“Hey,” he whispered, like a full voice might break something in the room. His eyes flicked over the bandage at her temple, then to Blake sleeping nearby. Relief loosened his posture. “Juststopped by on my way to grab my car. Figured I’d check on you. You don’t have to explain what happened.”
“I’m a klutz,” she said without hesitation. “Slick stairs at the lighthouse.”
He stepped inside, careful not to let the latch click, and slid a worn business card onto her rolling tray.
“If you need anything, day or night—call me. I mean it. I know you’re upset with your man for buying that boat, but he clearly cares.”
“Dan—”
He lifted a hand. “I know. None of my business.” His smile was crooked, a little sad. “I’m rooting for you two, though. Maybe if I had…” He cleared his throat and offered a small smile. “Just glad you’re okay.”
She swallowed, wanting to ask about what he was going to say, but the sadness in his eyes told her that was a haunt from many years past, and it wasn’t her business. “Thank you.”
He nodded toward Blake. “Tell him I’ll help him fixWindward Ladyup to sell so you two can get back to your marriage. That’s more important than a boat.”
He slipped out—soft as a breath. “Have a nice day, ladies.”
“You, too,” a woman she assumed was a nurse said.
“No more visitors allowed in that room. And security was notified they’re not to leave,” another voice said in a hushed tone in the corridor. “…we got a federal hold order on her.”
“From who?”
“Told credentials cleared, but no name given. That’s all I know. Don’t pay me enough to ask questions.”
“No kidding.”
A federal order.
A sharp rush of adrenaline flushed through her.
Their voices trailed away, so she looked at Blake again—his hand resting near the darkening bandage, his breathing slightly shallow. He needed rest. But staying here was no longer safe.
She reached out. “Blake.”
He startled awake instantly, hand going to his sidearm before he recognized her.
“It’s okay,” she murmured.
He scrubbed a hand across his face. “What’s wrong?”
“I overheard the nurses. A hold order came in. We’re not to leave.” She looked down at the blanket and tugged at a strand. “What do you think it means?”
“We were given the clear to return to our covers if we weren’t blown.” Blake’s expression hardened. “Someone at the Bureau isn’t being honest, or Laurel Tide knows who we are and plans another hit on us.” He pushed from the chair. “Until we know who gave that order and why, we’re leaving.”
She winced as she pushed upright. “And how are we getting out if we’re being watched?”
“Lower level. East loading bay. We vanish before they know we’re gone.”
“Where will we go?” Vivian asked.
“My safehouse. It’s off books. You never logged the address, right?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Then Bureau doesn’t know its location.”
She nodded, relief and fear sparking together.
