They were the newest micro units, placed to focus on doors and windows. The apartment being furnished had made it easier to find places Brittany wouldn’t notice. Mitch had already reviewed yesterday’s and last night’s images twice, seeing nothing suspicious.
“I’m missing something. The rattler had to have been planted.”
“Let me take a look.” Fuse slid into Mitch’s chair, studying the images.
Mitch paced behind him, glancing out the front window toward Brittany’s each time he passed by. Fuse knew his cracked ribs caused a great deal of pain, and the headaches from the concussion hadn’t subsided.
“Did you take the pain killers this morning?”
Mitch touched a temple, snorting. “Hell no. I hate those damn things.”
“They prescribed them for a reason.” Fuse didn’t take his gaze off the screen as he spoke.
“It was a routine script. I told them not to bother, but…” Mitch shrugged. “I’m going for a walk. Back in a few.”
Fuse gave a terse nod. “Don’t let her see you.”
“You do know Brittany noticed me when everyone was outside her apartment. In fact, I do believe the lady liked what she saw.”
Asshole. Fuse tensed, but didn’t respond. Mitch knew the history between Brittany and him, probably suspected he might still love her. Which he didn’t.
At least Fuse refused to accept having any continued feelings for her. He’d been down that road before, and it hadn’t turned out well for him. Regardless of the past, Brittany no longer felt anything for him. Maybe as a friend, but Fuse didn’t need more friends. His life was perfect, no changes required.
Leaning back in his chair, he speared Mitch with a hard glare. “Brit’s a job. Hands off.”
Lips twitching, he slipped out the front door, chuckling. Fuse watched as he strolled along the walkway, passing by the downstairs apartments, his mind sorting through, then tossing aside ideas on who might be threatening Brittany.
Senator Blackmore said the caller had referred to legislation, but not a particular bill. The consensus pointed to keeping the senator on a short rope, forcing him to vote as they wanted.
They needed more information to identify those behind the threats. So far, there’d been one vexing phone call and a rattler in her bathroom. Not much to go on, and details mattered.
As a bodyguard, Fuse didn’t require much besides knowing Brittany could be in substantial danger. Lifting his head from the screen, he watched her emerge from her apartment, purse slung over her shoulder, phone to her ear.
Grabbing his phone, he called Mitch. “She’s on the move. Either walking, taking a cab, or bus.”
“I see her. She’s standing at the curb.”
“A cab then.”
Mitch moved a little closer to her, keeping a safe distance so as not to spook her. “Right. This could be my opportunity to place a tracker on her.”
Leaving the phone open, Mitch waited nearby for close to ten minutes. “Her ride is here.” He walked right up to her when she approached the car. “Hello, ma’am. I think this is my ride.”
Brittany looked at him, then did a double-take. “Excuse me?”
“The ride. I believe this one is mine.”
“Not possible.” She glanced inside the car. “Is this the ride to the auto park?”
The driver shifted, his gaze moving between the two of them. “Yes, ma’am.”
“That’s where I’m going,” Mitch said. “We can split the fee. That is, if you don’t mind sharing the car.”
On the other end of the line, Fuse chuckled, wishing he had line-of-sight on them. He couldn’t risk Brittany getting a glimpse of him, and Mitch seemed to have this under control.
“Well, I suppose it would be all right.” Brittany cleared it with the driver before climbing inside.
“Great.” Mitch climbed inside, holding out his hand. “I’m Mitch.”
Shifting on the seat, she took his hand. “Brittany. Um, do you live in the complex?”
“Sure do. Weren’t you the one who found a rattler in your apartment?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“It’s not uncommon around here for one of those critters to follow you inside. Or slither through even a slim opening, especially the young ones.”
Brittany shivered. “Maybe I should’ve taken the unoccupied spot on the second floor.”
“Could be. They aren’t known for climbing walls. So, what do you do, Brittany?”
Hesitating a moment, she glanced at him. “I’m the chief of staff for one of the politicians in town.”
“Impressive.”
She choked out a chuckle, thinking of her father’s staff. “Most people see it as glamorous. Trust me, it’s a lot of work, much lasting deep into the night.”
“Bet it cuts into your social life. Well, assuming you’re single.”
Ignoring the comment, she changed the subject. “What about you? What do you do for work?”
“I was a firefighter in another state before retiring. Came here to get out of the cold.”
She studied him a moment, cocking her head. “You look much too young to retire.”
“Thanks, but I’m old enough. I joined the Army at seventeen and stayed two years. Was hired by the department soon after applying. Put in my twenty and left.”
Brittany’s lips thinned as she calculated the time.
“It means I’m thirty-nine.” Which wasn’t true, but close enough for this assignment.
Feeling her face flush, she grinned. “Curiosity is my weak point.”
“Not a problem.” Mitch glanced down at his phone, seeing the call to Fuse still connected. “I’m planning to look for part-time work at some point. Don’t know what yet.”
“Here you go.” The driver stopped at the curb in the center of the auto park.
“I’ve got the tip, then I’ll give you money for my half.” Handing a five to the driver, Mitch climbed out, reaching his hand inside to help Brittany.
He gave her a ten, a little more than half the fare. “Good to meet you, and thanks for letting me share your ride.”
She took his outstretched hand. “No problem. Nice to meet you, Mitch. I’m sure we’ll see each other around the complex.” Dropping her arm, she took a look around. “Guess it’s time to start my search.”
“For what?”
“I need a car. Phoenix isn’t like D.C. where there’s tons of public transportation, and cabs. They wait outside most restaurants and hotels.” She glanced up and down the street, seeing just about every dealer possible.
“I’m here to find transportation myself. What are you hoping to find?”
“I don’t know yet. Nothing fancy and definitely used.”
“Mind if I tag along, Brittany? I’m looking for a used truck or SUV.”
She knew his name and where he lived, seeing no harm in searching with him. “I’d like that. I could use another opinion.”
“Great. Which way should we start?”
Fuse listened to the ongoing conversation, his body quaking with irritation, until Mitch killed the connection. He knew his partner had a job to do, and the tactics were sound. Get close to Brittany, become her friend, gain her trust.