Page 49 of Romeo

Romeo lets loose a warning bark, and I turn toward the drive as a dark SUV rounds the turn in the drive, heading our way.

Adrenaline surges through my veins as I go over every possibility in my head.I scan the distance, ensuring it’s the only vehicle on the way.“Get in the truck,” I tell Jules.“Driver’s side.If anything happens, start the truck and take off.”

She hesitates a moment but finally climbs in and closes the door, locking it behind her.

“Bleib, Romeo,” I order, and my dog sits alert at my side.“Braver hund.”Good dog.

Through the SUV’s tinted windows, I can’t see who’s in the backseat, though the man driving is wearing a black suit and dark sunglasses.I reach behind me and grip the firearm holstered at my lower back.

Just in case.

The SUV comes to a stop, and the driver steps out then opens the back passenger door.Odie Landers, wearing a gray pinstriped suit and a grim expression, climbs out.He buttons his suit jacket then crosses toward me.

“I didn’t realize we had a meeting, Mr.Hunt.”

“That’s because I didn’t make one.”I remove my hand from my firearm and cross my arms.

The driver’s side door of my truck opens, and Jules climbs out, coming to stand beside me.Her demeanor has completely changed, her shoulders slumped as she stands in front of her brother.

“Jules.”He says her name as though it’s a foul word, and I ball my hand into a fist.IknewI didn’t like this guy.

“Hey, Odie.”

“What are you both doing here?”He asks her the question, but his attention is on me.

“Riley is going to stay here with me until after the funeral.We wanted to see if there was something here that would tell us who killed Grandfather.”

“You’re not staying here.”

“Yes, I am,” she replies, a bit more sternly this time.“This is my home.”

“This wasourgrandfather’s home.And until the will is located and read, you can’t remain on the premises.”

“Are you planning to enforce that?”I ask.“Because I know of a few laws that prevent you from keeping her from entering her place of residence.”

“It’s a crime scene.”

“Itwasa crime scene,” I counter.“I checked.The residence was released back into the custody of the family.”

“Exactly.Thefamily.”

“Meaning Jules has every right to be here.”Even more so than you.

“Riley, it’s—” Jules starts.

“You asked me to find her and bring her home.I did that.She’s decided to keep me on as private security until the threat against her life is over.Do you have a problem with that?”I demand because I’m sensing that his problem is more with me than her staying here, though I’m not sure why.Lack of control, perhaps?

Now, he turns to Jules.“I have private security, Jules.He’s search and rescue, not a bodyguard.”

“Actually, I’ve been known to do both,” I reply.

He glares up at me.Actuallyglares,as though he can do anything at all.It only fuels my fire.

“Tucker pulled all of the information on this house,” I say.“Meaning I know exactly whose name is on the deed to this place alongside her grandfather’s, and I’m happy to provide a copy of that documentation if you need it to refresh your memory.”

Jules has gone completely silent at my side.

“That won’t be necessary,” Odie replies, his tone cool.

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