Page 97 of Believing in a Billionaire
Furious typing filled the air before Alex announced. “I see it. Building’s wired with security cams on the outside. Wave for the camera, Alex’s watchful eye can see you.”
“Any cameras on the inside?”
“No,” Alex answered. “Nothing on the inside. Exterior cams only.”
Alicia threw the shifter into park and kicked her door open. “All right. I’ll check it out.”
“I’m going, too,” Julia answered.
“No,” Alicia argued with a shake of her head, her voice laced with authority. “Neither of you is going inside that building. We have no idea what’s in there.”
“Which is why I’m going with you for backup,” Julia said.
“I’m going, too,” Sierra said.
“No,” both Alicia and Julia said at the same time.
“What? I don’t want to be sidelined. I’m going.”
“Sierra, stay here. Your father will kill me if something happens to you,” Julia said.
“Same! Daddy will wring my neck if I tell him I’m safe because I let you go in there alone.”
“Fine,” Julia said with a sigh, “but stick close and don’t take any chances.”
“I won’t,” Sierra promised.
Alicia shook her head. “I’m not okay with this.”
“Too bad. We’re wasting time,” Julia said. “Go, go.”
Alicia tugged her weapon from the holster again. They approached the building. The frosted windows made it impossible to peer inside. Julia tugged at one of the metal doors, finding it locked.
“Door’s locked,” she reported to Alex.
“Give me a second. That’s an e-lock. I just need to finish cracking it,” he answered. “Aaaaaand you’re good.”
The red light flicked to green. Julia tugged the door open with a grin. “Thank you, Alex.”
“Of course,” he answered. “See anything?”
The air inside the abandoned building was thick with dust and decay. Each step echoed ominously, amplifying Julia’s anxiety. The flashlight’s beam cast ominous shadows as Alicia swept it across the space.
“This place is pretty big,” Julia answered, her whispered voice echoing.
“We’re not splitting up,” Alicia said as her eyes darted around the space. “In fact, you two stay here. I’m going to give the place a quick scan.”
“No, wait!” Julia hissed as her sister waved her back and crept forward with her weapon drawn.
Julia heaved a sigh, shifting her weight from foot to foot as she waited for any sign from her sister.
Sierra tugged her phone from her pocket and toggled on the camera.
“What are you doing?” Julia asked.
“Documenting my first sleuthing mission.”
A noise echoed through the abandoned building, drawing Julia’s attention.
