AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He jolted to his feet. “What?”
“Our facial recognition software came upon it. It’s time-stamped twenty minutes ago.”
Trent rushed out of the library. “Where?”
“Right outside of Cheryse’s salon.”
Worry stirred within him. Anything that involved Cheryse added another layer of concern. “Heading that way. I’ll call you when I get there.”
* * *
Ten minutes later,Trent strode up to Cheryse’s salon and paused in front of the street camera that he was pretty sure Brooks’s guys had grabbed the image from. He called Brooks. “You there?”
“Yep.”
“Can you see me from the camera across the street?”
“Hold up.” The sound of Brooks tapping at a computer came over the line.
“How’s Serenity?”
“Fine, why?”
Trent rolled his eyes. Only Brooks would think of small talk as a security threat. “No reason. You guys have plans for Christmas?”
“Oh, Christmas?” Brooks sounded honestly surprised to hear about the holiday.
“It’s a kind of major holiday celebrated in some form by most Americans.”
“I got the pic of you. Yes, it’s the same angle as Banks.”
Trent looked around, then strode into the salon. “Okay, I’ll call back.”
“Okay.”
Cheryse was standing at her booth, talking quickly, and a man he didn’t recognize sat in her chair. Not that he should recognize every guy in her chair, but the guy looked like Banks.
Cheryse lit up as he walked toward her. “Trent.” She put her hand up to the guy. “Just a sec.” She let Trent catch her in a close hug. “This guy is weird,” she whispered in his ear.
On high alert, he kept her against his chest, loving the smell of too many scents to differentiate. The scents just conjured Cheryse in his mind. He leaned into her, talking quietly. “Brooks got a pic of Banks in front of your salon less than thirty minutes ago.”
She froze. “What?” Her voice grew shrill with panic.
“It’s fine.” He forced an amused expression and pretended she’d said something funny. His laugh sounded fake to his own ears, but it wouldn’t to someone else. He scanned the place, noting that there were two other stylists in the salon. “When did this guy come in? When I pull away, giggle and pretend I’m flirting with you.”
“Ten minutes ago. He said he needed a trim, but he really doesn’t.” She jerked back, giving him a shove. “You’re being crazy.” Her tone sounded off, too.
Trent glanced over at the chair and found the guy staring right at them. He released Cheryse and laughed again. “I know, I can’t believe Christmas is so close.” He forced himself to be casual. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
Her hand shook, but she walked back to the guy and plastered on what Trent recognized was a fake smile. “Sir, you’re almost done.”
The guy ignored her, staring at Trent. “Who are you?”
Trent wasn’t going to make it this obvious, but he flashed him a grin and acted carefree. “I’m Cheryse’s brother, just couch surfing for the holiday. What about you?”
The guy glanced at Cheryse, who was focused on trimming the back of his head. “I’m just passing through.”
Bingo. Trent leaned into the side of her booth. “Really? Where are you from?”
