Lock dipped his head as he stepped toward his brother, his throat feeling too tight to get words out.
Eastern’s gaze moved to Callie. “How’s she doing?”
“No sign of respiratory issues. The doctor said she might just feel nauseous and light-headed when she wakes up.”
“That’s good. How’d you get in here?”
“I told the nurse I was her husband.” He would have told them whatever was necessary to make sure he was by her side. “Tell me you found something.”
“The stolen car was dumped a few miles from where you last saw it. My guys are going through it for prints, but they’re not hopeful.”
“Where was it stolen from?” Lock asked, gaze returning to Callie and the rise and fall of her chest.
“The parking lot of the Thai restaurant here in town. Owner left the keys inside.”
Lock scrubbed a hand over his face. “He was fast, Eastern. The same fast fucker I chased down in that alley opposite Callie’s studio.”
“Good. So we know this is one person.”
Something on Eastern’s face made Lock straighten. “You suspect someone. Who?”
Eastern’s chest rose on a deep breath and, for a second, Lock thought his brother might not answer the question. “I’m just gonna ask this once, okay? And if you tell me to drop it, I won’t bring it up again.”
A sick feeling churned in Lock’s gut. “What?”
“It couldn’t have been Jesse or Antwan, could it?”
Lock flinched. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“They’re both fast. Both well trained.”
“They wouldn’t do this. Fuck, they’re like brothers to me, and they got to town after this started. But if you don’t want to take my word for it, ask Cody. They were at Meridian tonight with Aspen.”
Eastern nodded, not confirming nor denying whether he’d ask Cody. Knowing him, he would, and it made the anger inside Lock burn hotter. “Where was Hamish tonight?”
“Lock—”
“He was in the hospital for a week, and in that week nothing happened. He’s out for a day and someone attacks her.”
“He just got out of a coma. He couldn’t have—”
“We need to stop assuming we know what he can and can’t do. He matches the physical description of the guy I saw tonight, and he could have training we don’t know about. Have you done a background check on him? Like a really fuckingthoroughbackground check?”
Something flickered in Eastern’s eyes. Something dark.
His brother wasn’t telling him everything.
Lock inched closer. “What?”
“He grew up with a dad who was a Marine. The dad died three years ago.”
“So, his father could have taught him how to fight, and this whole awkward side of him could be one big fucking act.”
“I’m not gonna lie, it’s possible.” Eastern’s jaw clenched. “I plan to question him tomorrow.”
“Good.”
“I also plan to question Aspen’s ex. Maybe he’s still pissed about the altercation at the bar.” Eastern’s gaze moved to the door and back. “I’ll man the hall until you leave.”
