Ryker nodded. There was no denying the strategy had worked. “Maybe we can pick up something else later tonight.”
“I can meet up with you later, after I check on Shayla and Brodie,” Mike offered.
Ryker was touched, but knew that Mike belonged with his wife and son. “Focus on taking care of your family. We’ll think of something.”
The door opened and Miles Callahan walked in. Without hesitation, he made his way toward them. “What’s going on? Mike wouldn’t say much when he called.”
Ryker quickly filled him in on the Blake-Moore Group and the way the mercenaries continued to come after them.
Miles let out a low whistle between his teeth. “You’re deep in a hot mess.”
“Exactly. I have to believe they’ve been tracking the vehicles we’re using. Maybe they have connections who can get registration information through the DMV, since we’ve only used disposable cell phones for the past twenty-four hours. With a clean SUV, we should be able to shake the tail.”
“I took the SUV from the Milwaukee PD undercover lot.” Miles grinned. “It’s untraceable to you, or to the police, as I changed the vehicle’s status to damaged in the computer system. Should be safe enough.”
“Good.” For the first time in what seemed like forever, Ryker felt a sense of relief. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get going.”
“Not a problem.” Miles set the keys on the table. “It’s parked around the corner across from the police station.”
“That’s where I left our car.” Ryker picked up the keys. “Maybe you could put in a good word with the locals to leave it there for a while. Or have it towed somewhere out of sight.”
“Will do.” Miles glanced at his brother. “Guess we’re taking the hot SUV back to Milwaukee, huh?”
“Hey, it may help be a diversion for Ryker and Duncan.” Mike didn’t seem concerned about the potential danger.
“Thanks again, Miles.” Ryker rose to his feet. He helped Olivia stand, then tossed the zebra bag over his shoulder. “I owe you one.”
“Nah.” Miles waved him off. “You came to bail us out last year. It’s only fair we return the favor.”
Duncan picked up the car seat. Olivia took Aaron’s hand and made a quick trip to the restroom before they headed outside. Ryker led the way, with Duncan covering their backs.
At the car there was no sign of anyone lurking around. Olivia volunteered to sit in the back near Aaron, which irked Ryker for some reason. Duncan rode shotgun, as Ryker slid behind the wheel. He kept a keen eye on the rearview mirror, but didn’t relax until they were out of town and back on the highway. Avoiding the interstate, he took the less traveled highway toward Whitewater, which would eventually get them to Madison.
“Where do you want to stay for the night?” Duncan asked.
“Somewhere remote and outside the Madison area, while being close enough to drive there as needed.”
“Cambridge? We passed a sign. It’s a few miles ahead and they have a motel.”
“Just one motel?” He glanced at Duncan, who nodded. Great, just great. Although one motel was probably okay for now. He was hopeful that the mercenaries would assume they’d head to the Milwaukee area, rather than Madison.
Unless they already knew that Seth Willis was the lead they were following up on. He swallowed hard.
“Cambridge has beautiful hiking trails,” Olivia said. “I’ve been there before.”
“Okay, sounds like Cambridge is our next destination. Once we’re settled in the motel, I need to drive out to do some recon on Tim’s cousin.” He glanced at Duncan. “I’d like you to stay back to watch over Olivia and Aaron.”
“Wait, what? You’re leaving?” Olivia’s tone was sharp. “I’d rather come with you when you talk to Seth.”
“No.” His blunt, flat tone came out harsher than he intended, but he was tired, his head ached, the wound on his thigh burned and he was running out of patience. “I just managed to get you out of danger, Olivia. I’m not letting you step back into the middle of it.”
“You don’t understand, Ryker. Seth knows me. I think he’ll talk more if I’m there to smooth things over.” The stubborn streak he’d once found attractive was wearing thin.
He could feel Duncan’s gaze on him, but thankfully his former army buddy didn’t say anything. If he was honest, he’d admit leaving Olivia and Aaron with Duncan didn’t sit well. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Duncan, but every cell in his body shunned the idea of having Olivia out of his line of sight. Out of arm’s reach.
He felt attached to her in a way that wasn’t healthy. He wanted her to stay glued to his side, which was ridiculous. Wouldn’t it be better to know she was safe with Duncan while he grilled Seth for inside information about the Blake-Moore Group?
Yes, it would. But he still didn’t like it.
“Ryker? Did you hear me? Seth is more likely to cooperate if I’m there with you.”
Duncan coughed and he speared him with a narrow look. “Olivia, please. I appreciate you want to help, but I don’t think involving you and Aaron is smart. These men are playing a deadly game. And you’re thirty-four weeks pregnant on top of that. I’m sorry, but you’ll be better off staying at the motel with Duncan.”
There was a long silence and he knew Olivia was trying to find a way to change his mind.
“I can always question Seth for you,” Duncan offered.
It was tempting, very tempting to let Duncan take on the interrogation. But this was his problem, not Duncan’s.
Actually, it was Olivia’s problem, but that made it his problem. One he refused to let go. “No, I’d rather be the one to confront him. I’ll feel much better knowing you’re watching over Olivia and Aaron.”
“Your call.” Duncan was easygoing that way.
“Does it matter what I want?” Olivia’s tone held an underlying note of panic. “Can’t we just skip talking to Seth? I doubt he
