One
As Camden Bains came around the SUV to let Toby out to start a new workday, he realized his smile was as big as the dog’s. Life had gotten so good now that he shared it with Elena and Tina. Nothing could possibly ruin his day.
Until he saw Costello hurrying out the door of Watchdog Security.
The man had earned his nickname, Psychic, for being able to detect danger almost before it happened. And right now, he was making for a company SUV like the building was on fire and his ass was catching.
Camden jogged up to Costello before he could make his getaway. “What’s wrong, man?”
Costello’s normally calm demeanor was nowhere in sight. His eyes looked haunted, his mouth pulled into a tight grimace. “It’s Gina. This morning she looked…scared.”
“Scared?”
“Scared,” Costello confirmed.
Camden’s mood took a nosedive along with his heart. Nothing scared that woman. If Costello was stoic, Gina made him look like an open book. Camden considered putting Toby back in the SUV and returning home to pick up Elena and Tina and their bug-out bags, then driving south until they hit the tip of Baja California.
Another black Tahoe pulled into an empty space beside the men. Jake was behind the wheel. He smiled and started to wave until he parsed the look on their faces. No wonder—Camden caught his reflection in the SUV window. He hadn’t seen that expression since facing himself in a mirror the day before Hell Week in BUD/S started.
Jake opened his car door. “What’s up? You guys look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Gina looked scared and I don’t know why,” Costello said.
Jake’s eyes went round. “Shit. That’s worse than a ghost. This might be the start of World War Three.”
Toby let out a high-pitched whine as he studied his human co-workers.
Costello turned his head in the direction of Watchdog’s front entrance a moment before the door opened. Gina strode out, sunglasses on, arms swinging, heels clicking on the pavement, making a beeline for her SUV. Fleur trotted ahead, straining her leash. If anything, the ex-streetdog who had seen human combat up close and personal looked even more concerned than her owner.
“Gina!” Camden called. “Hey, Spooky!”
“What?” she clipped.
“Come here.” Camden beckoned her.
“What?” she repeated, never slowing her pace or changing her trajectory.
“Why the hell are you…wait, where’re you going, Spooky?”
She’d gotten to the passenger’s side door and gripped the handle to let Fleur in. Even with her sunglasses on, Camden could sense Gina’s irritation—save herself and her beloved dog, or risk her life for her dumbass teammates who didn’t have the common sense God gave them to get the hell out of Dodge.
She huffed and came over. “I’m getting the hell out of here for the day before it’s too late. I suggest you gentlemen do the same.” Gina turned on her heel and Fleur went back to leading her away from danger.
The three men followed Gina and Fleur, speculating with each other.
“Must be a bomb,” Jake said.
“A chemical agent,” Costello added.
“Her ex-boyfriend’s in town,” Camden said.
“Face-hugging aliens,” Jake finished.
Gina stopped and turned again. “No. Scarier.”
“Scarier? Than face-hugging aliens?” Jake asked.
“Yeah.” Nina picked the pace back up and reached her company SUV, number eight. She quickly opened the passenger door and Fleur leaped in.
