LITMIR.BIZ

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said, his tone sharp with exasperation. “Just keep Sabrina out of my hair. I get the feeling she wants to play with the big boys, and ordinarily, it would be fun to watch her try. But I don’t have time for games.”

      “She’s not exactly a civilian,” Theo reminded him. “Sully started training her before she could walk. I’ll never forget some of the crazy exercises he put her through.”

      “Kid stuff. She never went out on a job, did she? And she’s been a million miles away from Sully’s world—teaching school kids how to tie their shoes—for the last five years.”

      “She’s no ordinary schoolteacher. Read the reports. She never misses a Saturday at the pistol range. And she runs three miles every morning.”

      “She’s in great shape,” Zack admitted. “The legs alone are gold standard. But this job’s too dangerous for an amateur. Aren’t you the one who said she needs to be pampered?”

      “Sabrina will stay here,” Theo agreed. “You’ll take the lead on finding Michelle. But if you haven’t succeeded by Friday, we turn the assignment over to Connor so you can go to Dallas. No arguments.”

      Zack’s laugh was gently mocking. “So much for the concerned-uncle routine.”

      “Forgive me if I don’t want to see the company go down the tubes again, like it did when Sully died.”

      “You mean, like it did when the daughters ran off with half the money and all of the cachet?” Zack chuckled again. “You’re a hypocrite, Theo. Making it seem like I’m the bad guy, when you resent them as much as I do. Probably more.”

      “This conversation is over. Just review the faxes until Breezie gets back. Where is she, anyway?”

      Grimacing, Sabrina plugged the knot back into its hole, then jumped to her feet and slid the brass chest into place, taking care not to make any noise. After making a quick stop in the bathroom, she rejoined the men in the study.

      “There’s my girl! Feeling any better?”

      “I’m fine, thanks. Are those the faxes?” She shuffled through a handful of grainy images, mostly of Johnny arriving at or departing from Shelby’s house, day in and day out for almost two weeks straight. “Unbelievable.”

      “Tell me about it,” Zack drawled. “This guy comes and goes at will, and Connor’s crew just sits there and takes pictures.”

      “It’s no one’s fault,” Theo interrupted. “Let’s just deal with the situation as it stands now, shall we?”

      “Speaking of which, I was thinking…” Sabrina pursed her lips, feigning casual inspiration. “Maybe you should try to hypnotize me.”

      Zack’s green eyes widened with surprise. Then he turned to Theo. “Interesting idea, don’t you think?”

      Theo scowled. “Hypnosis is serious business, Breezie. You’re too upset right now to be a proper candidate. Maybe later—”

      “I insist, Uncle Theo. It’s the quickest way to find out what Johnny wants from us. Once we know that, we’ll be in a better position to guess where he took Shelby.” When Theo hesitated, she repeated firmly, “I insist. If you refuse, I’ll pay a psychologist to do it.”

      “It’s settled then.” Zack’s smile was triumphant. “We’ll go easy on you, I promise. Just a quick in and out. Two, three questions tops.”

      Sabrina shook her head. “Take your time. Like I said, this is our best resource, so don’t be afraid to use it.”

      Theo seemed unconvinced. “We don’t need to do it right away, do we? I want you to relax and eat some lunch first.”

      Sabrina laughed. “What’s the point? I’ll just vomit it up. Remember?”

      “Whoa!” Zack shook his head. “We aren’t using DT3 on you. Just conventional hypnosis.”

      “But—”

      “Do you have to argue about everything?” he asked, adding more reasonably, “DT3 is designed for an unwilling subject. You’re submitting to the process willingly, so we don’t need it.”

      “But—”

      “Zack’s right, Sabrina,” Theo interrupted. “We don’t need it. And given the intensity of your allergic reaction last time, another dose could send you into shock.”

      She grimaced. “Really?”

      “It’s settled,” Zack said, pulling out his cell phone. “You two have some lunch—and a nice visit—while I make some calls. I want to check for activity at the airports, particularly on Shelby’s passport.”

      Sabrina remembered the men’s conversation about the videotape of her father’s funeral. She really wanted to hear that eulogy Zack had raved about, so she decided to jog her uncle’s memory. “Do you have any pictures of Dad? I’d love to reminisce a little.”

      “Of course!” Theo exclaimed. “And I want to show you the funeral video, too. I’m glad you reminded me.”

      Zack’s attention instantly refocused on Sabrina, his eyes narrowing, and she knew she had made a strategic mistake.

      Then his gaze shifted—from her face up toward the ceiling, then back again—and she knew he was on to her. Confirming the suspicion, he spun around and stalked out of the study.

      “What set him off?” Theo demanded.

      Sabrina gave an innocent shrug. “He’s a hothead, remember?”

      “I’m sorry he talked to you the way he did, Breezie. In his defense, he was a die-hard fan of your father’s.”

      “You said Dad recruited him? And also Johnny?”

      “Yes. Connor, too, actually. They were all friends at one time. The future of Perimeter, according to Sully. Strange, isn’t it?”

      Sabrina nodded, but her attention was focused on the room above her head. There was no noise. No sound of a brass trunk being pushed aside. Maybe Zack hadn’t figured it out after all.

      Then he strode back into the room, as quickly as he had left, and tossed the knot of oak into her hands. “Here’s a souvenir. Sebastian’s getting his saw as we speak, so your eavesdropping days are over.”

      Sabrina struggled not to smile as Theo asked his employee, “What are you talking about?”

      “Believe me, boss, you’d rather not know.” Zack arched a teasing eyebrow in Sabrina’s direction. “How old were you when it started?”

      “Seven. But Shell was only five. She’s the one who did the drilling.”

      He laughed. “Derringer better watch his step.”

      “Believe it.”

      Theo glared at them. “Did I miss something?”

      “I’ll tell you later.” Sabrina patted his arm. “Meanwhile, I’m anxious to get started on the hypnosis. Do you mind if we do it before lunch?”

      “Works for me,” Zack agreed. “The sooner I hit the road, the sooner I can search your sister’s place and pick up Derringer’s trail.”

      “I’m coming with you,” Sabrina told him.

      “No way. You’re safest here.”

      “I don’t want to be safe. I want to find my sister. I can do it with you. Or I can do it alone.”

      “If Derringer can’t get what he wants from Michelle, he’ll come after you. You’re safest here.”

      “With your crackerjack security? Give me a break.” She shook her head. “There’s nothing in Sacramento anyway. I searched Shell’s house from top to bottom. If we’re going to find a clue, it’s through Derringer.”

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