Double Jeopardy by Cooper KaLyn

Author:Cooper, KaLyn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KaLyn Cooper
Published: 2017-01-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

“Ryleigh, I’m going to the beach.” Ella wasn’t asking permission. The woman emerged from the bedroom in a lacy yellow swimsuit cover over a blue and white bikini.

Glancing toward Blake in a nonverbal handoff, Ryleigh stood from the tall chair at the breakfast bar where she and her partner had been discussing the arrival of Garrett Diehl and Troy Stone. “Please give me a moment to run next door and change.”

As though realizing how abrupt she had initially been, Ella gave Ryleigh a small smile. “Thank you.” She practically plopped down into one of the living room chairs. “I’m sorry. I need to get out of here for little bit. I barely slept at all last night as I laid awake watching Duke’s chest rise and fall.” She rolled her lips in as though trying to hold in emotions. “I was so afraid he’d…” She let the sentence hang.

Ryleigh walked over and kneeled in front of Ella. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. Perhaps a little nap in the sun will do you good.” She glanced at Blake for only an instant before returning her gaze to the beautiful woman in the chair who had removed her large sunglasses revealing darkened half-moons under each eye. “Duke is in good hands with Blake, and you’ll be safe with me. Please wait right here. I promise I’ll only be a minute or two. Then we’ll go to that gorgeous beach, right there.” She nodded toward the glass doors and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Ella reached out and grabbed Ryleigh’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you.” She swallowed hard before glancing back and forth between her and Blake. “I can’t thank you both enough for everything you did yesterday.”

“We were only doing our job, ma’am.” Blake shifted uncomfortably at the praise. “From the doctor’s visit this morning, I understand Mr. Wainwright is doing much better.”

Ella’s smile was one of relief. “Yes, Sam said Duke’s blood pressure and heart rate were within the normal ranges. He gave him something to help him sleep and replaced the empty bag of fluid. Hopefully, by the end of the day, Duke can get rid of the IV.”

“That’s great news.” Ryleigh rose and headed for her own cabana.

Within ten minutes, she and Ella were on mesh lounges a few feet from where the ocean lapped the sparkling white sand. “Why don’t you lay back and relax,” Ryleigh suggested. “I’m going to do a perimeter check.” She reached into the beach bag at her side and brought out her favorite .45 caliber Smith & Wesson.

“Is that—” Ella started to ask as she stared at the pistol in Ryleigh’s hand. She briefly shook her head, stirring her enviable long blonde hair. With a self-deprecating smile, she said, “Yes, I guess it is necessary.” She raised her eyes to meet Ryleigh’s. “I’ll be right here when you get back.”

“I shouldn’t be long.” Ryleigh looked at the trees and shrubbery fifty yards away. Nigel’s men were supposed to do regular sweeps of the woods, but she’d feel better seeing for herself.

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