Page 30 of Smoldering Nights
Mitch dragged a hand through his hair.This wasn’t good.If Travis was involved, it meant whoever orchestrated the fire had someone close to Izzy’s inner circle.Someone with proximity.That tightened the noose.
“Pull any cell records yet?”Mitch asked.
“Working on it.But here’s the kicker: Travis started receiving regular deposits about three months ago.Small amounts, spaced out.Different accounts.Looks like dirty money being funneled under the radar.”
Mitch's jaw clenched.“You think Delilah’s bankrolling this?”
“Could be.Or she’s a cog in someone else’s wheel.Either way, Travis and Noah are both in the mix.”
Mitch ended the call and sat back, staring at the wall.
Izzy didn’t like Travis.She’d mentioned it.Said something always felt off about the guy.But this?This was a whole different level.
He stood and paced the room.He needed to warn her.But not scare her.Not yet.Not until he had confirmation that Travis was more than just a delivery mule or someone being used.The soft sound of the shower shutting off had his thoughts veering off to a naked Izzy in the other room.It was easy for his thoughts to shift dramatically like that, where she was concerned.Especially after their night together last night.Before, he only wondered and dreamed about what she felt like; now he knew, and it was so much better than the dreams.
The bathroom door opened, and a fresh-faced, smiling Izzy rounded the corner.Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail at the crown of her head.She wore denim cut-off shorts and a white t-shirt.She was stunning.Tanned legs that went all the way up to her...
"What are you staring at?"
She looked down at her body, then back up to him.
"You."His throat was dry.He took a drink of his coffee."You look sexy in those shorts."
She chuckled."Thanks."She grabbed a cup off the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee.Carrying the pot to him, she heated his half-empty cup.He watched her ass as she moved back to the coffee pot.It was a great view.
She turned and saw him staring again, and she laughed."I can see your thoughts.It's almost like you have thought bubbles above your head."
He shook his head and took a drink of his coffee.
She came to the table, set her cup next to his, and leaned down so they were eye to eye."You're thinking about last night."
He raised one eyebrow."I'll think about it all day and maybe tomorrow too."
She stood and picked up her coffee cup.With a wicked grin, she sauntered toward the center island in the kitchen."Tomorrow you'll be thinking about tonight."
Mic drop.He stared at her, rather dumbfounded and unable to say a word.When his voice finally reappeared, he cleared his throat and said, "Now I'll be thinking about tonight all day today."
She looked over her shoulder and laughed."Eggs okay for breakfast?"
"Perfect."
He continued to read Jayson's report and formed his plan for today.
He’d check out Travis’s place after he dropped Izzy at the shop.Quietly.Maybe catch a glimpse of the SUV himself or see who came and went.
"Is Sadie coming to help at the shop today?"
"No, she has to work.Ms.Jillie is coming today."
"Who is that?"
"She's a retired lady from town.Her husband died a couple of years ago, around the same time my parents passed.She came into the shop one day and asked if I had anything she could do to help out.She volunteers her time.She comes a couple of days a week.She won't take pay, just says she needs to get out of the house, and she loves flowers.I usually send her home with a bouquet or two each week, and she loves that.Says it brightens her place."
"Okay.That's nice."
It was nice.He was sure Izzy attracted people because of her personality.She was a ray of sunshine.
He texted Jayson.
