Read Online Protective Custody by Lynette Eason - Free Book Online Page B

I’m going to get some coffee. After my wild-goose chase this morning, I need some caffeine.”
    Carly perked up. “Wild-goose chase?”
    â€œSomeone from security called and told me I needed to sign some papers. When I got down there, no one seemed to know what I was talking about—said they must have dialed the wrong extension.” She rolled her eyes. “Like I have time for that kind of thing.”
    Carly looked at the closed door straight ahead. Nick’s office. And his secretary had been called away from her desk on a wild-goose chase.
    Leaving the office available for entry by anyone who walked by.
    And decided to lie in wait?
    She shot a look at Mason and held out a hand to Nick. “Key?”
    With a sigh, Nick handed the ring over, separating one key and letting the rest dangle from the key chain.
    Eyeing him, she said, “Will you please stay out here? You’re the target. Let’s not give them something to aim at.”
    She could tell he didn’t like it, the conflicted look in his eyes a clear indication that he wanted to rush in and confront whatever danger might be in there.
    But he wouldn’t.
    And she appreciated that.
    Pulse pounding, Carly took the key from him with one hand and inserted the key into the lock. She pulled herweapon with the other hand. Nothing had set off her internal alarm, but it never hurt to be prepared. She noticed Mason had his gun ready, too.
    A quick twist opened the door, and she stepped inside, eyes scanning the room.
    Empty.
    â€œClear,” she called. Then the heat hit her. “Why is it so hot in here?”
    Nick and Mason followed her through the door. Before she could say anything, Mason pointed for Nick to stay back against the wall. Mason shut the door behind him. “Stay there while I check the bathroom.”
    Nick grunted. “Is the air-conditioning working?”
    Mason crossed the room to the bathroom, looked in and said, “Clear.”
    Nick immediately headed to check the thermostat on the wall. “It’s been cranked up to eighty-five degrees.” He readjusted it. “Remind me to ask Jean what that was all about.” He switched to business mode. “I’ll need that laptop,” he said, pointing to his desk.
    â€œUh, not clear,” Mason called in quiet voice. “I’ve got a snake in here.”
    â€œA snake? Are you sure?” She walked to the desk to get the laptop. “Do you need help?”
    â€œProbably. It’s a rattler. Be on the lookout out there in case he’s got company.”
    In the process of powering down the computer, Carly froze as she heard a slight hiss by her foot. She almost jerked away before she saw movement on the floor in front of the desk. Then she went still.
    Very, very still.
    Nick reached for the file cabinet. “Nick.” She kept her voice soft, low. He turned at the intensity, his hand hovering above the handle to the first drawer.
    His eyes narrowed as he took in her completely still state. “What is it?”
    â€œThere’s one under the desk.” She felt the movement of the air near her calf. It was that close. She couldn’t help the slight tremor that shuddered through her. At any moment she expected to feel sharp fangs sink into her leg. “It could strike at any moment if I move. Get out of here, Nick.”
    Nick blanched. “Not a chance. I’m not leaving you guys to face this alone.”
    Mason looked over his shoulder as he backed from the entrance to the bathroom. “I think there’s more than one in here, too. I see a tail behind the toilet. Another one is on the light fixture up above.”
    In seconds Nick was on the phone with security explaining the situation—and the need for Animal Control—or an exterminator. And he needed it now. Within minutes or heads would roll. He never took his eyes from Carly.
    Carly felt the reptile’s tongue flick in and out by