Read Taken by the Con for Free Online

front of him. “Check on him? He will not let us back into his place.”
    “He could be a danger to himself or others.”
    Not in the immediate. “Cash, what are you playing at?”
    A mischievous look danced across Cash’s face. “Let’s see if round two helps us.”
    Cash circled around to the back of the group of townhouses, cutting down the alleyway between the sections. The alley behind the townhouses was narrow, passable by no more than a single car. The yards behind each home were beautifully landscaped.
    Cash hopped the white chain-link fence into Hammer’s backyard.
    “You’re trespassing,” Lucia said.
    Cash extended his hand to help her over. “Come on. I have a feeling.”
    They couldn’t waltz into someone’s backyard. Anything they heard or saw would be obtained illegally and inadmissible in court. Add to it how furious Benjamin would be, and it had the makings of a bad plan.
    “Have courage, Lucia.”
    Courage? She had courage in spades. Was he calling her a wimp? Knowing she was being baited into complying and unable to help herself, Lucia took his hand and climbed the fence. At least this way, she could keep an eye on Cash and if he learned something, she would be in the know. Cash took the steps to the deck, pulled opened the sliding glass door and stepped inside.
    He had unlocked the door while he had been pretending to admire the view. She should have found his gall appalling, but Lucia was impressed by his planning.
    They stepped inside and Lucia’s heart beat faster. If they were caught entering Hammer’s home without a warrant, they could be arrested. If they were arrested, she’d lose her job and Cash would go back to prison.
    “Cash,” she whispered. She needed to warn him. To make sure he understood what he was risking by doing this.
    He pressed a finger over his lips. Hammer’s voice floated into the kitchen. It sounded as if he was on the phone. To make out what he was saying, Cash crept across the floor. Then he was still.
    “I know, but I have the FBI crawling all over me and that makes me nervous.”
    A pause.
    “I lost everything. My home. My career. Kinsley, what more do you want from me? I don’t have anything left to give.”
    Kinsley. As soon as Lucia heard the name she remembered Kinsley had been his personal assistant at Holmes and White. Another pause.
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I told them nothing. What more do you need me to do? I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”
    Cash closed his eyes, perhaps concentrating on what Hammer was saying.
    “She asked about me? When can I see her?” Hammer asked.
    A growl. Cash’s eyes snapped open and Lucia whirled to see a black dog standing between them and the sliding glass door. The dog locked his legs and bared his teeth. He barked.
    “Hold on a minute,” Hammer said into the phone. “Slasher! Quiet!”
    Slasher. What a wonderful name for a dog. Based on the dog’s demeanor, it fit. They were intruders in his home.
    Cash stood and advanced on the dog. He looked as though he was planning to charge at the dog, but when he was close he laid his hands on the dog’s flank and whispered something into his ear. At the same time, Cash motioned for Lucia to leave. The dog visibly relaxed.
    Lucia did as Cash directed, looking over her shoulder at the pair. Cash seemed to have the situation under control, but it could escalate quickly if the dog decided Cash was an enemy. Slasher barked again.
    “Slasher! Shut up!” Hammer yelled from another room. “Let me see what that lunatic dog’s problem is now.”
    Cash didn’t panic. He remained facing the dog and slipped away, following Lucia outside. He slid the glass door closed behind him and leaped over the deck, falling to the ground. Lucia followed him.
    “Are you okay?” she mouthed.
    He nodded.
    They crouched under the deck. If Hammer looked outside, he wouldn’t see them. If he let his dog into the gated yard, they could have a problem.
    “You even charm dogs?”