Simon Says Die

no, that’s not what I meant . . . ” She waved her hand in the air. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
    He yanked her away from the door, then opened it and tugged her outside.
    â€œWait, stop, what are you doing?”
    He hauled her to the car and threw the passenger door open. “I’m leaving you with Alex and my brothers to watch over you. I’ll get our things from the b-and-b. And then I’m going to resolve this case. After that,” he leaned down so his blazing eyes were inches from hers. “You’ll never have to worry again that I might turn into the type of man your husband did.”
    Her eyes widened. “No, that’s not what I meant. Let me explain.”
    But he’d already turned away.

 
    Chapter Twenty-One
    B Y THE TIME Pierce left Madison with his brothers, he’d calmed down considerably and was feeling a bit like the ass Madison had called him earlier. She’d apologized over and over for comparing him to Damon, saying she hadn’t meant it that way. And now that he thought about it, she was probably telling the truth—that she’d been afraid of her own feelings, not his, and she wasn’t saying she thought he’d ever turn out to be like Damon.
    But he’d ignored her, because he’d wanted to hurt her like she’d hurt him. And the one thing he knew she couldn’t stand was silence. Predictably, the more he ignored her, the more she talked.
    And the madder she got.
    When he’d turned the spitfire over, Braedon had actually blushed at the curses coming out of Madison’s mouth.
    Pierce didn’t even know his brother could blush.
    He turned down another street in the historic district on his way to the bed-and-breakfast. Madison’s parting shout was still ringing in his ears, ordering him to make sure he got her make-up from the b-and-b’s bathroom. Only God knew why he was doing her bidding. It certainly wasn’t because of the pleasure of her company. Not when she was yelling like a shrew.
    His phone rang as he stopped at a traffic light. When he saw it was Casey, a sinking feeling settled into his stomach.
    â€œPlease tell me this is good news this time,” Pierce said when he answered the phone.
    â€œSorry. I told you that you’d stirred up a hornet’s nest with Hamilton. He’s on a rampage. He convinced a judge to give him a very broad search warrant. His men are at Madison’s house right now, turning the place upside down. They’re not stopping at computers and printers this time.”
    â€œDo me a favor. Call Alex. I think Madison is going to need a lawyer.”
    â€œAlready did. He took Austin to some doctor. Said he’ll be back in a few hours.”
    â€œThanks.” He snapped the phone shut and gunned the engine, hurrying back to East Gaston Street.
    Madison’s side yard was full of police cars and evidence tech vans.
    Pierce yanked the car door open and headed across the lawn and through the open front door. A policeman in the foyer with a clipboard stopped him.
    â€œBadge, please,” he said.
    â€œSpecial Agent Pierce Buchanan,” he said, holding out his badge.
    â€œSorry sir. This is a crime scene. Only Savannah-Chatham Metro PD allowed in at this time.”
    â€œLet him in, officer.” Lieutenant Hamilton stepped forward. “Pull any stunts like you did earlier at the station, and I’ll have you in cuffs.”
    Pierce nodded and offered his hand. “I’m sorry about that. Mrs. McKinley tends to make me forget my manners.”
    Hamilton shook his hand, giving him a stiff nod. “You’re here to see the warrant I suppose. Is Mrs. McKinley with you?” Hamilton looked past him.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhere is she?”
    â€œThe warrant?” Pierce held out his hand.
    Hamilton dug it out of his pocket and handed to him.
    Pierce frowned as he read it. “What game are you playing now?”
    Hamilton motioned toward the front room and led Pierce over toward the window to get out of the way of the techs crawling all over the house. “We’ve had a couple of developments today. Remember the printer we took out of this room?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œSeems that’s the same printer that the so-called threatening notes were printed from. The ones she said were from her stalker.”
    A sick feeling flashed through Pierce’s gut. “Same