Page 25 of Hideaway Reunion

“Leggett,” he murmured, keeping his voice low so he wouldn’t disturb Roni or her client.

“Morning, man. You ready for the rundown on those ECM serial numbers?” Connor, his research assistant on this case, had been tracking the details on those units since Brayden found them. The man was a tech savant who could dig up a paper trail through a brick wall and, having been trained by Claudia, the original best in class researcher, he was virtually unstoppable.

After Brayden had documented and removed the ECMs with Gamble recording the process via video call, Jess had taken the items to a safe deposit box for security. Gamble was handling the legalities, treating the situation as a recovery rather than a movement of stolen goods. The finer legal points weren’t Brayden’s priority. He trusted his bosses to keep him on the right side of the law during his assignments.

“Give me some good intel,” Brayden said. Preferably something he could use to make Vanbeck squirm even more.

“Those ECM computer units you recovered were never installed in the machinery next door,” Connor revealed, a note of triumphant satisfaction in his tone. “I tracked the manufacturer shipment records. Those specific serial numbers belong to a batch of backup replacement parts purchased three weeks ago. Legally bought and paid for by Deepsouth Excavation, LLC.”

Brayden smothered an oath. His gaze tracked the lovely landscaping and blooming flowers in the yard, but he was seeing that construction site. How long would they pretend they’d been shut down? “Let me guess. Deepsouth Excavation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indigo Reef.”

“Nailed it,” Connor said. “Financials show no records of actual work completed, just a trail of expensive equipment bought and sold. Indigo Reef bought those units, kept them in storage, and then reported them stolen last night. It’s a total fabrication. They bricked their own machinery, pulling the working ECMs to make the theft report look credible, while planting the backup inventory in the Hideaway shed.”

“A lot of effort and expense just to frame Veronica,” Brayden whispered as a cold, dangerous fury settled into his chest. “Granted, I’m sure they don’t care which sister takes the fall. Any idea why they’re desperate enough to burn tens of thousands of dollars forcing them out?”

“Not to mention the formal complaints of industrial sabotage,” Connor continued. “Until the authorities can pull back the veil on the bogus witness statement, the police department is under massive pressure from Indigo Reef’s legal team to provide protection at the site. Vanbeck is claiming the Hargrave sisters are an ongoing threat to their business interests.”

Brayden managed to keep his thoughts on Vanbeck’s fate to himself. The last thing they needed was an overheard death threat floating around. “So the site is locked down,” Brayden noted. “How long?”

“Unknown.” Connor was quiet for a moment, probably searching his online sources. “Lead time on ECM replacements vary. They can’t legally run a single engine next door without admitting the stolen units were a scam. Best guess is it’ll be a couple of days before anyone would believe they received new units. And that’s pushing it. “

A slow, razor-sharp smile spread across Brayden’s face. “A double-edged sword. They wanted to frame Roni, but now they’ve legally cornered themselves into a complete work stoppage.”

“Exactly.” Connor chuckled. “Watch your back, Brayden. Vanbeck is furious. He’s got to know it wasn’t Veronica who swapped out the contents of that crate. He’ll be looking for a way to make you pay for the embarrassment today.”

“Let him look,” Brayden said. “I’ve got plenty of friends in high and low places. Y’know, it might be worth it to send a drone over the site, just for kicks.”

“Be careful,” Connor said, ending the call.

Brayden slid the phone back into his pocket as Veronica wrapped up her session with Abigail. She gently massaged a cold pack around the woman’s shoulder, her movements methodical and caring. According to the protocol she’d shared on the way over, this marked the last ten minutes of the appointment.

“Thank you, Veronica.” Abigail patted her hand. “I’m sure my physical therapist at home will be thrilled by the progress. And you’ve taken such care to keep our vacation on track. I meant it when I said I wanted to come back to the Hideaway once the development is done.”

“I’ll look forward to hosting you,” Roni said. “Do you have anything fun planned for tomorrow night?”

“Not that I’m aware of.” Abigail grinned. “You have a suggestion?”

“Well, the Hideaway is hosting the local dance club. After work hours, so the construction site will be quiet. They’re teaching a shag class on the beach. Free admission. The classic, relaxed moves won’t strain your shoulder at all. The event starts at seven with light refreshments available. It’s not the same as having the place to yourselves, but you would be able to enjoy the beach.”

“That sounds like fun. Can the grandkids come along?”

“Of course,” Roni replied. “I hope to see you there.” With a wave, she walked over to join Brayden and they headed out to his truck. The moment they were out of sight, her professional composure completely crumbled. Her shoulders slumped, and she pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes, taking a ragged, trembling breath.

Brayden curled his arm around her. “You’re doing great,” he crooned at her ear. “Hang in there.”

Straightening, she gave him a grateful smile. “She’d heard about the warrant this morning. It makes me want to choke Vanbeck for spreading his lies. You know he did it.”

“Not arguing.”

“Even though we’re in the right, there will be some damage. I’m not sure how much the community events will save our business reputation. Maybe not at all.”

Heedless of who might be watching, he gathered her close to his chest. She let out a soft, shuddering sigh, burying her face in his neck, her hands gripping his shoulders as if he were the only lifeline in her world.

“We’ll get through it,” he soothed.

“I want to believe you,” she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears. “But we look like the bad guys, especially after that feel-good article on Indigo Reef.”

“The truth will come out,” he reminded her. “Sooner rather than later. I’m sure of that.”