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  “There should only be minimal amounts of time spent on this case unless you’re formally charged.”

  “What do you mean by minimal?”

  “A couple of hours total would be my guess, depending on what the police come up with, assuming you want me to represent you.” He paused for a brief second. “Which I would highly recommend.”

  At that rate, a handful of hours would wipe out her savings account. “What if I can’t pay? Can I ask for a court-appointed attorney or something?”

  He seemed affronted by the idea. “Ms. Camden, this is your future we’re talking about.”

  She gave him a helpless look. “I have some in savings, but not much.”

  “Fine. I’ll have associates work on the majority of your case, and I’ll toss in a pro-bono hour or two. But if this goes to trial, you may want to consider asking family and friends to pitch in. Chancing your freedom on an unknown attorney could have some serious consequences.”

  She nodded. If the worst happened, she couldn’t afford to not pay.

  Chapter Two

  Nicole left the central precinct, grateful to be walking out a free woman. A cloud of suspicion would follow her, but she felt as though she’d been granted a second chance at life. The sun on her face seemed warmer than she remembered, and the brightness of the blue sky hurt her eyes. It was as though she’d been held in an underground dungeon for weeks. Thank God it wasn’t a rainy day.

  She glanced down the busy street and spotted her aunt’s old Corolla parked on the opposite side, not far from the corner.

  She was relieved her aunt had been available to pick her up, but she had no idea how she’d explain things to her. It was absolutely ridiculous to think she’d be charged with grand larceny, but then again, it was equally ridiculous to have been questioned in the first place. Though she’d been relinquished back into the real world, a major tendril of fear clawed at her. Until the police had located the real suspect, it would be hard to sleep at night.

  She navigated the crosswalk and opened the passenger door. The plush gray seats in her aunt’s car were warm as well, and she took a small amount of pleasure allowing the heat to soak through her clothes and into her body. She was free.

  For now.

  “Thanks for coming to get me, Aunt Claire. After the horrible morning I’ve had, I didn’t want to try to figure out the bus schedule from here.”

  “Of course. I would have been upset if you hadn’t called me.” Her aunt seemed so frail sitting behind the wheel. Eight months ago, she’d been in a serious car accident and had only recently begun to regain her strength. Even so, she was the strongest, bravest woman Nicole had ever known.

  Instead of starting the car, she turned to Nicole. “Are you okay, honey?” Dark bags hovered beneath her dull green eyes, testifying to the fact she wasn’t getting sufficient rest.

  “You haven’t been sleeping again, have you? I’m so sorry to worry you like this.” The guilt resulting from giving her dear aunt additional stress gnawed at her.

  The older woman pretended to tuck her short gray hair behind her ear. The strands weren’t long enough to actually tuck, but it was a gesture her aunt used repeatedly when she was upset. Maybe it carried over from a day when she’d had longer hair.

  “I never sleep. You know that.”

  “I know.” Her aunt’s medications also brought on insomnia. “I wish I could change things. I wish I could make it so you didn’t worry about me.” The last thing the poor woman needed was something else threatening her health. She prayed this whole ordeal would be over before she suffered another hit.

  “Me, too.” The older woman glanced out the window, seeming to stare at the traffic as it whizzed past. “I need to ask you something.” She turned her pale gaze to Nicole. “Did you do this thing they’re accusing you of?”

  The sharp point of the arrow that carried her aunt’s words pierced her. “No,” she whispered, emotion pooling in her eyes. “You think I did?” She’d spent her whole life trying to prove to her aunt that she deserved the sacrifices she had made for her, trying to prove to the world that she was not her father’s daughter.

  The older woman’s eyes filled with tears as well, and she shook her head. “No.” She sighed. “No. I just remember the same feelings of confusion and sadness when I found out about your dad’s life of crime. This brought back all those memories and all those horrible times. But you’re different. I know you are.”

  “I’m nothing like him.” Nothing.

  “Of course you’re not. You and I both made sure of that.” She shook her head again as though to put order to her thoughts. “How did this happen, Nicole? Why would they even think to accuse you?”

  “I don’t know, Aunt Claire. Whoever did this used my computer, but they left no prints. I don’t know if they meant to frame me, or if they chose a random computer and happened to be lucky enough to pick a night when I’d gone back to the office for my TriMet pass, which made me a prime suspect. Maybe this person or people didn’t really intend to hurt me.”

  “Or maybe they did it on purpose.”

  She couldn’t bring herself to believe that. “Why? I haven’t made enemies. Why would someone purposefully choose to hurt me like this?”

  “If you look guilty, then the police will stop looking elsewhere for whoever really did it. Maybe someone knows about your father’s past. Maybe they thought you’d make a good scapegoat.”

  “How could they? I’ve never talked about him to anyone at work.”

  Her aunt shrugged. “I don’t know. But it’s a strange coincidence, don’t you agree? At this point, I don’t think you can discount anything.”

  Frustration and anger welled inside her and came out in a growl. “This is all so unfair. I’m a good person!”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “I’ve lived a good life. I’ve never hurt anyone. How does something like this happen to someone like me?”

  The older woman took her hand and squeezed. “I don’t know, honey. But you’ve got to do whatever you can to protect yourself, okay? This attorney? Is he any good? I could take out a loan to help pay for a good lawyer.”

  No, she couldn’t. Her house was already mortgaged to the hilt to pay for her medical expenses. “He seems like he’s pretty good. He did a great job getting me out of there. Plus, he came highly recommended by a friend.” She’d have to call Riley and thank him for his help.

  “How will you pay him without a job?” The wrinkles in her aunt’s forehead thickened as she raised her brows.

  “I have a paycheck coming, plus a bunch of vacation pay. They can’t withhold that.” At least she didn’t think they could. “Plus, I have some in savings.” She was seriously screwed. “I’m sure I can find another job of some kind to pay the bills while I wait for the police to figure things out.”

  “I’m not so sure. Do you really think someone will hire you?”

  “I have to try, don’t I?” She didn’t have another choice. “Besides, I haven’t formally been accused of anything, only questioned.”

  “I think you should come home. Come back and live with me while you get this mess settled. I can take care of you.”

  “Thank you so much, Aunt Claire. But you have enough to do, tending to yourself.” Her father’s sister had taken better care of her than her parents ever had.

  “I’d be more likely to get some sleep if you were with me.”

  Nicole narrowed her gaze at her aunt, but smiled. “Let’s see how things go in the next couple of weeks. I hate to give up my apartment if I don’t have to.” It had taken her a long time to find a decent place on her salary, plus it overlooked a park which worked well for her and her dog. “If things get worse, I’ll move home.”

  “I suppose I can live with that. Another thing,” her aunt said as she started the car. “I think we need to check into a private investigator.”

  “The police are investigating.”

  “The police also believe they’ve captured thei
r suspect. Do you really think they’re going to put much effort or manpower into proving your innocence?”

  Her aunt had a point. “Probably not.” How in the world would she ever afford a lawyer and an investigator? “I’ll look into it after I get home.”

  “Promise? Because if you don’t, I will.”

  “I promise.”

  Aunt Claire returned her smile, and a rush of gratitude fell over Nicole. Her aunt had always encouraged her to stand on her own two feet, but she’d also been there to catch her when she’d fallen. “When times get tough, family should stick together.”

  She took the older woman’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you, Aunt Claire. Thank you for always being there for me.”

  “It hasn’t been a one-way street, honey. I’m grateful every day that I have you for a daughter.”

  Emotion gathered inside her, but she held back her tears, not wanting to cause her aunt further worry. “I know. And I’m so glad I’ve always been able to count on you like I never could with my parents. You’d never lie to me like Dad did. You’d never let me down like they both did, and I hope I never disappoint you either.”

  Claire shook her head. “I’m no saint, Nicole.” She released her hand and pulled out into traffic.

  “You’re as close as they get. If I’m half the woman you are, that will be enough for me.”

  * * *

  The moment Nicole’s neighbor opened her door, Stormy pushed between Janie’s legs and rushed toward Nicole.

  “Whoa, little one.” Janie, Nicole’s confidant and best emergency dog-sitter, grabbed the doorframe for support.

  “She’s not exactly little anymore.” Nicole laughed as she knelt down and let her sweet Australian Sheepdog cover her cheeks with kisses.

  “Isn’t that the truth? I remember how small she was when you both moved in, and that wasn’t that long ago.” Janie pulled her door closed most of the way, secreting them in the quiet hall. Her boyfriend, Paul, worked nights and was probably asleep.

  “She’s grown up fast.” Nicole stood, giving her neighbor a grateful smile. Janie with her short blond hair and brilliant blue eyes had a natural beauty that Nicole always envied. “Thank you so much for watching her. I wasn’t certain how long the police would detain me. I guess I panicked.”

  Janie waved away her thanks. “I’m always fine with Stormy, but what about you? Are you okay?”

  Nicole appreciated the fact that her friend hadn’t questioned her innocence right off the bat. “Honestly? I’m not sure. I’ve been accused of stealing money from my job. Serious money. I hope you believe I didn’t do it.”

  “Of course you didn’t. I don’t believe a word they’re saying.”

  Nicole’s heart plummeted. “They?” She’d hoped the news media wouldn’t deem her worthy, but deep down, she knew that wasn’t likely.

  “There was a brief clip on the late-morning news.”

  “It’s already hit the news?” She forced back the bile rising in her throat. “What will people think?”

  She tilted her head with sympathy. “Don’t worry. I’m sure there will be something else more sensational than you to steal their attention.”

  “Dear God. I hope so.” Stormy nudged her hand, her patience at an end. She clearly didn’t understand the severity of her owner’s situation. “I’d better drop off my mail and take this one outside before she has an accident.”

  Janie checked the watch on her wrist. “It’s been a few hours.” She put a hand on Nicole’s shoulder. “Take care. I’m here if you need anything.”

  “Thanks, Janie.”

  Her friend gave her a commiserating smile. “This one-hundred percent sucks, Nicole.”

  “That’s the understatement of the year.”

  Nicole hugged her friend goodbye and took Stormy for a quick walk before heading back to her small, one-bedroom apartment. It was weird to think the last time she’d been in her home, her life was on the verge of a complete disaster, and she hadn’t even known it.

  She dropped onto the couch, exhausted and overcome with the unbelievable ordeal she’d just endured. Now that her needs had been met, Stormy seemed to sense her owner’s troubled feelings, and she whined as she circled and then sat on Nicole’s feet. Her sweet little doggie. She rubbed Stormy’s ears and leaned forward to kiss her nose.

  It would be so easy to sink into a puddle of tears and frustration, but she knew better than most that crying didn’t solve anything. Her aunt had never let her get away with sulking for long. She’d taught her to get back on her feet and fight.

  Unfortunately, at this point, she had no idea who to fight, no idea how she’d landed in this predicament. But she couldn’t sit and fret and let her feelings of helplessness overwhelm her. She needed to do something.

  In the end, housework became the only foe within fighting distance. She scrubbed and dusted and tossed useless things into the garbage. It might only be her corner of the world, but for a while, she was in control.

  Chapter Three

  Xander Secrist pulled his sleek silver Corvette through the gated entrance to Hunter MacFarlane’s home. Xander didn’t make the trek to Hunter’s place often since the drive from Portland to the wooded area of the Wilson River Highway in Tillamook was a good ninety minutes away. He preferred to offer his assistance via phone or email, but this one got his blood pumping. It was not only in his line of expertise, considering the crime had taken place in his city and involved a financial transgression, but the woman who’d committed the crime was the daughter of John Camden, the man who’d ruined his father.

  There was no way he could ignore that.

  Xander parked his car behind Sam’s black Charger and Ryan’s red Jeep, wondering if Christian would make an appearance as well. It was odd to think those three men in addition to Hunter had become like brothers to him. He had an actual brother, but since the untimely death of his father two years ago, they’d grown apart.

  He exited his car, walking toward the three story log cabin. Golden lights reflected from most of the windows, giving the structure an enticing glow in the waning evening light. He’d tossed on his leather jacket, knowing the temps this close to the forest would hover between cool and cold. He hadn’t been wrong.

  As he drew nearer to the front door, he could hear the bounces of a basketball repeatedly hitting the ground. Someone grunted, followed by the sound of the ball hitting a metal hoop.

  “Like a boss!” Sam called out as curses came from the other men.

  Xander shifted directions and wandered around the side of the house to find Sam, Ryan and Hunter engaged in a cutthroat game of basketball. With a quick move, Sam stole the ball from Ryan, turning and bouncing it as he backed his way into Hunter’s and Ryan’s defense. He rotated, took a step back, and shot the ball in a perfect arc through the hoop. Hunter caught it before it landed.

  “Damn, I’m good.” Sam used the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe the sweat from his face, exposing a well-honed six pack of muscles.

  “You’d like to think,” Ryan answered, pulling his shirt over his head and wiping his face and dark hair with it.

  The guys all made it a point to stay in shape. He could even admit Sam excelled at basketball, but Xander could outrun his ass any day of the week.

  Hunter was the first to notice him. “Xander.” He acknowledged him with a nod of his head and tossed the ball to Ryan. The other guys echoed his greeting, but quickly dismissed them as Ryan took the opportunity of distraction to shoot a clean hoop.

  Sam caught the ball. “Doesn’t count.” He shot off his own and scored again.

  “The hell is doesn’t.”

  Xander approached Hunter and held out a hand, ignoring the other two who were happy to continue their friendly competition. Hunter shook it with a firm grasp, his expression cool and calculating as always. “Good to see you.”

  Xander would never forget the haunted look in his friend’s icy blue eyes when he’d introduced himself to Xander the first time. “It�
��s been a while, man.”

  Hunter nodded. “Want to join in?”

  “I’d rather hear about our latest case.”

  “I thought you might.” One side of his mouth tipped into a half-smile. For the leader of their group, that was saying something. Xander had never gotten the full story out of his friend as to why he’d started his secret vigilante activities, but whatever had spurred him had left a deep scar on his psyche. Then again, he supposed they all bore wounds of some sort.

  Hunter led the way into his house. Inside, the walls were constructed of honeyed pine, bathing the rooms with a rich and rustic warmth. Xander followed him down to the basement where the five of them housed the headquarters of their operation. They’d fondly nicknamed it “the cave”.

  Their cave was extremely functional. Half of the enormous room housed several workstations complete with phones and computers. A white board occupied a good portion of one wall, along with a large cork board they used to pin pertinent information if needed. The center of the room housed a well-stocked bar which provided a nice separation from the leather sofas and a big-screen TV at the other end. They took their missions seriously, but there was nothing wrong with taking care of some basic needs from time to time like drinking beer and watching football.

  “I’ve got my notes on the desk over there.”

  Xander stopped long enough to pull a cold one out of the fridge. He twisted off the cap, the beer hissing its approval as he glanced over the papers and notes scattered across the walnut desk. A glossy photo of a young woman caught his attention. Long brunette bangs swept above green eyes alight with happiness while a big grin highlighted pink, glossy lips and perfect, white teeth. She could be the proverbial girl next door, the kind of woman a man would want to take home to meet his mama. He hated to think someone might be taking advantage of her. He lifted the picture. “Who’s she? Victim?”

  Hunter shook his head. “Perp.”

  He raised his brows in surprise. “Really?” She was Camden’s daughter? “She doesn’t seem like she’d be capable of hijacking ten million.” In fact, she didn’t look like she’d be up to stealing a cup of sugar. Hunter had given him a brief overview of the case when they’d spoken on the phone, but now that he’d seen his target, he was more than curious about the rest of the details.