Steel Rush (In the Shadows#5) by P.T. Michelle Page B

men in her life was Ben and Jake. Ben just wants to protect Celeste and Jake is in love with her. He’d never hurt Celeste.” Not like he did me.
    “The brother who’s in love with her isn’t the one marrying her? How did that happen?”
    Another idea for finding Brent hits me just as I start to slide the yearbook back into place on the shelf. I flip it open once more to the sports section and set it down on the desk to scour the names listed under the varsity football team’s photo. A dark-haired junior named Brent Taylor has a wide, smirking smile as he sits on the bleachers one row behind Jake. That’s right. Jake was the only sophomore on the varsity team.
    I stare intensely at Brent’s dark brown eyes, floppy hair, full mouth and square jawline, searing his image in my memory.
    “Earth to Cass!”
    “I’m sorry, Talia.” I quickly shut the book to keep my mind on the present. Returning it to the shelf, I continue, “What were you saying?”
    “Never mind. I just wanted you to know we’ll see you tomorrow night. Damien got us an invitation to the party at the Carver estate. Sebastian and I will take back whatever evidence you’re able to collect and get the proper testing done.”
    “If I can get a DNA sample from Phillip, then you’ll still need the blood Celeste left at the clinic to do the paternity testing.”
    “They can test paternity from just her blood?”
    “Yes, apparently the baby’s DNA does show up in the pregnant mother’s blood. I’ll work on getting access to her blood after we get Phillip’s DNA.” Knowing that Talia and Sebastian will be at the party tomorrow lifts my spirits. “I’m so glad you’re both coming, Talia. Having more allies in the crowd will be just the boost I need.”
    “If I could fit myself in your pocket and stay with you the whole time, I would,” Talia says on a low laugh. “Between now and then, I’m going to research Phillip Hemming. Based on the way you’ve described him, I can’t help but wonder why someone as ruthless and cunning as he is would choose to remain in the shadows to the spotlight of Gregory’s political career. And how could he carry on an affair with Gregory’s daughter behind his friend’s back while trying to marry her off to his son? This guy is seriously bent.”
    “He’s devious, Talia. I have no doubt that Phillip has a hidden agenda. I just don’t know what his end game is…other than doing everything he can to make sure the Hemmings share in the Carver millions. I’ll be interested in hearing what you can find on him.”
    “Just keep your head low and don’t take any unnecessary risks. We’ll be there to back you up tomorrow night so you can get what you need, but in the meantime, don’t give Phillip an inkling that you have anything on him—”
    “I’m just playing my part,” I quickly say, wondering if I’ve been too honest with everything I told her. I don’t want Talia repeating her worries to Sebastian. That would definitely get back to Calder.
    Talia sighs. “Please be careful, Cass. You’ve never done undercover work before. Trust me. I know how exhausting it is to always be on guard. And when you’re as emotionally entangled as you are…it’s especially easy to let something slip.”
    Emotionally entangled is an understatement. If Talia knew how deep my ties to several players connected to this bizarre household went, she wouldn’t wait for Sebastian or Calder to yank me out of here. She’d drive over and drag me away herself. “I promise not to take any risks.”
    “I wish the event was tonight.” Talia huffs her frustration. “Then we could get this over and done with.”
    “That just gives you time to ferret out more of Phillip Hemming’s dirty secrets. I know that man must have some.”
    “Ah, point taken. And now I’m off to research. Remember, head low.”
    “Got it,” I say, letting out a low laugh.
    Setting my phone down, I open my door and startle when I see Calder leaning