Chapter 13
The charteredflight home wasn’t as long as the flight there. Maybe it was because I was less stressed after recouping my Gram’s retirementmoney. Or perhaps it was becauseboth Piercebrothers had me laughing and relaxed.
I’d sent a warning text to my sisters to explain what had transpired and for them all to be vigilant. If Fillpot and his boss were willing to steal Gram’s money, there was no telling how he’d attack next until I agreed to his cryptic unsolicitedinvitation.
The limo pulled up to my gate, and both brothersstarted to get out. I stoppedthem. “I’ll walk the rest of the way.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Max urged.
“No really, I prefer it,” I argued and winked at Carter as I slid out of the limo. Max was quick to follow. The trunk opened, and Max pulled out my bags. “At least let me walk you to the frontdoor.”
I pulled his head down to mine and planted a deep kiss on his delectablelips. “Playtime is over. I need to concentrate on your sister, but don’t worry. I’m positive our paths will cross again.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “When would you like to meet Amelia and Petunia?”
“Carter said they have security.” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.“I’d rather make my own assessment of the situation. I’ll be seeing you.” I winked as I opened the gate and disappeared up my long driveway.
The next morning, I took the gold-inscribed invitation with the red waxsymbol andovernightedit to Abby in hopes she could tell me more information on the host. After my errand, I drove across town and was sitting in my car outside Carter’s home. The information in the packetCarter and Max had given me said thatAmelia and Petunia’s security detail was already in place.
“Time to find out just how good they are.”
The quicker I finished this case, the faster I’d turnbusiness intopleasure.
I studied the wall surrounding the property,looking for any surveillance equipment and entry points. I could scale the stone wall surrounding the house. The big pine tree trees next to where I’d parked would help with access. Walking the property line in search of cameras, I saw there were none in sight. These people needed serious help. Wherever the Pierce security detail was hiding, they were doing a damn good job, because I didn’t spot anyone in the far corner of the property.
I got into my car and drove around to the front entrance and parked across the street. Catering vans and flower trucks came and went with easy access from the security guard. They were setting up for the scheduled birthday party for Petunia, complete with a bouncy house in the backyard. I’d read the file, and knew why the brothers were concerned. When I reached the part about thevulnerable kid, my blood pressure rose.
A headache formed while I watched the ease with which each vehicle passed. I glanced up at the second-story window to see a little girl sitting there in a party dress staring down at me. “I’m coming for you, sweetie.”
I walked up the street, grabbing someflowers and balloons from the back of a delivery truck, which had the doors open showing several more bouquets. I headed straight for the security gate as if I’d already done it a million times, and no one stopped me or even questioned anything. I let out a long, hefty sigh and walked straight into the mansion and up the stairs. This security was a joke. Judging which door was Petunia’s, I slipped inside.
“Are you the birthday girl?” I asked, trying to be as unassuming as I could.
“I am.” The four-year-old brightly smiled.
“Where is your security guard, sweetie?”
“He went to the bathroom and said he’d be back in a few minutes. He told me to stay in my room.”
“Ah.” I picked up a doll. “Would you like to play hide and seek with him?”
“Yeah.” The four-year-old bounced up and down.
I held out my hand. “My name is Gwen Bennett. Your uncle asked me to stay with you for a while to keep you safe.”
“Okay.”
I held her hand. “Let’s go hide.”
Petunia bounced up from her spot and took my hand. “Where is your favorite spot in the whole house?”
“The attic. They made it like a tree house for me.”
I bit my lip, debating if we’d make it that far. The security had sucked so far, but I wasn’t sure if my luck would hold out.
“Which room is your mommy’s?”
Petunia pointed to an adjoining door in her room. At least that was close by and she’d be able to hear the kid scream if there was an intruder. Putting her nearby was the first thing they’d done right.
