“But why offer twice what it’s worth?” Flynn Enterprises didn’t become one of the biggest commercial real estate developers in the state by making bad deals.
“I don’t know yet, but until I do, don’t sign anything.” He took out his cell phone to place a call, but she stopped him, squeezing his arm.
He met her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“There was something else I noticed when Ashley stopped by.” She lifted her eyes to his face. “She was wearing a really old ring. I’ve seen images of them before when I was helping David on a case for Department 13.” She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced the words out. “It was a serpent with red eyes.”
Drake’s eyes widened. “She was wearing the ring of the Serpent Society? That’s impossible. It doesn’t make any sense. They don’t allow women to be part of their fanatical group.”
David had never told her about the Serpent Society, but the bits and pieces she’d collected from the dead while helping him told her the fanatical group was willing to kill to keep their secrets. “I know what I saw.”
“Where did she get it?”
Heather frowned. “I don’t know, but maybe that’s what attracted Flynn?”
Drake shook his head, worry lining his eyes. “The captain loathes the serpent zealots as much as I do.”
“Then why do you look so concerned?”
He took her hand, leading her back toward the stairs. “Because if she’s got one of their rings, you can bet they’re already hunting her to get it back. They’ve been around for centuries because they keep their existence secret. The rings have to be earned. They’ll take it back, one way or another.”
A surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins. Maybe her mother had misread the signs from her dream. Maybe the danger wasn’t from Ashley.
Maybe the danger was aimed right at her.
Chapter Nine
Drake leaned against his truck, his eyes on Heather’s house. Not knowing what the fuck to do was new to him, and he hated it. This situation wasn’t something he could fix with his own two hands.
Heather was convinced her sister was the one with a target on her back, but Drake wasn’t so sure. And if Heather really was the one in danger, between the banshee wails and his nephew haunting him, Drake could be incapacitated when she needed him most.
The realization sent dread creeping down his spine.
He took out his phone and scrolled through the contacts until he found Greyson’s number.
Since the 1700s, Greyson had been the master gunner of the Sea Dog crew. After centuries of target practice sessions with all manner of weapons, his aim with a pistol or a rifle rivaled any man alive. These days he ran his own personal security company and enjoyed any chance to utilize his weapons skills.
Plus, he’d be the least likely to pepper Drake with questions he wasn’t sure he could answer yet, which made him an even more desirable choice to ask for help.
Greyson came on the line after the first ring. “Drake? What’s up, mate?”
“I need a favor.”
“All right.” He paused. “You need muscle on a project?”
Heather’s shadow crossed the drawn living room drapes. “Not exactly. There’s a house that I want you to watch overnight for me.” He gave Greyson the address and added, “Bring weapons.”
“I’m always armed, mate.” His tone was all business now. “What’s the job?”
“I think Heather Storrey is in danger, and I need to go up to Atlanta to meet with Captain Flynn.”
“Why do I recognize her name?” Greyson asked.
“She’s the medium in town that Agent Bale works with sometimes.” She was so much more than that. Memories of their kiss filled his head and warmed his bloodstream. He hadn’t been sure he believed her theory about her past life, but kissing her had instantly reminded him what it had been like to kiss a woman he’d be willing to die for. The difference between love and lust. A woman who made him risk hoping for a future. He hadn’t done that since Lucy.
He’d failed Lucy. This time would be different.
“Ah. The lass who chats with the dead, right?”
“Aye.” Drake nodded.
“And who do you think has their sights on her?”
“I’m not sure yet, but it could be the Serpent Society, witches, or maybe her own sister.” He scanned the area for any sign of threats.
“And she’s not eager for protection?”
Drake shrugged. “More like she doesn’t believe she’s in danger. Either way, I’m not leaving Savannah without knowing someone is looking out for her.”
“I get it.” Greyson chuckled. “Be there in a half hour.”
Drake slid his phone back into his pocket. He hadn’t told Greyson why her safety was so important to him, but his instincts to call the master gunner had been correct. Greyson didn’t ask too many questions, and with him in charge of her security, Drake would be able to focus all his attention on Flynn and his business dealings with Heather’s twin sister.
Captain Flynn was many things, but no one would ever accuse him of having a charitable heart. If he really made an offer worth more than the property’s value, there was a reason, and it didn’t have anything to do with Heather’s best interests.
…
Heather was already second-guessing her decision to send Drake home tonight. Rationally, it made sense. There wasn’t a real future for them anyway, so why make things complicated? It wasn’t like they were going to fall in love and get married and grow old together. He’d never age. Besides, she barely knew him, and while there was definitely chemistry between them, now wasn’t a great time to be distracted, not when her own flesh and blood needed her.
Convincing Ashley of that fact was going to be difficult enough without Drake standing by, ready to leap into action at any moment.
Although all of that was true, now that she was alone in the house, every noise made her jump, from the ice maker in the
