“Why do you care? This doesn’t concern you.”
“It matters to Rowan and that makes it my business.”
Nolan turned his desperate gaze toward her. “Keep your nose out of this. These people aren’t fooling around. If you don’t stop, that little girl will end up a ward of the state.”
“Never happen,” Brent said. “Rowan is mine to protect and that makes Alexa mine as well. No one will hurt either of them.”
Rowan stared at Brent. He sounded as if he meant those statements. Did he think of her and Alexa as belonging with him? Butterflies danced in her stomach at the prospect. He was such an amazing man. The idea of a close personal relationship with the Navy SEAL made her feel giddy inside. If he was making those statements as another form of protection, she’d be disappointed. She more than liked Brent Maddox. Too bad for her peace of mind the Fortress CEO was better at hiding his emotions than she was.
“You don’t know these people,” he hissed. “They’re dangerous. They’ll do anything to protect themselves and their business enterprises.”
Brent snorted. “Business enterprises? Navarro deals in misery, White. They prey on people, selling drugs, promising a false happiness that ultimately leads to their destruction. And the human trafficking? No one deserves to be sold into slavery. If Navarro obtains Alexa, that beautiful child will end up a sex slave and die before she reaches adulthood.”
“I can’t help you. They’ll kill me.”
Unbelievable. This clown was more concerned with his own skin than protecting a child. Rowan’s hands fisted. “Come on, Nolan. Grow a spine. You can disappear, move across the country and buy yourself a new identity. Alexa is only six. She can’t escape on her own. We have to help her.”
“You want to risk your own life, it’s your business. That kid is nothing to me. I don’t owe you or her anything.”
“This place is lit up like a Christmas tree, White.” Brent stood, arms folded across his chest, a scowl on his face. “I can’t imagine you’re afraid of the dark. How soon are you skipping town?”
Nolan’s face lost all trace of color.
Rowan frowned.
“That’s what I suspected,” Brent said. “Look, you want to disappear? I’ll help you do that. I have connections to set you up with a new identity and relocate you. Navarro will never find you if you follow the rules laid out.”
“What’s the price?”
“Information.”
Nolan scowled. “I don’t know anything more than I already told you.”
“Why is Navarro after you? Why are the militia groups so interested in dealing drugs? Who are your contacts in Navarro and each militia group? If you want my help, start talking.”
“I have to go. I don’t have time to spare.” He glanced toward the back of the house. “Look, I can print off some stuff that might help, but that’s all I’m willing to do.”
“If it’s not enough information to help us find Alexa, I’ll rescind the offer.”
“Yeah, whatever. I’ll do it myself.” A sneer crossed his face. “Not like I’ve needed anyone before.” Nolan tapped his chest. “I’ve always taken care of myself. I don’t owe you anything, but I can’t stomach the thought of that sweet little kid crying because she’s scared. She reminds me of my niece.”
“Let’s go, then.” Brent motioned for him to proceed. He and Rowan followed close behind the spooked businessman.
Nolan hurried to a large desk and dropped into the chair. He tapped a few keys on his computer keyboard and called up a file which he printed, then handed to Brent. “Here. That’s the best I can do. You can let yourself out while I gather a couple more items to take.” His expression darkened. “This is Jay’s fault. He’s the reason Toby and I got involved in the first place. We didn’t know who these guys were until it was too late to back out of the deal.
Right. Everybody knew the wisdom of getting into business with total strangers and trusting they were honest. Rowan stepped aside as Nolan charged around the desk and raced from the office. “Jay and his friends were idiots,” she murmured.
“Oh, yeah.” He scanned the pages, grimaced.
“What is it?”
“The DEA won’t be happy with this,” he said softly. “And neither will the ATF.”
It took Rowan a few seconds to translate the acronyms. Drug Enforcement Agency and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. “I understood the reference to the DEA, but why will the ATF be unhappy?”
Brent folded the pages and shoved them deep into one of his cargo pockets. “We’ll talk on the way to our next meeting.”
He used careful terms. Maybe he worried about being overheard. Her suspicions were confirmed when he tapped his mouth with his forefinger.
They walked from the office to the front door. Brent motioned for her to wait a moment, opened the door with his shirt covering his hand, then stepped out on the porch. A minute later, he held out his hand. “Let’s go, baby.”
“Are we leaving Nolan? He doesn’t have a great track record of wise decisions.”
“I can’t force him to take the offer. He made his choice.”
Rowan hoped Nolan White knew what he was doing. The men he’d gone into business with were ruthless. First Jay, then Toby had been killed. Would Nolan be next?
Brent’s hand rested against her lower back as he urged her silently to move faster. When Rowan glanced at him, she realized he was scanning the area, alert and focused.
Oh, boy. Rowan’s steps quickened. Did Brent sense someone watching them or was he being careful considering the circumstances?
Brent unlocked his SUV and helped Rowan inside, then climbed behind the wheel.
At that moment, Nolan
