Page 15 of Tyler

Yeah, he definitely needed to cool his jets.

Ty had learned his lesson and refused to be deceived by another pretty face, even if the woman stole his breath and possessed a genuineness that was refreshing.

Unless it was fake.

Damn. Was he always going to second-guess people now?

Freakin’ Erika.

“You okay there, bro?” Gabe’s voice snapped Ty out of his unwanted stupor.

He blinked then turned as his brother walked into his office at the station. “Yep.”

Ty had been staring unseeingly at a map of the county on the wall while waiting for Gabe to finish a meeting.

“A’ight,” Gabe said. “Have a seat and tell me what brings you here.”

Ty dropped into a chair facing his brother, who moved to sit behind his desk. “I wanted to hear your thoughts on the vehicles that almost hit Piper.”

His brother arched a brow. “You could’ve called. You didn’t have to stop in.”

“I know, but I was on my way home from a job, so here I am,” he said. “What did you find out?”

“The guy’s story checks out. The feed showed him swerving to avoid a car that veered toward him to miss a dog. But you know all that. I’m sure you’ve seen the video. Carter always has a backup.”

Absolutely, but he didn’t deny or confirm. “What about the drivers?”

“Couldn’t get a plate or a good look at the person in the other car. But, Joel Meyers, the guy who stopped—he checked out. He’s got a clean record, but again, I’m sure you know all this. I’m well aware of ESI’s technology and back doors. I used them too, once-upon-a-time. So, why are you really here?”

Good question.

Ty blew out a breath. “What does your gut tell you about the whole situation?”

Gabe leaned back in his chair and rubbed his jaw. “I’m not sure.”

“So, you feel it too. Something’s off.” Ty blew out a breath.

He didn’t like it, but he wasn’t sure why, nor did he know why he couldn’t let it go.

“What about the dog?”

His brother released his chin to point at his computer. “I sent Lyndsey a screen capture from the feed,” Gabe replied. “She checked the shelter, vets, nearby rescues, sanctuary, and fosters. No dogs like that were brought in yesterday or today.”

Damn.

If that dog was loose, Ty was certain his sister-in-law would’ve tracked it down. She was an outstanding animal control officer and knew many of the places a stray would hide.

“There's always the possibility the dog found its way back home,” Gabe pointed out. “And the incident could’ve just been what it appears to be. An accident.”

He nodded but his unease remained. “So, Piper isn’t really in any danger.”

Gabe shrugged. “Going by all the facts and evidence, I’d say yes.”

“But your gut is telling you different,” Ty said.

“Like I said, I don’t know.” Gabe narrowed his gaze. “Do you think your unease might be because you like this woman?”

Ty whipped his head up. “Like her? I barely know her.”

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