What…what?
Olly’s brows rose with surprise. “You did?”
After receiving Scarlett’s phone call the night before, Olly had texted his sister to let her know he’d taken the call and that he planned to meet the unknown woman in the morning. When he’d first gotten here today, he’d made some small talk with Izzy before quickly excusing himself to “use the restroom”.
And since he’d spent most of that time hiding out, Olly hadn’t had a chance to really talk to Izzy about it all.
“Of course, I had her checked out.” Izzy sounded almost hurt. “I may trust my gut, Ol. But I’m also very careful when it comes to the ones I love.”
Well, hell.
“Everything Scarlett told Iz panned out, by the way.” Grady chimed back in. “Of course, it could’ve beenanyoneon the other end of the phone, so until you actually meet this woman, we won’t know for sure.”
The man’s comment and pointed expression were a warning.Proceed with caution.Not hard for someone who already struggled with trust issues.
“Hang on.” Skye’s brows dipped with curiosity. “For Scarlett to find Rose through that kit she used, wouldn’t Rose have had tohave taken one of those same tests, too?” Izzy looked to him for clarification. “Otherwise, how would her information have even gotten into that company’s system?"
Grady and Wade also turned their attention to Olly, who had no other choice but to admit, “I don’t know if she took one or not.”
From what he understood, some of those tests could run upward of two, maybe three hundred dollars. No way Rose would drop that kind of cash for something so unnecessary.
Unless she did and never told you.
“Either way, the Hathaway woman is supposedly bringing me a printout of the results, as well as irrefutable proof she is who she says she is.”
Whatever that means.
“And you said you’re meeting her tomorrow morning?” Grady’s gaze met Olly’s as he ran a hand over his rugged jaw. “You really think she could be lying?”
“Only one way to find out.”
He expected his sister’s fiancé to try to talk him out of it. To give him an endless list of reasons why his plan was a bad idea. What Olly didn’t see coming was the guy’s eventual nod of approval.
Or the offer that followed…
“You want backup?” Grady’s expression remained serious. “Tomorrow’s my day off, but I’m sure your sister wouldn’t mind loaning me out for a couple of hours.”
“Thanks, but I’m good.”
“You sure?” A touch of concern laced the other man’s deep voice. “’Cause Izzy has to go into the precinct early tomorrow to interview a witness.”
“Or I can go,” Dec offered. “We don’t have plans for tomorrow, either.”
“Really, guys.” Olly did his best not to sound frustrated. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m pretty sure I can handle having a cup of coffee with a woman in a public place.”
“Olly’s right.” Izzy’s gaze locked with his. “My brother may be stubborn as hell, but he’s also one of the most capable men I know.” An ornery grin lifted one corner of her mouth as she added a belated, “Present company included. Besides…I really don’t think this woman means him any harm.”
“Thanks, though.” He met the two detectives’ stares. “I really do appreciate it.”
That sounded genuine…didn’t it?
Because he was truly grateful for the unsolicited show of support, even despite it having come from two law enforcement officials. But Olly had been on his own a long damn time and could handle himself just fine.
2
Scarlett Hathaway threw openthe shower curtain and hopped inside. Her sharp gasp became lost in the sound of running water, and she silently cursed herself for not giving it time to warm up.
You didn’t have time, remember?