Page 61 of Meant for Two
Zane was right. “I’m glad they chose the empty house, but why?”
“If you keep thinking about that, it might drive you crazy,” Zane shot back. He then parked behind the sheriff’s cruiser. “Let’s take Blair home.”
CHAPTERTWENTY
A knock soundedon the model home's front door.
"I'll get it," the sheriff called.
When the door opened, Blair stiffened for a second. Even though the sheriff told her what happened to the Ranchero Model, and that Noah hadn't spotted the vandals anywhere on the property, she still wasn’t convinced they’d left.
Her body suddenly changed from tense to vibrating. Blair relaxed. Her men must be here. When she decided to call themher men, she didn’t know, but it made her feel safe to think they were there for her.
Blair still didn’t understand how she knew when they were near, just that she did. She’d confided in Avery about the phenomenon, but her friend had never heard of that happening to anyone else.
Both men strode in, looking worried. To her surprise, it was Jeff who rushed up and gave her a hug.
He then leaned back and then stepped away. “Are you okay?”
“Yes—or rather physically, I’m fine. Emotionally, I’m devastated. Your uncle has been keeping watch over both of us to make sure we don't become the second target.”
The sheriff entered Blair’s office, nodded to her, and then faced Jeff. “How is Carl?”
“David Weston is taking care of him. He’ll be good to go in no time.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
“Did Noah find any traces of the men on the property?” Zane asked.
“No, though he mentioned that he didn’t see any alarm system in place at the Ranchero Model.”
“That’s because there isn’t any. We were waiting until after the model was fully furnished before installing anything. Plus, the homeowner needs to decide which security package they want.” Jeff stabbed a hand through his hair. “Whoever did this was smart. They had to know that house has no surveillance.”
“How would they know?” Jeff’s uncle asked. Blair had wondered that too.
“I wish I knew,” Jeff said.
“Your dad told me that he plans to hold a Homeowners’ meeting tomorrow night in the clubhouse. You two should attend,” the sheriff said. “The homeowners will want answers, and you are the most qualified to give it to them.”
“Zane and I would be happy to go.” He turned to Blair. “I think it would be good if you went too. You’re good at smoothing things out should anyone get out of hand.”
She was surprised that Jeff thought that. “Of course.” Though that should really be Drew’s job. It was his Development, but Blair said nothing since she wanted to be there. “Let’s hope someone saw a blue truck drive in.”
“That would be handy. I’ll be at the meeting too,” the sheriff said. “Drew thought it would help calm the residents having the law there.”
Just then Noah came in. “Zane, Jeff, ladies.” He turned to the sheriff. “I processed most of the scene, but I have a feeling the only prints we’ll find will belong to the two women—and maybe to some of the delivery men.”
“You’re probably right,” Blair said. “No one has been in there except for Avery, me, and any delivery guys—and of course, those who vandalized the place.”
“When can we look inside?” Avery asked. She’d walked in a moment before.
“We’re still working,” Noah said. “When you come into work tomorrow, you can assess the damage. I’m sorry this happened. The place looked beautiful. This act was vindictive. Since there are no personal items in the house, the vandals were there to destroy it.”
Blair stepped next to Jeff. “Didn’t you say one of your dad’s acquaintances might be responsible?”
“Yes, Phil DePaul.” Jeff looked to the sheriff. “Did you learn anything about him?”
“He was out of town during the first break-in, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have hired someone to hurt your dad’s business. Once we find evidence of that, I can try to get a search warrant to check his bank account. Until then, our hands are tied.”