Page 118 of Hot Puck
“Keeping Micky occupied is helping. Not talking to the press is helping.”
I glance at Chase. “It doesn’t feel like enough.”
“Would Oakley ask for more help if they needed it?” Blake and I nod. “Then you’re doing enough.”
“Natalie.”
I turn to find Pa standing in the archway leading to the hall at the back of the foyer. My stomach drops at his expression. “Yes.”
“Ray Denim and Amos Powell are here. I took them into my office so you can have privacy.”
“I...” I reach for Chase’s hand. “I’ll be right there.”
With a nod, Pa disappears, I assume to inform our unexpected guests I won’t be long.
“I can come with you but maybe take Blake.” Chase’s words have me looking at him. Before I question him, he explains, “She’s part owner. I think she should be there for whatever the Rogues head of security and on retainer PI have to say.”
“You’re right.” I take a deep breath and turn to Blake. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Can you let Bran know I’m in a meeting and he needs to listen for Drew?” she asks, although it’s not really a request.
“Sure. Do you want me to get Cami?”
My gaze connects with Blake’s, and I can see she’s just as torn about that as I am. “No. Let us find out what’s happened for them to come here, then we can let her know if we need to.”
“Okay.” Before he moves away, he bends and drops a kiss on my forehead. “I’m here if you need,” he whispers before pulling away and walking back outside.
“As much as I want to dive into whatever that was, we have other things to deal with.” Blake grips my hand. “We’ve got this, Nat.”
“I know. I just wish we didn’t have to.”
“Come on. Let’s get it over with.”
By silent mutual agreement we let go and walk side by side in the direction of Pa’s office.
When we step inside, it’s to find both men standing, their faces giving nothing away.
“Hello, gentlemen.” I don’t bother with more pleasantries than that. “What happened?”
“I got a call from the BRPD,” Ray says. “The alarm on Gannon’s apartment went off in the early hours of this morning. When the police arrived, the front door was kicked in and most of his possessions were trashed and scattered on the floor in every room.”
My gaze moves to Amos. “And you’re here because?”
“I followed Banks’ trail down here.” He looks at Ray. “I was on the phone to Ray when he got the call from the police.”
“Okay. Do they have him?”
“No.”
The quiet after that one word has the hairs rising on the back of my neck. “Out with it.”
“Banks left a message for Gannon on the bedroom wall.”
“What kind of message?” Blake asks. “A threat?”
“Yes.”
“And?” I can’t hold in my anger, my voice sharp.
