Page 81 of What a Wolf Wants
Then they ended the call and Ethan hoped they would catch these guys so he could just continue to enjoy his time with his mate.
Noah shook his head as he drove them to Shelby Bay. “Hell, you know all the right words to say to her.”
“She’s all that is important to me. When you find someone who makes you feel that way, then you’ll have it made.”
“That’s for sure. I’m glad for you.”
Ethan even more so. Charlene was a veritable treasure.
When they arrived at Oakley’s house, they saw no activity again. Noah let out his breath. “I think they’re spooked. Maybe they know we’ve come here watching the house before.”
“I didn’t tell Renault we were watching the house in Shelby Bay or the one in Oyster Bay. I really don’t believe he thinks you are with me, in any event,” Ethan said.
“Yeah, I agree. I got a text from him while I was walking the beach, asking me how things were going with selling my house in Destin. I told him I was enjoying the beach and so it fit with that scenario. I’m sure he believes I’m in Florida like I said I would be.”
“What if he looks into it? What if he suspects you’re here working undercover with me?”
Noah didn’t say anything for several minutes. “My house is still up for sale, so if he looked to see if it sold, he would find it hasn’t.”
“Okay, good. But you have purchased a place in Portland already, correct?”
“Yes. But I haven’t moved in yet. I’m still waiting on the closing. That’s why this worked out so perfectly for me. I can stay in the DEA house, work on this case, and then when this is wrapped up, my new home should be ready to move into. I’ll sign the contract via emails when my home in Destin sells, so I really don’t need to return there. I have all my stuff in storage in Portland for now.”
“That’s good to know. I was worried Renault might havehad some indication you were out here working with me and then check to see if you were really back in Destin.”
“I believe we’re covered. The only way Renault would know the truth is if Kroner or one of his men saw me with you, took pictures, and shared them with him to check if I was an undercover agent.”
“Right.” Ethan sure as hell hoped not. Then Ethan got a call from Renault. Talk about eerie timing. “Speaking of the devil. It’s Renault.” Ethan had to alert Noah so he would remain quiet while he was talking to Renault. “Hey, Renault, any news of anyone seeing any sign of Kroner or Oakley?”
“I might have a lead. Do you want to go with me? I could drop by your house and pick you up.”
Shit! That sure put Ethan and Noah in a bind. “Where are you now?”
“Staying at the Oyster Bay Inn. I can be there in about fifteen minutes.”
“I thought that Grainger didn’t approve of what you’re doing.” Ethan couldn’t believe the latest turn of events.
“I think he changed his mind when we caught Thor.”
“Right.” But Ethan didn’t trust that Renault had gotten Grainger’s approval. If he had, Grainger would have informed Ethan. “Make it thirty minutes. I’ll get ready for you.” Ethan felt he didn’t have any choice. “See you in half an hour.” Did Renault believe Ethan might be conducting surveillance already? Ethan told Noah, “Go to Charlene’s house pronto.”
“What now?”
“A hiccup in our plans.” Ethan explained what was going on.
“At least Renault’s not staying at the Seabreeze Hotel, but this is problematic for us.”
“I know. And Grainger hasn’t approved it, or he would have told me.”
Noah shook his head. “It could be a setup and they’re planning on ambushing you while you’re with Renault.”
“Which is why you’ll be watching us.”
Noah smiled. “Talk about cat and mouse.”
“Yeah, but I’ve got to get to Charlene’s house before Renault heads over there.”
“I’m on it.”
