Page 25 of Her Heart's Desire
Tad sat next to them, wolfing down a second stack of the buttermilk pancakes Jake had whipped up.
“Want me to mix up some more?” Jake offered.
“No thanks,” Tad said mid-bite. “This should do it. These are great, by the way. I’m surprised...”
“That the goon can cook?” Jake chuckled at Tad’s embarrassed flush. “Don’t worry about it, kid.”
“You said we needed a strategy session,” Samantha steered things along.
“That’s right. We’ve got some work ahead of us.” He glanced from Samantha’s open gaze to Tad’s suddenly cautious one.
Tad’s fork clattered to his plate, betraying his tension. His gut told him Tad was telling the truth, but he wouldn’t be wholly crossed off the list of suspects until his story was checked out. In the meantime, Jake intended to keep close tabs on him. He couldn’t afford to drop the ball now and let down his guard.
He’d take whatever steps he needed to solve the case. Hopefully, by the time he was done, Samantha would still be by his side. In addition to the allegiance, he felt for his boss. This went deeper than his loyalty to Logan Industries. He wanted to stay here and teach sweet Samantha all the love lessons she could handle. He’d come to a startling realization last night. He needed her like a thirsty man needed water. And despite their age and class differences, he intended to go after her.
“What kind of strategy session?”
Jake turned his focus on Tad. It was too great a coincidence that blackmailing was going on alongside industrial espionage. He wasn’t sure how, but instinct told him the crimes were linked. While Tad viewed Jennifer’s actions with a loving eye, Jake had to be more critical. She might not be the victim Tad thought. Time would tell, but until he knew for sure, he had to ensure Tad’s cooperation.
“We need a long-range plan, Tad.”
Tad’s jaw tensed. “Such as?”
“Some things I need to do during this investigation may upset you, but I’m going to need you to step back and give me a free hand.”
“You’re talking about Jenny, aren’t you? I’m telling you right now, she would never have set me up.”
“Probably not, but her role in this has to be investigated.”
Tad sighed. “I suppose, but you’ll be wasting your time. You haven’t changed your mind about giving her a break, have you?”
Samantha shook her head. “Of course not, Tad. When Jake makes a promise, he keeps it.”
Jake felt bolstered by her fervent approval. “No, I haven’t changed my mind. In the meantime, we’ve got the drop to deal with.”
Tad nodded. “Right, I’ll go ahead with it as planned.”
“No, it’s too dangerous.” Samantha looked at Jake for backup. She seemed relieved at his nod.
“I agree. I’ll make the drop instead of you. We’re about the same build. If they show up, the crook won’t be able to tell the difference in the dark.”
She nodded. “I don’t like that you are risking your neck any better, but at least you’ve got some experience. I’m just hoping the creep won’t show up. You don’t think he will, do you?”
“Probably not, unless they arranged for another patsy to complete the scam. They’re probably watching and freaking out because Tad came here early. I’ve got to convince them I believe you’re guilty, which brings me to the second part of our plan. Tad, I’m afraid you’ll have to go to jail.”
“What!”
Samantha was obviously shocked by the suggestion. “That’s out of the question. You said he was innocent. How can you, in good conscience, put him behind bars?”
Jake’s jaw tightened. She still didn’t trust him, but he hadn’t given her much reason to do so.
Tad leaned forward. “He’s probably right. With me out of the picture, they might drop their guard.”
She bit her lip and slanted a worried glance at Tad. “Are you okay with this?”
Tad nodded. “I want this whole mess cleared up. I think I can trust Jake not to betray me.”
She turned to Jake. “All right, go ahead and call. But, please, I don’t want Dad to find out about this until we know who’s behind it.”