Still, something deeply reassuring about Leland’s tall, broad-shouldered co-worker assuaged her anxiety. He did look fit. And strong. But it was his quiet confidence that calmed her soul.
She refocused on the screen in front of her just in time to see a familiar image exiting the front doors. “Jason,” she swiveled to her right, prompting a screeching tantrum from her chair.
“Did you find something?”
She tried to keep her irritation in check. “Any chance the ‘other matter’ you’re here about has something to do with Gus Branch?”
That got his attention. He flew out of his chair and hovered over her, looking at her screen. “Is that the last time he shows up at the front entrance? One o’clock yesterday?”
“Youarelooking for Gus! Why didn’t—” Her chair drowned out her words as she twisted to face him. She stood and shoved the intolerable piece of furniture away from the desk. “Why didn’t you tell me you were looking for Gus?”
“You know Gus too?”
“Yes, I know Gus. He and Leland are friends. I know him better than Eric. I’ve only met Eric twice. Gus comes over to Leland’s sometimes. He spent Thanksgiving with us last year. Is that why you’re here? Gus is missing too?”
“Yes. And before you ask, yes, I think the disappearances are connected.”
At least he was being more straight-forward with her now. Not that he really had a choice.
Gus and Leland both missing? She felt weak. And nauseous.What is going on?She needed to breathe.Breathe. Focus.
Jason’s deep, calm voice pulled her concentration back to the screen. “I’m going to look at the parking lot cameras around that time to see which direction he went. Keep looking for your uncle. Good work. Here,” he pulled his desk chair over to her, “this one is a little quieter.” He walked across the room to retrieve a folding chair for himself.
He was being nice. Which was totally throwing her off. Because she was about to complain about his lack of communication before he offered his chair. She proceeded with a more subdued tone. “Is there anyone else you’re looking for? Anything else I should know?”
“To my knowledge, there is no one else from WhiteRock on this island.” A question furrowed his brow. “How many people do you know from WhiteRock?”
“Oh. Good point. I really just know Gus. Barely Eric. Leland doesn’t mention anyone else.” She cocked her head. “He’s definitely never mentioned you.”
The corner of his mouth drew up. “Well, I’ve worked with Leland a few times, but we don’t hang out. He and Gus are of a whole different generation of agents. They could’ve retired twenty years ago, but they didn’t. I doubt they ever will.”
“Agents.”
“What?”
“That’s the first time you’ve used the word ‘agents.’ I’m still trying to figure out what you do.”
He looked amused, then a little sad. “Focus on finding Leland. Keep looking.” He pointed to her screen.
She ignored the command creeping back into his tone. Because she agreed. She absolutely needed to refocus on finding her uncle—so she could tell him how worried she’s been. And that she was furious with him for putting her through this emotional rollercoaster. And that she loved him.
She debated on what she would say first. And prayed she’d have the chance to say it.
She’d prayed a lot the past couple of days. Worrying about Leland had sent her mind spiraling in all directions, drudging up all kinds of fears. Fears she’d pretended were permanently resolved.
A new thought shifted something inside her. She wondered if Jason was an answer to some of her prayers. God frequently answered her prayers in ways she couldn’t have predicted. And she definitely didn’t predict Jason.
“Got him.”
She jumped when Jason’s voice broke the silence that had settled in the room. “Leland? You found him?” She squinted toward his screen, but he was already up and walking to the door.
He motioned for her to follow. “Yes, come on. He was talking to a valet on the front drive a few hours ago. We’ll check it out.”
Tayla had trouble keeping up with Jason’s long strides across the lobby. She guessed his height at about six foot two. He looked like a football player. Or a Marine. Or a Marine who played football in college. Her petite legs took two steps for every one of his. Until he stopped, and she ran into the back of him—erasing any doubt that he was a wall of muscle.
“Oof! What are you doing?” she asked.
Until she saw his face, she didn’t know it was possible for someone to look irritated and relieved at the same time. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pivoted her focus to the bank of elevators.
