“No. He never gave me anything. The patients weren’t allowed to give volunteers gifts. It was against hospital policy.” When Gabe didn’t respond, she said, “You still haven’t told me why you think Craig’s murder and what happened today are related.”
Rather than respond, Gabe looked to Jake. Thankfully, he shared their theory with her.
“We have reason to believe Achim Akmar—the man who broke into your place and you say was driving the van today—is the same man who tortured and killed Craig.”
“Oh, my God.” She didn’t even try to hide the shock she felt from that revelation.
“Which means, boys and girls,” Jake addressed the entire room. “This is now official R.I.S.C. business.”
Nate’s gaze moved from hers, then to Kole’s before his focus landed on Jake.
“You know, the only way we’re going to be able to stop either of these men is to find out who hired them and why.”
“I agree.” Jake set his gaze on Gracie. “Which is why we’re going to need you to disappear again.”
Chapter 9
“Hold up. You want Gracie to stay withNate?”
Nate looked over at his best friend’s fiancée. “Gee, Sarah. Your confidence in my abilities is overwhelming. I’m touched, really.”
Her expression changed from shocked to sympathetic in less than a second. “I’m sorry, sweetie. That came out wrong. I have no doubt you can do your job. I just assumed Gracie would stay with me. I mean, she’s my sister. Kole can protect us both.”
“Gracie needs to be someplace elsebecauseshe’s your sister.”
Sarah looked even more confused by Gabe’s statement. “I don’t understand.”
With his elbows on the table, Gabe leaned forward and explained. “Akmar mentioned leaving the lawyer. That’s you. They were after you, too, Sarah.”
“That makes no sense. You said this Achim guy wanted Gracie. She’s the one they nearly…” Sarah’s voice cracked, and Kole grabbed ahold of her hand while Gabe continued with his thoughts.
“My guess? They weren’t expecting your sister to be there. Prior to today, she’d gone dark. Most likely, they thought they could use you to get to her.”
To that, Nate added, “The fastest way to get a person to come out of hiding is to use someone they love.”
“That was the whole reason I didn’t come to you in the first place,” Gracie told Sarah. “I was afraid that man would follow me and end up hurting you. I wasn’t going to risk something happening to you, sis.”
“Yet, you had absolutely no problem going to Carter and risking his ass.” All eyes shot to Zade, who gave her a wide grin before looking at Nate. “I think I like her even more, now.”
Flipping his teammate the bird, Nate ignored the snickers from a couple of the guys.
Looking horrified, Gracie started shaking her head. “No. That wasn’t it. I thought maybe you could help, that’s all.”
Nate squeezed her shoulder and smirked. “He’s just teasing you, sweetheart.”
“Oh.” Relief filled her beautiful eyes. “Good. Because I was really careful to make sure no one followed me to your apartment.”
“I know.”
“Carter,” Jake stole his attention. “You got a secure place you two can go to lay low for a while?”
“Yeah, I know a place.”
“Good. Kole, what about you? I think it’s a good idea for Sarah to be out of sight, as well, until this whole thing blows over.”
Kole gave Sarah a half smile. “I was going to surprise you with a pre-wedding getaway.” He shrugged. “Guess now’s as good a time as any.”
Sarah gave her fiancée a loving smile. “That was really sweet of you.”
