Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
She smiled, appreciating his strength and caring, his very presence more than she could say. “I’m having problems at the office that might have something to do with Brian.” She blurted out the truth before she could talk herself out of it again.
She could no longer tell herself she didn’t need Dare Barron.
She did.
Chapter Fourteen
Dare was doing everything he could not to verbally blast Brian’s actions in front of Liza. She’d trusted him with what was going on in her life, and Dare didn’t want to make her regret it.
Even if the information led to the conclusion that Brian was involved in fraud or embezzlement from his own sister’s company, something Liza hadn’t yet acknowledged out loud.
From what Liza had explained to Dare, two checks had been printed to an antique store, and both had been cashed. One signature on the back looked like her brother’s. Without saying a word against Brian, Dare had merely offered to go back to Annabelle’s Antiques along with her because no way was he leaving her alone and unprotected.
They arrived at the small shop early the next morning in time to greet the owner when she opened. The parking lot was empty, and with a little luck, the woman would be free to talk to them.
Dare walked to the entrance with Liza by his side. She was dressed in an outfit that fell between her business suits and her outside-the-office shorts. A flirty skirt hit her mid thigh and a ruffled top belted around the waist completed the look, along with a sexy pair of heeled sandals. As usual, the woman made him drool with little effort or intent. He was getting used to being in a constant state of arousal around her, which didn’t bother him as long as she seemed happy to indulge him when they were alone, which she did.
Liza paused outside the door and put a hand on his arm.
“Remember, I upset her last time I was here, so I wouldn’t count on her being too helpful. And I don’t think we should mention that you’re a cop either.”
Dare nodded. “For now, I agree with you.” But if it became necessary in order to get information, he had no problem pulling out his badge.
He held open the door, and Liza walked through. Inside, the shop was the epitome of an antique store, a hodgepodge of items and accessories littered around and tagged with handwritten prices.
A tall woman with long dark hair turned at the sound of the ringing bell, which had announced their arrival.
“Hi, Annabelle,” Liza said.
“Liza,” the other woman said stiffly. “What are you doing here? I thought we covered everything the other day.”
“I upset you, and I’m sorry. I came to apologize and to try to talk about it again.”
Annabelle lifted her chin. “You all but asked me if I deliberately cashed two checks.”
Liza shook her head. “No. I told you that two checks had been written and deposited, at least according to the bank. You refused to discuss anything more with me.”
“I had customers.”
“And you were upset.” An apologetic look crossed Liza’s face. “I was hoping you’d had time to calm down and understand I need to look into this.”
Annabelle wouldn’t meet Liza’s gaze. She turned to Dare instead. “Who is this?”
“My…boyfriend,” Liza said, stumbling over the word.
Dare bit back a grin. The woman who didn’t do relationships had just confirmed she was in one.
“Dare Barron, this is Annabelle Block. Annabelle, this is Dare.”
He nodded. “We’re spending the day together, and Liza wanted to stop by and see you before we did anything else. She’s been upset all weekend,” Dare explained.
The other woman let out a long sigh. “All I know is that I received one check, signed the back, and deposited it. I never saw another one.” Liza nodded. “Is there anyone else with access to your mail? Someone who does your banking?”
Dare had prepped her, and she was doing a fine job of questioning Annabelle while attempting to convince the shop owner she was deflecting blame away from her.
Annabelle shook her head. “It’s just me. You know I’m a small business. I have one part-time employee, and that’s it. I do all my own banking.” She forced out each word.
Liza gave the woman a smile. “Okay. I appreciate your patience and your honesty.”
Annabelle immediately turned away. “I’ve told you everything I know,” she said over her shoulder.
If that were true, then why was the woman so uptight and unable to look either of them in the eye? Dare wondered.
“Thanks,” Liza said. “Come on, Dare.” She tugged on his hand, and they turned for the door.
“Have you spoken to your brother?” Annabelle asked just as Liza gripped the handle.
Liza pivoted back around. “You know Brian?”
Dare turned as well, wanting to see the woman’s face and gauge her reaction.