, then there must be a reason that someone is still harassing you,” Asher said. “We need to find out what that reason is. Starting with looking into Warrington’s former employer, especially considering how they treated you after the attack. We know what we’re doing. You don’t need to be worried.”

Reilly and Grace nodded in agreement, and Cameron watched as Bristol leaned back in her chair, her brown hair fanning out behind her.

“You guys are the experts,” she conceded. “If you think this is the way to go, I suppose I should have the good sense to listen.”

“Cam has given this a lot of thought already,” Gabe said. “And now that I have more of a picture of what we’re dealing with, I agree with him. We need to begin with a direct approach. In a case like this, and dealing with potential suspects like this, there’s no point in being coy.”

Cameron smiled over at her, wishing that he was still at her side, able to reach out and give her hand a comforting squeeze.

He’d spent most of the night before–at least, when he wasn’t obsessively checking security cameras–figuring out exactly how they were going to start investigating D&P. Even with hardly any sleep, he felt wired and ready to get going.

“I’m planning to head to their office this morning to have a nice talk, and then I have to meet with another client on my way back,” he said.

“I already told them what their favorite junior associate did, and no one believed me,” Bristol reminded him. “I’m not sure what you can say that’s going to get anything out of them, aside from a bunch of PR-speak.”

“It’s going to be different coming from your personal security muscle,” Grace said with a grin.

“And even more intimidating when it’s backed up by threatening letters from your legal counsel,” Jaclyn said, nodding to Cameron. “I’ll have them signed and ready before he leaves.”

Bristol looked pale. “I don’t know. If they are behind this, and we push them too hard, I’m the one that’s going to face their wrath. I have a feeling they won’t just stop at scaring me. I could wind up–”

“Do you trust me?” Cameron cut in.

Bristol’s eyes narrowed, but after a moment, he saw her relax.

“Yes,” she said, her cheeks going ever so slightly pink. “I do.”

“Then trust me when I say that nothing is going to happen to you,” he said firmly, glancing toward his brothers, who all nodded in agreement. “We’re all here to keep you safe. Just stay in the office until I get back.”

“All right,” Gabe said, giving his hands a loud clap. “Let’s get moving. If you get time to do any investigating of your own today, go for it. We’ll regroup after Cameron talks to D&P.”

Cameron stayed in his seat as the others filed out of the conference room, and Bristol did the same.

He waited for their chatter to die down in the hall, and then got to his feet and hurried over to her, pulling her up from her chair and giving her a tight hug.

The thrill of being close to her hadn’t faded, but despite the fact that she seemed to welcome his touch, there was an uneasiness in her eyes that hadn’t been there the night before.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, forcing himself to release her.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I just want you to be careful. Don’t underestimate them. They’re dangerous.”

“I promise I’ll watch my back,” he said, his mouth quirking in a half-smile. “But I doubt they’ll let me bring my gun into their office.”

“Ha-ha,” Bristol scolded. “Seriously. You know what I mean.”

“I do,” he said, leaning over and planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Be careful. I’ll see you soon.”

He opened the door for her and walked her to the elevator. With a final goodbye, she was gone, the silver doors sliding closed between them.

Despite her touch, and her smile, he couldn’t shake the fact that something nearly imperceptible had shifted between them since the night before, but he couldn’t worry about it now.

They would have time to talk more later about whatever was bothering her.

For the time being, he had a lion’s den to visit.

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

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