“I’m not picky when it comes to ice cream.” Taking a bite, he allowed his gaze to move past her to where the computer case sat on the kitchen counter. That one might pose a bigger problem.
Brittany slid a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, eyes closing for a moment on a sigh. “Hmmm. This really is good.”
Taking a swallow of water, he set the bottle down. “Do you mind if I use your restroom?”
“Not at all. There’s one on the other side of the living room.”
“Thanks.” The layout of her apartment was different than the one he’d rented.
Entering the bathroom, he shut the door. It was large, with an extra wide vanity and large linen cabinet. Dropping to the floor, he moved the area rug, checking for any sign of a hidden opening. Finding nothing, he stood, running his hands over the walls. Raising his head, he studied the ceiling, seeing nothing suspicious.
Blowing out a breath, he checked the vanity, then opened the double doors of the linen cabinet. At first glance, it appeared the same as any he’d buy at the hardware store. Reaching inside, he tapped the laminated wood back. Slipping a knife from an ankle sheath, he slid it around the edges, hitting something hard. Replacing the knife with his fingers, a smile curved his lips. A latch. Doing the same on the opposite side, he discovered two small hinges. The back of the linen cabinet acted as a door.
“Bingo,” he said into the concealed mic, knowing Fuse listened.
Stepping away, he studied the wall behind the cabinet, thinking of the room’s location in the apartment. Mitch would swear the wall was common to the adjoining unit.
“False door at the back of the linen closet in the guest bath. The wall is common to the unit on the east side.”
“Affirmative,” Fuse responded.
Reaching back into the cabinet, he released the latch, drawing it toward him enough to see behind it. Sure enough, a similar door was a few inches away, allowing anyone to move between both units.
“You were right, Fuse, about a secret entrance.”
The snake had been brought in from the apartment next door. He wanted to check the bath in the master bedroom, the one where the snake had been found. That would have to wait. Then a thought hit him.
“Sonofabitch.”
“Repeat, Mitch.”
“I’ll provide a SITREP when I return.”
The baths were the only two rooms without cameras. The bedroom devices were installed to face windows or doors, maintaining Brittany’s privacy. The same couldn’t be done in the close quarters of either bath.
Washing his hands, he stepped into the hall, noticing an open door showing a stacked washer and dryer. Taking his time, he stopped by the glass door to the patio. In the reflection, he saw Brittany approach and turned.
“Your layout is different from mine. I have two bedrooms but only one bath. I’ve got my name in for one with a second bath.”
“In case my parents visit, I wanted a separate one for them. Knowing Mother, she’ll book a room at the Phoenician or Four Seasons.”
“Is your bath large?”
“It’s en suite, but somewhat small. Would you like to see it?”
Holding up a hand, he shook his head. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Not a problem. It’s back down the hall.”
Walking in ahead of her, Mitch took a quick look around, confirming she had a large linen closet set against the common wall with the unit next door. “This is perfect. Thanks for letting me check it out.”
“It suits my needs.” She followed him through the bedroom and back to the living room. “Hope your name comes up soon for another unit.”
“Me, too. I’m hoping to cut the expenses by getting a roommate.”
Smiling, she lifted a brow. “Male or female?”
He grinned back. “Definitely male. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your ears open for someone who’s looking. I should get going. Thanks for dinner and dessert.”
“It was nice not to eat alone, Mitch. Next time, I’m buying.”
Taking another circuitous route to join Fuse, Mitch thought of what he’d learned. Other than not placing a tracking device in her computer case, the evening had been a surprising success.
Chapter Eight
Fitting Mitch with a mic had been a last-minute decision. Fuse heard everything, and by the time his partner returned through the back door, Fuse had already obtained information on the tenant to the east.
“Did you find out anything?”
“A guy named Tony Reyes lives in the apartment on the east side of Brit. I met him during one of my recons of the complex. Introduced himself as with the Phoenix P.D. Real arrogant little shit.”
Mitch snorted, dropping into one of the large, upholstered chairs. “My guess is the guy’s as much a LEO as me,” he said, referring to a law enforcement officer.
“I’ll get Raider to do a deep background on Reyes. Hell, it probably isn’t his real name.” Fuse shifted in his chair, a sneer on his lips. “You know, the hidden opening between the units can be used both ways.”
A slow grin brightened Mitch’s solemn features. “We need to plant cameras and mics in his place.”
“He’s already gone out and returned tonight.”
“Hold on.” Mitch pulled his phone from a pocket, bringing up a local number. “Good evening, ma’am. I need to get a message to Officer Tony Reyes. Could be Anthony Reyes.” He waited, absently rubbing his too full stomach. “Are you certain? I can do that. Thank you, ma’am.”
“No Tony Reyes, right?”
“Right. She suggested I check with Scottsdale, Mesa, and a few other nearby cities.” Rubbing his eyes, he shifted uncomfortably in the chair. “Can’t remember the last time I ate so much.”
“All in the line of duty, my man.” Fuse stared at the screen, watching as Brittany stretched both hands above her head, then bent down to touch her fingers on the floor. He knew this move. She used to stretch the same way right before heading to bed…and to him.
Throat constricting, he continued to watch as she turned off the lights, moving into the darkness toward her bedroom. His heart slammed into his chest, breath coming in shallow, painful gulps.
“I’ve got to get out of here. You okay for a while?”
Mitch’s narrowed gaze studied him, already knowing what ate at his partner. “I’m good. Take as long as you need.”
Grabbing a jacket, Fuse stalked across the room to the patio door. Moving into the darkness, he took a path around the complex. Breathing in the cool desert air, he studied every unit, doors, windows, and landscape as he moved, more a ghost than a man.
They now knew Tony Reyes wasn’t with the police department. He’d become the lead suspect in placing the rattler inside her apartment. Fuse believed Reyes would also be the one to carry out the latest threat on Brittany.
Reaching the back of her apartment, he slowed, tugging the ball cap farther down on his head. Her patio light was off, the only illumination coming from the moon and parking lot. As with each pass, he saw nothing. This time, he knew why.
Moving on to Reyes’s unit, he stopped, searching in a pocket for gum. Popping it in his mouth, he pretended to be watching the stars while listening. He wondered if the fake cop had hunkered down in front of his television, giving up for the night.