Mint Juleps and Justice by Nancy Naigle Page A

here?” Her heart dropped. “Today?”
    “In your house. I saw him.”
    She looked around. Feeling vulnerable. “How?”
    “It looked like he had a key to me. We’ll file a complaint against him, but I’d like to get my guys over here to change the locks and install a security system. It’s good technology. I think it’s important that you do that, especially under the circumstances.”
    He looked at home in her house, but heck, it seemed like anyone could make themselves at home in her house these days. How had Keith managed to get a key to the new locks? “Okay. When can they do it?”
    “I called them this afternoon and let them know we might need them tonight. If you’re okay with it, I’ll get them right over.”
    “What’s it going to cost?”
    Mike pulled a sheet of paper out of his pocket and spread it out on the coffee table between them. He reviewed the system and its cost.
    “That seems like a fair price. That’s installed?” She leaned forward and sighed.
    He placed his hand on her arm, then moved it away. She wondered if he’d felt that tingle between them.
    “I know it’s a lot to take in. It’s a good deal, and yes, that’s the price. Completely installed. It also includes two external surveillance cameras. Nothing on the inside of the house. I think you need that privacy, and you can have any of it disconnected if you decide you don’t need them later.”
    “Great. Let’s do it.”
    Mike pulled his phone from his hip and made the call. “They’ll be here in about thirty minutes.”
    “That’s fast.”
    “I’m a little concerned about this guy. With him cutting all ties, it seems like something is up. There’s more too. He’s got a sketchy past with the law. I don’t think we want to take any chances.”
    “Thanks.” She chased the chills that ran the length of her arms.
    “Let me walk you through how the system will be installed while they’re headed over.” He’d just finished walking her around the house and discussing the placement of the external cameras when his guys showed up to do the installation. He introduced them to Brooke and unloaded ladders and supplies.
    “How long will all this take?” she asked.
    Mike jumped in before the guys could answer. “I thought I’d take you for a ride so they could get to work. They’ll be done before we get back.”
    “I’m a mess. Maybe I should shower and change.”
    “Come on. I’ve got my truck. We’ll bring Stitches too.”
    “Seems like you’re not going to take no for an answer.”
    He shrugged. “No reason to primp. It’s not like it’s a date. Come on.”
    It’s not a date. He’s just a nice guy. She picked up her purse and lifted Stitches to her hip. “Deal.”

    M ike and Brooke rode in silence for twenty minutes until he honked the horn twice as they crossed the North Carolina state line.
    “My daddy used to do that,” Brooke said.
    “Mine too.” He seemed to enjoy the memory as much as she did. “In fact, he probably still does.”
    “It’s good luck.”
    “You have a lot of lucky beliefs. I like that about you,” Mike said. “Are you hungry?”
    “A little.”
    “Good. I’ll take you to one of my favorite places. It’s just up the road here.”
    “Unless it’s a drive-through, I don’t think I’m dressed for it.”
    “You’re dressed just fine. It’s an old train depot that’s now an antiques shop and they make a great sandwich. I think you’ll like it. The owners are a couple of old ladies—sisters, I think. Trust me. We’ll be the only ones in the place.”
    “You’re not going to let me have a say anyway. You’re borderline bossy, you know.”
    “Look who’s talking.”
    She knew he was right. “Just get there already, would you? Before I regain my fashion sense and refuse.”
    “We’re here.” Mike turned into the lot, crunching through the deep gravel, and pulled the truck near the front door. He rolled down the windows for Stitches, then got out of the