Dangerous Impostor Read online

  The machine’s insides had been gutted. Instead of memory boards and power supplies, the computer was stuffed with neatly bound stacks of hundred-dollar bills.

  SIX

  The sight of the money hit Brent like a slap on the side of his head. For a moment all he could do was stare at it. There had to be thousands of dollars stashed in this computer.

  “We need to call Detective Gaines.” Lauren stepped away to retrieve her briefcase and dig inside.

  That’s exactly what they should do, but for some reason, Brent hesitated. The memory of Gaines’s accusing attitude when he questioned Lauren, combined with Mason’s revelation about the Reid Method of Interrogation, made it pretty obvious the detective suspected Lauren of killing Frank. The appearance of a wad of cash in a box with Lauren’s name on it would pretty much guarantee her a trip to police headquarters for more questioning.

  Maybe that’s what should happen. The circumstances were pretty convincing. But Lauren killing Frank simply didn’t make sense, no matter what the circumstances indicated. And she was really shook up, as anyone would be after seeing such a gruesome sight. If Detective Gaines used the Reid Method to interrogate her again, she might end up confessing to something she hadn’t done.

  The trembling of her hand as she pulled a cell phone out of her briefcase was the deciding factor for him.

  “I don’t think we should call the police just yet.”

  She paused, phone in hand, and turned round eyes his way. “Why not?”

  “Because he’ll consider this more evidence against you. He’ll take you to jail.”

  Her jaw slackened as the truth of his words registered. “But…but I didn’t do anything wrong.” Her hand waved toward the computer. “I didn’t have anything to do with this.”

  “Do you think Gaines will believe that?”

  Her throat spasmed with a swallow, while her fingers tightened on the phone. “If we don’t turn the money over, that will look even more suspicious.”

  True. Brent chewed the inside of his lip as he considered. “I’m not suggesting we keep the money. We’ll turn it over, but I don’t want to do anything hasty. We need time to think about this.”

  Her grip on the phone loosened, but her fingers continued to stroke the screen thoughtfully. She was obviously unconvinced.

  How quickly would Mason get back to him? Maybe his buddy could dig up something that would help Lauren’s cause, some assurance of her innocence, or at least of her good character. Something he could give Gaines when they handed off the money. They just needed to stall for a few hours and give Mason time to work.

  He glanced at his watch. “Look, we have about ninety minutes before our session begins. Let’s just put the cover back on the computer and put it aside. Then when the session is over, we’ll figure out the best way to handle this.”

  Her troubled expression turned thoughtful. “Why are you helping me this way?”

  The plaintive tone of her voice stirred up protective feelings in him. Uncomfortable, he half turned toward the table and scooped up the screws he’d removed from the computer. Why was he helping her? Was it because she was his employee, and she was in trouble? Or maybe because he kept seeing tears sparkle in her eyes but then disappear a moment later, as though she was using all her energy to stop them, to not appear vulnerable? Or was he acting like a fool, because she was one of the most attractive women he’d ever met? Probably all of the above, but the overriding reason was just a feeling in his gut.

  He held her gaze with his. “Because I believe you’re innocent.”

  A tremble began in her lower lip, but she tightened her mouth before he could do more than notice it. She drew in a breath and blew it out. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

  Brent broke the connection of their gazes and gestured toward the computer. “Why don’t you replace the cover and wrap the system back up while I set up the network for our workshop?”

  With a nod, she held out her hands for the screws. When he handed them over, his fingers brushed the soft skin on the palm of her hand. The contact sent such a delicious shock up his arm he had to force himself not to jerk away. She didn’t seem to notice but took the hardware and went to work.

  Brent returned to the first computer. As he unwrapped the network cables, he whispered a prayer under his breath.

  “Lord, let Mason find something that will help. And let him find it quick.”

  Lauren replaced the screws and tightened them with her fingers as best she could. She hesitated to ask Brent for his knife, because she didn’t want to risk touching him again. Surely he heard her heart pound when his fingers brushed her hand.

  Her stepmother was obviously right, though Lauren hated to admit it. All her life, Daddy had taken care of her. She never knew her mother, since a car accident had taken her life when Lauren was only a few months old, and he’d remained single until last year. Daddy had worked hard to ensure she didn’t suffer because of only having one parent. Not only did he shower her with love, but, since he was a wealthy man, Lauren had never wanted for any need or luxury. He’d always paid all her bills, taken her on lavish vacations, bought her anything she needed or wanted. Daddy had even arranged for her first job out of college.

  The computer’s cover in place, she retrieved the Bubble Wrap and began folding it around the computer, all the while avoiding looking in Brent’s direction. Of course, her first job had turned out to be a complete disaster, but it was her own fault, not Daddy’s. Falling for David Reynolds was the stupidest thing she had ever done. He and his brother were co-owners of the private software firm where she’d worked, which meant he’d been her boss. Why had she allowed herself to get involved with him?

  Because at first, I thought he shared some of Daddy’s qualities. He bought me flowers and expensive perfume and treated me well when we went out. And he was strong, assertive, full of authority, like Daddy. I didn’t know he’d turn out to be nothing like Daddy.

  She snuck a glance at Brent, who finished hooking up the monitor cable, pressed the power button and dropped into a chair in front of the computer, his eyes on the screen. Brent exhibited those same qualities. No doubt that’s what lay behind the almost magnetic pull she felt for him.

  She picked up the wrapped computer and returned it to the box in the corner. How much money was in there? And what in the world was Frank doing, sending it addressed to her? The more she thought about the mail-room scenario, the less sense it made. Frank had put her name on those boxes. Which meant he was involved in something underhanded, probably illegal, and had been willing to cast suspicion on her.

  Well, it had worked. Frank, if you were still alive, I’d give you a kick in the shins.

  “This isn’t going to take as long as I thought.” Brent’s words sliced through her thoughts. He glanced up at her as his fingers flew over the keyboard. “I’m going to need one of those notebooks up and running in a minute.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that.”

  Lauren headed across the room and began unpacking the notebook boxes. She half feared she’d find another computer full of cash, but these machines both looked to be in working order. Besides, they were so small they wouldn’t hold much anyway.

  While she waited for the laptops to power up, her gaze was drawn back to Brent across the room. During her interview, she’d been impressed that someone his age had attained such a high level of responsibility. Oh, of course she’d noted his good looks, but she’d been so focused on appearing competent and qualified for the job, she hadn’t felt even a stirring of attraction.

  When the human resource department had called her to offer her the position, she’d been so excited. A smile curved her lips at the memory of that moment, of trying to suppress a triumphant shout when she heard the news. She’d landed this job on her own, with no help from Daddy. And it was a good job, working for a highly respected company. When she’d gone by her father’s house that night to deliver the good news, even Lisa had seemed grudgingly approvin
g. At twenty-four, Lauren was finally learning to stand on her own two feet.

  And now, look at the mess she’d landed in. Her gaze slid to the box in the corner of the room, and the sense of satisfaction faded. Instead of standing, she’d just fallen headfirst into disaster, one she had no idea how to get out of on her own. Her fingernails bit into her palms as her hands clenched into fists.

  It’s not my fault! I didn’t do anything wrong.

  Somehow, she had to prove that. Because she wasn’t sure her resolution to take care of herself would remain strong if Detective Gaines took her to jail in handcuffs.

  SEVEN

  “It works!”

  Brent couldn’t help return Lauren’s wide smile. He sat at the main computer, and she perched on the back row of chairs on the complete opposite side of the room with a notebook in her lap. They’d gotten their network configured and connected the devices to the room’s projection system. The huge screen showed a split image: half Brent’s server monitoring software, and the other half the order entry form on Lauren’s notebook. After their presentation, they’d be able to pass the notebooks around and allow the attendees to enter orders themselves. The screen would show the transactions updating the main database in real time. The demo Frank had designed would be impressive.

  “You doubted my abilities?” Brent allowed a teasing note to creep into his voice. “I’m crushed.”

  Her lips twisted, though the smile didn’t disappear. “Well, you are an executive, after all. I doubt if any of the other vice presidents could set up a server in a month, much less in under an hour.”

  “I told you before, I’m not a typical executive.”

  “That’s right, you’re an aberration.” A low chuckle reached his ears, a charming sound that warmed his insides. It was good to hear her laugh.

  The room filled with the sound of symphonic tones, and his cell phone vibrated on the surface of the table beside the keyboard. He glanced at the screen, saw Mason’s name and snatched it up.

  “Hey, buddy. Have you got something for me already?” It had been just under ninety minutes since they’d talked.

  “Oh, yeah. Remember that steak you owe me? It’s going to be filet mignon, and it’s going to cost you a bundle. And believe me, you’re going to be grateful.”

  Despite the teasing words, the tone of Mason’s voice was serious. Brent glanced up at Lauren, who was making her way to the front of the room, notebook in hand.

  He stood and headed for the service door to the left of the projection screen, speaking to her as he walked. “Excuse me a minute. I need to take this.”

  “Sure. I’m just going to go over my presentation.”

  He stepped through the door into a narrow and deserted carpeted corridor, apparently used to give convention center personnel access to the conference rooms without using the main hallway. He walked toward the end, and a couple of doors away he saw a small kitchenette with an ice machine, a large coffee maker and several shelves full of pitchers, carafes, cups and glasses.

  “What did you find out?” He spoke into his phone in a quiet voice.

  “Just a couple of things so far, but I thought I’d better tell you. Looks like your damsel in distress really is hiding a pair of black-widow fangs.”

  Brent’s good mood evaporated in an instant. He leaned against the wall next to the kitchen. “Tell me.”

  “You mentioned that there was no reference for her prior employer, so I gave Reynolds SofTech a call. I made up a fake name and told them she had applied for a job at my company, and I wanted to speak to someone who could verify her employment history there. The lady on the phone got real cautious and wouldn’t tell me anything. Said she’d have to get someone to call me back. Within ten minutes, I got a call from a guy named David Reynolds, who apparently owns part of the company.”

  “No kidding? The owner called you back?” Brent shook his head. A company owner returning a standard employment reference call? This couldn’t be good.

  “Yeah. Apparently it’s a fairly small company. He said Lauren Bradley worked directly for him for almost a year. When I asked if he would classify her as a good employee, he didn’t even pause. Said she was deceptive and dishonest and warned me not to hire her.”

  “Lauren, dishonest?” He glanced down the hallway at the closed door behind which Lauren worked. It was hard to imagine her lying. Those clear green eyes were so, well, honest.

  “That’s what he said. She was about to get fired when she quit. Didn’t even give notice, just showed up one morning, cleaned out her desk, told Reynolds she wasn’t coming back and he could keep her last paycheck.”

  His mind worked overtime digesting this information. Walking out on a job without notice was considered highly unprofessional.

  “I can’t believe it,” he told Mason. “She doesn’t seem the type to do that. And the paycheck thing is strange, don’t you think? Maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

  “Yeah, turning down money you’ve earned is weird, no doubt about it. That’s why I did a little financial snooping. Turns out I know a guy who works for her bank, so I gave him a call and he told me something interesting.”

  “Isn’t that illegal? How on earth did you get a bank employee to tell you anything?”

  Mason dismissed that with a grunt. “Eh, he owed me. Anyway, turns out Ms. Distressed Damsel has a ton of money in her checking account. Almost sixty thousand dollars. And fifty thousand of it was just deposited last week.”

  The air left Brent’s lungs in a rush. He sagged against the wall. “This is unbelievable. There’s got to be an explanation. I can’t be that wrong about her.”

  A heavy pause. “Uh-oh. You know what I’m hearing on this end of the conversation?”

  “What?”

  “I’m hearing the sounds of an unsuspecting schmuck caught in a super-sticky web. Take my advice, Brent, and don’t get tangled up with this particular spider.”

  Sound advice. Brent recognized the wisdom, yet at the same time, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Lauren was the victim.

  Lord, I need some guidance, here. I’m coming up empty on ideas. What do you want me to do?

  “I hear what you’re saying, buddy, and I appreciate the advice.” He heaved off the wall and stepped to the center of the hallway. “But could you keep poking around? There’s got to be more to the story.”

  A resigned sigh crackled through the phone. “Okay, but only because I want to save you from making a colossal mistake. If you get killed, I’m out a steak dinner.”

  Brent couldn’t help but laugh. “Nice to know you care.”

  “One more thing, though.” Mason’s voice became serious. “I know a guy out there. He used to be a jailer here in Atlanta, but a couple of years ago he found Jesus and moved to Vegas to convert prostitutes or something.” Brent detected an edge of sarcasm, evidence of Mason’s opinion of Christians. “He’s a sharp guy in spite of that, and a good man to have on your side in a fight. I’m going to text you his address and phone number as soon as we hang up. If you run into trouble, I want you to give Caleb a call.”

  The concern in Mason’s voice touched Brent. “Thanks, buddy. I appreciate it.”

  He disconnected the call and headed toward the conference room. Mason was a good guy, one of only a few men Brent could call a true friend despite their differing opinions on spiritual matters. And he did trust Mason’s instincts. But in this case, Mason had never met Lauren, had never seen her, hadn’t heard the sincerity in her voice when she challenged that blackjack dealer. He had to be wrong about her.

  As he opened the door, Brent sent a silent prayer heavenward. Lord, please let Mason be wrong about her. And if he’s not, I’d appreciate a little extra protection over the next week or so.

  Lauren’s nerves calmed as she silently read through her presentation. Though she wasn’t accustomed to patting her own back, she’d done a good job of outlining the business case for the network project. It flowed well and made se
nse. Brent’s success in setting up the demo equipment had eased another nagging worry. The technology was impressive. As long as she didn’t freeze when she stepped up to the podium, everything ought to go smoothly.

  Then she’d be on the other side of this ordeal and could concentrate on digging herself out of the hole Frank had tried to bury her in.

  The service door opened and Brent entered. One glimpse of his solemn expression and Lauren’s cheery greeting died on her lips. Red spots blotched the skin on his neck and face. He was upset about something.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  He didn’t answer at first. His fingers held tight to his cell phone as he stared at her. No, this was more intense than a stare. He studied her face as though searching for something behind her eyeballs. She squirmed beneath the intensity of his examination but somehow managed to hold his gaze.

  He finally broke the silence, his voice low. “We need to talk, Lauren.”

  Dread dropped like a weight into her stomach. He’d said earlier that they were going to talk about her job at SofTech when the presentation was over. Oh, how she’d love to avoid that conversation.

  She glanced at her watch. “Our session starts in twenty minutes.”

  “Then I won’t waste time beating around the bush.” He crossed the room and slid into a chair on the front row, leaving two empties between them. “I need to know why you left your job at Reynolds SofTech.”

  Moisture evaporated from her mouth as the weight in her stomach doubled. A list of reasons, all of them perfectly true, paraded through her mind. The job at Sterling Foods provided more room for professional advancement. The pay was higher. The benefits were much better. But those would sound hollow in the heavy silence between them. He’d obviously heard something, so there was no sense denying anything. Time to come clean.