Colton's Secret Bodyguard

Trey shot him an impatient glance. “The link is not that tenuous. The last time April spoke to her mom, she told her she had a job interview. Staff at The Lodge confirm it’s possible she applied for a post there. The point is that we are dealing with one confirmed murder, possibly more. I’ve no wish to sound alarmist, but the killer may be determined to hurt our family. Bianca was definitely on Colton property at one time, and April may also have been.”

“You’re saying it’s possible there’s a serial killer targeting women and, through them, getting at Coltons?” Bree’s voice was quiet.

“I can’t rule it out.” Trey gave her hand a squeeze. “I wish I could. At the same time, I don’t have anything that ties what happened to Bianca—and may have happened to April—to the person who is threatening you. Which is what I meant when I said I can’t justify allocating any of my officers to your protection.”

“We can’t take a risk that there isn’t a connection.” As Rylan reinforced what Trey was saying, Bree turned her head in his direction. He hated the knowledge that he was responsible for the hurt in her eyes. Hated even more that there was nothing he could do to take it away.

“Okay. I accept that I need a bodyguard.” Rylan anticipated what was coming next. “I just don’t want it to be you.”

The coldness of her tone was like a knife slicing his skin. She spoke to him as if he were a stranger when, for those few magical nights, they had been as close as it was possible for two people to get. It’s what I deserve. Although he knew he was to blame for them reaching this point, it didn’t take the pain away.

Trey appeared unaware of any hostile undercurrents. “I’m not sure changing the arrangement now would be such a good idea, Bree. Particularly as Rylan comes recommended by Blaine.”

“We can ask Blaine to suggest someone else,” Bree said.

“He won’t.” Rylan managed to keep his voice calm.

“How can you be so sure?” Her eyes were somber as they scanned his face. Would she ever smile at him again? It was probably too much to hope for.

“Because I’m the best.” It wasn’t arrogant or boastful. It was honest.

“That must be true.” Trey nodded.

“Just like that?” Bree’s tone was scornful. “He tells you he’s the best, and you take his word for it?”

“Think about it,” Trey said. “Mom and Dad asked Blaine to recommend someone to protect you. Where you are concerned, Blaine wouldn’t settle for anything less than first-class.”

Before Bree could respond, her cell phone buzzed. She scanned the message quickly. When she looked up, her expression was a mix of confusion and despair.

“That was Kasey. She’s been unpacking the Spirit artwork ready for the show. Some of the exhibits have been damaged.”

The lump in Bree’s chest alternated between red-hot coal and solid ice. Even though the heating system in the gallery kept the temperature at a comfortable level, the chill mountain wind seemed to be blowing straight out of the mountains and through her skin, leaving her insides raw.

Kasey was on her knees with the ruined paintings fanned out around her. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Who would do this?” Her expression was broken as she looked up at Bree and Rylan. “And why only your pictures, Bree? Every one of them has been slashed.”

Bree couldn’t answer. She wished she could speak, or cry, but nothing would come. No tears, no words. Not a sound. All she could do was stare at her precious pieces—the paintings she had so lovingly created—and scream inside.

Someone had taken a blade and repeatedly sliced through each canvas until it hung in shreds from its frame. It wasn’t about the hours of work she’d put into each one, or even about her artistic vision, or the senseless waste. Bree could feel the anger and hatred that had gone into the attack. It was directed at her artwork. The pieces by other artists were untouched. This was personal.

She was conscious of Rylan’s gaze on her profile. A day ago, she’d have taken comfort in his arms. And even though she would never admit it, his presence was reassuring. He was calm and focused. With the sensation that her world was crashing down around her, she still needed him to be that strong, stalwart figure keeping her thoughts on track.