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“No.” His answer catches me off guard. Roman’s expression doesn’t change. “But your father does.”

The fear returns. This time, stronger. “What happened?”

“He called me last night. He said he had evidence connecting a man named Alexander Duggan to the sale of military weapons and secrets. He said Duggan has connections in places that make it difficult for your father to know who he can trust.”

“And then?”

“And then someone came into his house.”

My stomach drops. “What?”

“I heard a struggle. Then a gunshot. The call disconnected, and I haven’t been able to reach him since.”

My throat goes dry. Every thought of attraction shuts down as I immediately reach for my phone. Roman watches me as I scroll through my contacts and press my father’s name. The phone rings. Three times.

“Come on, Dad,” I whisper in panic.

He doesn’t answer. I hang up and immediately call again. Still nothing. My father always answers. If he’s in a meeting, he sends me a message. If he’s driving, he calls me back. If he’s in the middle of something important, he still finds time to let me know he’s okay.

I look at Roman. The fear in my stomach twists tighter. He looks at me like he knows my father won’t pick up the call. I lower the phone slowly.

“Where is he?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“After he called me, I tried to contact him. He didn’t answer.”

My eyes widen. “You knew he wasn’t answering, and you came here instead of going to find him?”

“His phone has been shut off since the call ended. I came straight here because protecting you was the last thing he asked me to do.”

I cross my arms. “That doesn’t make any sense. I’m not in danger.”

Roman’s eyes sharpen. “Cora.”

I shake my head. “No. My dad is probably fine. There’s an explanation. I need to go to D.C.”

Roman immediately shakes his head. “No. You’re not going anywhere alone.”

My mouth falls open. “Excuse me?”

I narrow my gaze at him. I’m not a child. I’m twenty years old, halfway through my sophomore year, and I have spent enough of my life moving from place to place with my father’s career to know how to take care of myself.

“Your father specifically told me to get you somewhere safe. After yesterday, I have reason to believe he might be in danger. And it won’t do him any good if you are harmed while trying to find him.”

I swallow. “How am I supposed to trust you?”

I don’t wait for his response. I grab my phone off the table and call my dad’s office. The receptionist answers on the second ring.

“NCIS. How may I direct your call?”

“Hi. This is Cora Ryke. I’m trying to reach my father.”

There’s a pause. “Agent Ryke?”

“Yes.”