Page 17 of Hargrave Health Kick
“We’ll continue to investigate,” Jess said. “I’m coordinating with both the fire and police chiefs. Much like the arson incident, there’s no clear suspect yet. I’m doing what I can to track down any bored teenagers in the area who might be looking for trouble.”
Celeste frowned. “Why would teenagers target us?”
“No idea,” Veronica replied.
“The Hideaway is secluded. Easier to target folks who don’t live her full time,” Brayden suggested. “We’ll continue with round-the-clock security until this is resolved. Based on the shadowy movements—if this is a drone—I think it came from somewhere out on the water. And, in the interest of full transparency, that’s the same general path we believe the arsonist used to escape.”
Celeste’s hands wrapped around her coffee cup. “Not far from where the fire department found the missing fire extinguisher.”
“Exactly,” Brayden confirmed.
“How did the drone get by the security detail?” Veronica challenged.
“For this stunt, it didn’t have to be a big drone,” Brayden explained calmly. “It probably wasn’t any louder than the usual breeze moving through the trees. And at that hour, anyone with some skill operating a small and agile drone could’ve managed it.”
She appreciated that he didn’t go on the defensive, because she was angrier with the culprit than the security team. “All right.”
“We don’t want you to worry,” Jess said as the monitor went dark once more. “In my opinion, the drone coming from a boat offshore means the extra personnel is having an effect, preventing unwanted access to your property. We’ll get to the bottom of this, I promise.”
“What about the other wildlife incident?” Veronica asked. “Was that just bad timing?”
“Nash looked into it,” Jess replied. “There’s nothing to suggest it was anything deliberate.”
“That’s a relief,” Celeste said. “I guess we’ll let you both get back to work. Thank you.” She pushed away from the table, taking her cup to the coffee station. Because Celeste didn’t believe in making a mess.
When Jess followed her, Veronica found herself alone with Brayden. Why did that feel weird?
“You have more questions?” he asked.
She shook her head. “It’s just rough timing. But Celeste did her thing and our guests are leaving happy.”
“Why don’t you look happy?”
She shrugged, pushing back from the table. “How was your run today?” At his arched eyebrow, she added, “You told me it was a daily thing.”
“You want in?”
“Maybe.”
“You’ll need it.”
“Beg your pardon?”
He was grinning and something fluttered in her belly. “Have dinner with me tonight and we can go for a run in the morning.”
From any other guy, it would sound like a suggestive invitation. Maybe even an overnight proposition. But this was her old friend.
“Come on, Roni.” He walked over and propped a hip on the end of the table. “I haven’t been to Parker’s yet, but I remember you talking about it.”
He did? In her head, Nat was making kissy noises and doing some monologue about friends becoming more romantic. “It’s a good spot,” she said. “We should definitely go before you’re reassigned.”
“Yeah, okay.” He hesitated. “How about seven?”
“Sure.” That reply sounded normal. She didn’t want to create any shifts in her dynamic with Brayden. He was too important. “I’ll meet you there.”
He frowned. “I thought I’d pick you up.”
Her thoughts spun out. If he picked her up, that would give serious date vibes. With both sisters in residence, she’d be dealing with the fallout for a week. Probably more. “I’ve got a home visit assessment late this afternoon,” she explained. “It’s better timing if I meet you there.”
