Kiernan was quiet. I glanced at him as I popped the cork and carried the open bottle to the table. I sat across from Kiernan, who was still standing. He was watching me closely and searching my features. “Why did they get rid of him?”
“My mom hated having a dog and dog fur being in her house. My sister lost interest in him after the first week, and my dad lives in his own world. My mom didn’t want him around.”
“How long did you have him?”
“Not long enough,” I said. “Snickers was my best friend, and I didn’t get to say goodbye to him.”
Kiernan shook his head, reaching across the table and laying his hand on top of mine. “I hate that you had to deal with shit like that. To be honest, I wouldn’t have guessed that about your family life.”
“My family is…” I stalled, never sure how to describe them. “My family. They are who they are, and that won’t change. I’ve stopped trying to get them to accept me.”
“Was it that bad?” he asked, concern in his features.
“They never abused me or anything, but I guess you could say I’m the odd one out. It wasn’t that bad.” I slipped my hand away from his and served us food. I put a little bit of everything on each of our plates—shrimp linguine, salad, and breadsticks. “Was everything okay when you left?”
Kiernan sagged back into his seat, scrubbing a hand down his face, and shook his head. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but I know you won’t spread it around. The family is being notified right now. Dr. Velasquez was murdered. Her body was found today. Maddox asked me to assist because an encrypted thumb drive was found with the body. I could work faster than the technical team at the station. Besides, they’re so slammed with work, it’s easier for them to outsource some things. That’s what Maddox needed.”
I gasped and tears filled my eyes. “Oh, no,” I whispered. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe that someone could do that. I’d wanted her to come home safe and sound, but that didn’t happen. My heart ached for her family. “Was it the ex-boyfriend like the news was speculating?”
Kiernan tensed and clenched his jaw. “I don’t think so. The thumb drive was…” He trailed off without saying what it was, but I wasn’t sure I even wanted to know. He shook his head and changed course. “No, I don’t think it was him, but he hasn’t been completely ruled out yet.”
“That’s horrible.” I took a long drink of my wine, shivering.
He nodded. “It is. Hardest part of the job is coming face to face with the worst of society.”
“Why didn’t you choose something else after the military? Did you want to work with cops when you left the army?”
“No.” He took a bite of his breadstick. “They have a lot of red tape, and I don’t like working in those parameters. I’m able to do more sometimes and, honestly, I love helping people. Our clients feel safe with us, and I like helping them.”
“I feel safe with you. I was glad when Maddox sent me to you.
“I am too, Caroline. Damn glad I got to run into you and help you. I wish I hadn’t been such a dumbass kid and could’ve known you in high school too.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I’m glad we met now. I wouldn’t have been able to string two words together if you’d talked to me back then.”
Kiernan smiled. “At least it happened sometime, right?”
18 Kiernan
I had no idea what the hell I’d gotten myself into when I walked into the studio Daphne had rented. There were massive lights set up on stands, and a tripod holding a large camera pointed at a black backdrop. Daphne was perched on a stool, tapping a finger against her mouth and grinning at Caroline. Caroline was pacing back and forth. She was dressed in tight jeans, heeled boots, and a billowy, low-cut top. Her chocolate waves were spilling down her back.
I’d already conned my way into having her here, but I was also going to request a picture with her. I didn’t think Daphne would deny that, but Caroline would most likely be a hard sell.
“I can’t believe I’m here,” Caroline muttered, continuing to create a hole in the area she was pacing.
“You’ll have fun. Spending an afternoon watching a hot guy with his shirt off is not a hardship, my friend.”
I cleared my throat. They’d yet to notice I was here, and if Caroline said anything about me and then found out I’d heard it all, she’d probably flee. I was in jeans and a T-shirt but, at Daphne’s request, I also had a button-up shirt with me. She’d also told me to expect more changes into outfits she would bring me.
“Hi, Kiernan,” Daphne said and rose from the stool. “We only have the space for a couple of hours, so I’d like to get started if you’re ready.”
“Sure,” I said. “Just let me know what to do.” I crossed the room to Caroline and bent to kiss her cheek. “Hey. Thanks for being here.”
“No problem,” she said and smiled tightly, but her cheeks were flaming red.
“Take off your shirt,” Daphne said. “And stand over in the middle of the backdrop. I need to test the lighting first.” She unscrewed her camera from the tripod and looped the strap around her neck. I took a step back from Caroline, keeping my eyes on her, and stripped off my shirt.
She swallowed and looked away for a second before running her eyes down my body. I strode to the middle of the backdrop and stood there, unsure what to do.
“Hey, Caroline,” Daphne said.
“Yep,” Caroline squeaked and focused on Daphne. Daphne tossed her a bottle and Caroline caught it, looking down at it in confusion.
“Rub that on his muscles. I need them to shine and pop in the lighting.
