“I don’t regret it,” she said quickly. “But I know this complicates things. Just…don’t turn this into a guilt trip, okay? We’re two professionals. Adults. We knew what we were doing.”
He kissed her. “I don’t regret it either, and yes, it complicates things. But we’ll figure it out.”
“After Derek’s caught?”
He glanced up at the ceiling, rubbing a circle on her shoulder with his thumb. “After Derek’s caught.” And after I tell you who I really am and watch you walk away.
Claire studied his face. “You’re holding something back.”
His heart stopped. “What?”
“I can see it. In your eyes. There’s alwasys something you’re not telling me.” She touched his face. “You don’t want to tell me your name—fine, I get it. Shadow Point Security has rules about client-bodyguard interaction. But it’s more than that, isn’t it? This place, this job…it’s armor you hide behind. Eventually, I need to know all of you. Not just the parts you think are safe to share.”
Garrett’s throat was tight. “I know. After this is over, I’ll tell you everything. I promise.”
He could live with that compromise even if Vivi wouldn’t approve.
Claire seemed to accept his decision. She brushed her lips over his, soft and sweet. “Okay. But I’m holding you to that promise.”
“I know you will.”
They showered together—which turned into more touching and kissing—before reluctantly getting dressed. Claire tugged on fresh jeans and an FBI t-shirt. Garrett wore tactical pants and a Shadow Point polo.
Ready for the meeting. Pretending last night hadn’t happened.
Except it had. And Garrett could see it in the way Claire looked at him. In the small smile she tried to hide. In the way her hand brushed his when they walked down the hallway.
In the ops room, the team was already assembled. Lynx was at his laptop. Grizzly was checking weapons and Hawk was reviewing tactical maps. Bobcat was on perimeter duty.
Vivi informed him that her husband, Lt. Commander Ian Kincaid, had joined the team. “He’s also a former SEAL and works for our sister company, Shadow Force International. He’s on loan to help us out.” She gestured toward the monitors. “Currently, he’s walking the compound with Bobcat, reviewing entry and exit points.”
Vivi studied Garrett, and he saw the knowing look in her eyes. Nothing got past her. She knew exactly where he’d spent the night.
Great.
“Sleep well?” she asked. “Coffee’s fresh.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Garrett said, pouring two cups. He handed one to Claire, who wrapped her hands around it gratefully.
“I haven’t slept that well in ages,” Claire told Vivi, that small smile teasing the corners of her mouth.
“Status?” Garrett asked quickly, trying to change the subject.
“The FBI team from Missoula should arrive at the station in about ninety minutes,” Lynx reported. “Local PD is coordinating with them and us, but they seem relieved to turn this over to the Feds. There’s no sign of Sullivan anywhere. It’s like he vanished.”
“He’s here,” Claire said quietly. “Somewhere close. He’s waiting.”
Garrett didn’t doubt her instincts. “We proceed as planned—a full briefing at the station where we coordinate with the FBI and the local PD.”
The next hour played out according to plan.
Garrett met Ian and liked him immediately. He’d just gotten back to the States from Bolivia and was jet-lagged. The tall man with pine green eyes that didn’t miss anything kissed his wife’s head and left them to grab a shower. “I’ll meet you at the station once I’ve cleaned up,” he said to Garrett.
They all ate breakfast and then prepared to leave. “I’m going to stop at the crime scene,” Vivi said as they walked to the parking lot. “I want to get a look at where Derek killed Ms. Martinez, take a few pictures, and document what I see to put into Trident. The more information my system has, the better. It won’t take long. I’ll meet you at the station.”
They took three different vehicles—Vivi in her Lexus, Garrett and Claire in a black SUV loaded with tech and weapons, and a third vehicle with Lynx and Grizzly bringing up the rear.
The streets of Blackridge were moderately busy, with folks heading to work and dropping off kids at school.
