Page 36 of Relentless
Relief washed through Ethan. Some people might throw those words out on a whim, but Warwicks didn’t. Not after having the Secret Service as a permanent part in their lives. Not after so many of them had served in the military and/or law enforcement. No, to a Warwick, that phrase was reserved for a select few.
Ethan:Then what’s up with Bantry?
Cody:No idea. She’s changed over the last six months and not in a good way
Ethan:Why is she still working for you?
“Are you two texting each other?” Alex demanded, turning to glare at them.
“Not really your business, Alex,” Cody said, keeping his voice even.
“It’s rude,” she snapped.
“If it bothers you, Tia can pull over and you can get in the other car,” Cody suggested. If Ethan hadn’t been watching closely, he would have missed the flicker of a smile that curved Tia’s lips.
“We’re on the highway!”
“And our caravan is piloted by some of the best drivers in the world. Do you want to ride in another car or are you going to do your job and cancel that VIP event?”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.
“Shall I pull over?” Tia asked. Ethan fought a smile. Apparently, Tia liked to pour fuel on the fire.
“For fuck’s sake, no. Just drive!” Alex barked. Then in a huff, she turned forward again.
Ethan:Any chance she’s jealous of Tia?
Cody:Jealous?
Ethan:Was she angling to become Mrs. Cody Warwick and now feels threatened by the goddess who runs your security team?
Cody:Goddess? Aren’t you engaged?
Ethan snorted then turned his phone so Kara could read the exchange. She reached over and scrolled through everything, then leaned forward and shot Cody a repressive look that she softened with a quiet huff of laughter.
Ethan:Well is she? Jealous?
Cody paused before responding.
Cody:I thought so at first, but I don’t think that’s what’s really going on
Ethan:Please don’t make me pull it out of you word by word. Texting a conversation is painful enough as it is
Cody:My lawyers are investigating her. She’s been my PA for a long time, but something’s changed. I have a suspicion what it is. But like I said, the lawyers are looking into it and once we have an answer, we’ll deal with it
Ethan:Any hints?
Cody:Remember that picture of me that hit the tabloids four months ago? The one alleging I was having an affair with Sabina?
Yes, Ethan remembered that. The whole family did. The picture ran on one of the more popular infotainment shows. Cody was in the limelight all the time, so seeing him as the subject of scrutiny was hardly worth noting. But the network had crossed the line and included family. The hosts had posited an affair between Cody and Sabina and highlighted their segment with a picture of the two that appeared to show them in an intimate embrace. In reality, Sabina had been climbing out of the lake, and Cody had been helping her. The boat pitched just as she’d stepped aboard, and she’d fallen against him.
Chad and Sabina had laughed the rumor off. Cody hadn’t been so sanguine, though. In retrospect, Ethan could see his point. It wasn’t so much the implications of the article that troubled him, but the fact that they’d dragged his family into it.
Ethan:You think that was her?
Cody:She’s never been to my house in Mystery Lake, but she knows where it is. I asked her if she knew anything about the picture and her reaction didn’t ring true
Ethan:Money?
