Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Dare dropped into his chair. “Got an update for me?”

“With the homicide, no.” Cam shook his head. “But Reed stopped by after they visited Ms. Morris’s house, so I figured I’d pass it along.”

Dare flicked a look at Cam. “They find the car?”

He’d specifically requested to be updated ASAP but hadn’t heard anything yet. He was going to throttle Reed if he was withholding information on a case.

“Reed and Forester stopped by her house this morning, but she was out of town. Morris’s next door neighbor said she was traveling for work and wouldn’t be back until this weekend.”

Dare lifted a brow. “We know for a fact she’s gone?”

“Yep.” Cam nodded the affirmative. “He spoke with her employer, who confirmed that she’s currently in San Diego at a conference. She’s not due back for another couple of days.”

“So someone either stole her plates or swapped them.”

Cam grimaced. “Looks that way. They haven’t spoken with Ms. Morris yet, but as soon as they find the car we’ll know for sure.”

Dare nodded slowly, then tipped his head toward the living room where the two Layne sisters sat catching up. “And Ainsley? Were you able to find out where she’s been?”

“Not where, no. Kinley doesn’t seem to know exactly where they were.” Cam held up a hand at Dare’s growl of frustration. “But I did get a name for you.”

“You could have led with that, asshole,” Dare grumbled.

Cam didn’t take offense and instead just laughed good-naturedly. “Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?”

His smile dropped away as quickly as it had come. “I think the man you’re looking for is Joel Parsons—Dr. Parsons.”

A tingling sensation swept up the back of Dare’s neck. Ainsley had been covered in bruises that he knew for a fact had been obtained long before the incident at the plaza.

He steepled his fingers and regarded Cam for a long moment. “I don’t recall seeing any hospital visits in her file, do you?”

Cam’s face was grim. “No. But he’s a doctor, so…”

Dare drew in a deep breath. He knew exactly what Cam was implying. If Parsons had inflicted the wounds, he could have mitigated the damaged himself. And even if Ainsley had gone to the hospital to report him, would they have believed her over an esteemed colleague? Doubtful. Dare knew all too well how many of these situations played out, and more often than not they didn’t work in the woman’s favor.

He cleared his throat, shoving down the fury that had risen at the thought of Ainsley at that monster’s mercy. “I think we need to find Dr. Parsons.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard to find him. If she did leave him…” Cam shook his head. “Shooting at her in a public place is pretty damn extreme, but I can’t say it would surprise me.”

“Me either. And I have a feeling it’s not the first time he’s done something like this.”

Dare strongly suspected the man had driven Ainsley from her previous residence and followed her to Brookhaven. Good. Better for them to be on Dare’s turf. He almost wished the asshole would try something again, but it was too soon.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much he could do at this point. No one had gotten a look at the driver, and the plate was registered to a completely different vehicle. Maybe they would get lucky and get something, but until then he had little evidence to work with.

Dare barely repressed a snarl. “I’m going to make damn certain that prick doesn’t get close to her again.” He gestured to the computer. “She’s working for Marley now, and I told her to use my office. It’s easier that way, so I can keep an eye on her.”

Cam’s lips lifted in a speculative smirk. “I’m sure.”

“Not like that, asshole.” Dare rolled his eyes even as a surge of desire shot through his chest.

“For what it’s worth, I think she likes you.”

The force of his words struck him in the heart. Did she? He shook the thought away. Ainsley probably wouldn’t have let him within ten feet of her if she hadn’t been injured. “She appreciates my help. That’s all there is to it,” Dare replied flatly.

Cam gave a slow nod. “If you say so. You deserve to be happy, too. I saw the way she looked at you.”

Dare’s hand tightened into a fist where it rested on the arm of the chair.

“I’m not telling you what to do. I’m just telling you what I see. Maybe there’s a reason she’s here.”

“Yeah,” Dare remarked dryly. “She ran from her home in the middle of the night just to see me again.”

“Don’t be a dick.” Cam flipped him off. “Just think about it.” Spreading his hands over his knees, he pushed off the chair. “Anyway, I better get Kins out of here before she takes over your house.”

Dare chuckled. “If it makes Ainsley feel better, she’s welcome to stay.”

“Better not take any chances.” Cam laughed as he stood, but it had a strained quality to it.

Dare studied him as he pushed from the chair, then rounded the desk. “Maybe you should follow your own advice.”

Cam’s laser-like gaze slid his way. “Don’t know what you’re taking about.”

Dare nodded and let the conversation drop. It wasn’t any of his business what happened between Cam and Kinley.

He followed his lieutenant out of the office, turning Cam’s words over in his mind. Did Ainsley actually care for him? He didn’t think it was possible. She’d just showed up a few days ago, and their interactions had been limited, not to mention fraught with tension.

Dare fixed his gaze on Ainsley as they entered the living room, his gaze sliding over her pretty features. As if she could feel him watching she turned toward him, and a soft smile curved her mouth.

A vise tightened around his chest and his blood warmed, sliding slow and sluggish through his veins. He meant what he’d told Cam. He would keep her safe. Earn her trust. Be her friend. And if it eventually turned into something more… Well, only time would tell.