Chapter Forty-Three

Like Angel, Colton also moved to the edge of his seat in anticipation as Thorne paused, then let out a dramatic sigh before finally answering.

“Fine. Heath has a younger brother who has his own struggling tech company,” he said.

Angel shook her head. “I know that. But I checked him out. Noah was no threat. He doesn’t have two nickels to rub together. What kind of hitman would take a job from a guy who can barely pay the electric bill?” she said with a look of irritation.

“The kind of hitman who knew he wouldn’t get paid, and who’d planned to keep the prototype for himself from the beginning.”

Angel looked over at Colton, then back to Thorne. “Noah was double-crossed? You know this how?”

“People are saying the reaction to his brother’s grisly death wasn’t entirely shock and sadness. There’s apparently been some throwing of chairs and yelling behind his office door.”

“Could be he was cut out of the will or life insurance,” Colton offered.

But Thorne was already shaking his head. “He knew he was never in. It’s no secret the Zeller boys were not brotherly.”

Angel looked thoughtful. “Heath told me his brother stole one of his ideas when they were in college. He said it was an important lesson to learn. It was why he always kept his latest creations with him at all times, and didn’t talk about them until they were ready to launch.”

“It’s pretty bad his own brother would want him dead.” Colton thought about how close he was with his own brothers, and how devastated they must have been when he’d been killed. Or so they thought.

Then he looked up to see Angel staring at the floor, and realized his mistake. Shit. Her brother hadn’t just wanted her dead. He’d actually tried to kill her himself.

“I didn’t mean—”

“It’s nothing.” She held up her hand to stop his apology. A muscle worked in her jaw. “I think we need to look closer at the brother. I, of all people, know what brothers are capable of. And being in tech himself, he would have access to the best blocking capabilities. If I know where the email originated, it will help me make the link.”

She looked so small sitting on the loveseat all by herself.

Maybe it wasn’t the right time. Maybe she wouldn’t appreciate the gesture in front of her boss and co-worker, but he couldn’t help himself. He sat beside her and pulled her close, holding her tight.

To his surprise, she let him.