Copper by Iris Abbott

tone.
    Marla winced from the sharp sound of flesh smacking flesh and the reproachful voice of her sister. 
    Natalie was instantly contrite. “Sorry.”  She stopped her agitated pacing and gingerly sat on the edge of the bed.  “Why didn’t you tell me he was back in town?”
    Marla shrugged. “I didn’t want to worry you over nothing. Anyway he hasn’t actually tried to contact me.”
    “Then why do you think he might be in the area?” Copper fired out the question.
    “I taught his nephew this year.”  Her breath caught in her throat at the mention of work and the school.  It was just one more reminder of the horrible ordeal she’d barely managed to escape.  “I heard my student telling one of his friends at recess that his long lost Uncle Rob was in town for a visit.”
    “Okay, now we’re getting somewhere,” Copper said in a coaxing voice.  “I’ll have Iron run a background check on the asshole as soon as he gets back.”
    “I’m back,” a deep voice said from the hallway.  “What’s doing?” he asked with a raised brow.  His eyes darted around the room taking in every detail of the unusual gathering.
    Copper acknowledged the new arrival with a nod.  “Someone took a few shots at Marla while she was leaving work this evening.  She was grazed but otherwise managed to escape.”
    “Sweet Marla, say it isn’t so.  Who’d want to harm a delicate flower like you?”  Copper shot daggers at Iron with a stone-cold stare.  The other man immediately canned the flirtatious act and got serious.  “I’ll get on it, right now as a matter of fact. Who do you want me to track down?”
    Marla cleared her throat. “Robert Storey, S-T-O-R-E-Y,” she spelled his last name for clarification. “He goes by Rob, but Robert is his given name. He turned thirty in June, and he was born and raised in this county.”
    “That’s all I need,” the resident computer and technical genius told Marla. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you were hurt.” He flashed her a big grin. “Don’t worry, I’ll track him down sooner rather than later.  If he did this, we’ll shut him down for good.”
    He turned his attention to Copper. “The delivery went off without a hitch. The customer was very pleased. His brother may be contacting you next week with a few questions about specs and pricing for a bike of his own.”
    “Thanks, Iron. See you later, man.  Happy hunting with that keyboard of yours.” 
    “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the office at my computer getting stuff done.”  He exited the room as quietly as he entered. 
    “Steel and Mercury, I want the two of you to walk the perimeter of the property. Make sure everything is secure and that there’s no sign of trespassing anywhere. Report back to me when you’re done.”
    “On it,” the twins said in unison before retreating from the bedroom. 
    “Chrome, take the SUV to the school parking lot, and see if you can find Marla’s things. Be on the alert for an ambush. I’m pretty sure her attacker didn’t follow her, so he may be waiting for her to go back to retrieve whatever she left behind. If you find any of Marla’s personal effects, take them to the office first.  I want them inspected before any of it is handed over to her.”
    “Why?”  Marla interrupted.  “It’s just a few photos, books, and end of the year presents from my students.  I don’t know if I want you going through my personal belongings.”
    “I don’t want any nasty surprises,” Copper told her.  “If your stuff is still in the parking lot, it’s been unattended for a long time. Someone who knew what they were doing and really wanted to find you could hide a bug or tracking device with your things.  While this place is well protected there is no need to lead whoever it is right to our doorstep.”  He crossed his arms over his chest and bent down until their noses were almost touching.  “I’m not going to apologize for doing whatever it