"Both were killed before they could expose this person," Henry continued, moving to the kitchen area to prepare coffee. "And Thomas was placed in the company afterward, presumably to monitor the situation and eliminate any remaining threats."
"Like me," Sabrina said quietly, the realization chilling her. "He was watching me all this time, waiting to see if I discovered anything."
Walker's jaw tightened visibly. His hand moved beneath the table, finding hers and squeezing gently. The warmth of his palm against hers sent comfort flooding through her. "The attack at your office wasn't random. Someone panicked when I showed up."
"Because you changed the equation," Henry agreed, bringing over mugs of coffee. "You weren't part of their surveillance plan."
Sabrina opened a new file on the laptop—personnel records from Clark Shipping. "We need to cross-reference everyone who had access to both the shipping operations and the financial records. Thomas couldn't have been working alone."
For the next several hours, they combed through the data her father had accumulated. Names, dates, shipping records, surveillance photos—all pieces of a complex puzzle. As midnight approached, exhaustion began to overtake her. Her eyes grew heavy, her body leaning instinctively toward Walker's solid warmth beside her.
"You need rest," he said gently, his arm brushing hers as he reached to close a file on the laptop.
She started to protest but couldn't stifle a yawn. "Maybe you're right."
"Take the bedroom," Henry suggested. "Walker and I can take shifts out here."
Sabrina hesitated, looking between them. Part of her didn't want to leave Walker's side, not even for sleep. "Are you sure?"
Walker nodded. "Go. We'll wake you if anything changes."
Reluctantly, she retreated to the small bedroom. She could hear the low murmur of Walker and Henry's voices as she lay down, the sound oddly comforting. Despite the danger that surrounded them, despite the revelations and betrayals of the day, Sabrina felt safer than she had in the year since her father's death.
Because Walker was here. Because after fourteen years apart, they had found their way back to each other. Because, whatever came next, they would face it together.
Sleep claimed her quickly, her exhausted body surrendering to darkness. But even in dreams, Walker was there—his steady presence, his protective strength, his hand in hers. A promise of something that had been lost and now, against all odds, might be found again.
Chapter 11
Walker
Walker didn’t know when he’s fallen asleep, but suddenly he jolted awake. He was still sprawled at the table, but he quickly recovered and grabbed his weapon, moving to the window and listening.
A branch broke in the distance.
Men on foot.
"Wake Henry," he whispered.
Henry bolted awake, reaching for his own weapon and joining Walker.
More sounds of people walking.
"Two men," Henry confirmed, his voice barely audible. "Maybe three."
Walker's mind raced through their options. The cabin had a single entrance, windows too small for escape, and no tunnel system like the previous safe house.
"Weapons?" he asked Henry.
"Under the sink. Beretta and extra clips."
Walker nodded. "Get Sabrina to the bedroom. Barricade the door."
Sabrina suddenly was next to him. "I'm not hiding while you two fight," she whispered fiercely.
Walker turned to face her, struck by the determination in her eyes despite the fear he could see beneath it. "This isn't a debate."
"No, it's not," she agreed. "I can help. You need every advantage."
