“Sure, but then I need to clean up.”
“Understatement.” Before her twin could wipe his sweaty slime on her, Tawny raced upstairs.
She’d just finished showering and changing when she heard Mason arrive. When she entered the living room, he and Zach were discussing the bug Tawny had found. “Hey, guys,” she said.
“Tawny can keep you company while I clean up.” Zach stood and then walked past her.
“I’ll set the table.” Tawny debated whether to have the five of them sit at the table or park themselves in front of the television. Since the men seemed most relaxed in the living room, that’s where she’d put everything.
As much as she didn’t want to interrupt the training session, she texted Alex to let him know she was home and had food for them.
He texted back within seconds. “We’re already on our way.”
Alex and Liam arrived less than five minutes later smelling of sweat. “Go wash up. Dinner’s on the coffee table. When you finish, Mason and I will tell you about the new development.”
“Development?” Liam cupped her shoulders. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Go.”
Zach was in her room showering, so Alex and Liam used their own bathrooms. When Zach came out, Mason lifted a bottle of wine. “I figured we could use this.”
Zach fist pumped their old brother. “I’m glad you have such sophisticated tastes, but I’m still a beer man.”
Mason chuckled. Ten minutes later, all five of them were seated, diving into the meal.
“Tawny, tell us about this development,” Liam said.
She explained about finding the bug and how she called Mason. “I’m hoping we can go back to the center tonight while it’s closed and sweep the whole place.”
“I have my equipment in the car.”
“Great. I spoke with Dad, and he suggested we might want to put a few bugs of our own around the place. He seems to think someone is using the center to gather information.”
“That kind of makes sense,” Zach said. “A lot of people come and go, and it would be easy to pass on information.”
“With the bug, they could listen from anywhere,” she said.
“True.”
“I can hook you up tonight,” Mason said.
"Thanks."
“Do you have any idea who might have planted those bugs? And more importantly, when were they planted?” Zach asked.
She gave them the same rundown she told her dad. “I wish I knew how long they have been there. It’s possible they know you are alive and well, Zach.”
“Well, fuck me. I’m cooped up here for no reason?”
It wasn’t a surprise he’d be angry. “The problem is that we can’t be sure. If they believe you are alive, it’s all the more reason to stay put.”
“Who is your best bet for having done this?” Alex asked.
“If I was forced to say, I’d point a finger at Julia, only because she’s human and new in town. That being said, she’s the best worker I’ve ever had. I’m hoping it’s not her.”
“Me too,” Mason said. “I had Brad watch a house today, and he caught the couple on camera. His skills are excellent. He’s the real deal.”
“Did he have a limp?” Liam asked.