Page 23 of Cold Silence
Gage’s thick eyebrow rose. “I do, but you said Nick Thorn was here. He’s tops in the field. You can’t do any better than him. Even my person will tell you that.”
“Except maybe we could find someone who’s a little less intense.”
Gage snorted. “Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black.”
“Maybe, but he’s got Claire feeling bad about security issues she’d trusted her staff to take care of.”
Gage narrowed his eyes. “Claire, as in Dr. Reed, the program director?”
Travis nodded. “And before you go all Sherlock Holmes on me. Yeah, we had a thing back when we worked together. She broke it off.”
“And you still have feelings for her.”
“Yeah, maybe, but nothing’s changed. She’s still married to her job, and I’m tied to mine. Means we won’t ever live in the same place.”
“I get that, but take it from someone who lost the woman he loved.” Gage locked gazes with Travis. “We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow, so don’t make a stupid decision. Figure it out. If you want her, go after her.”
Travis would honestly give Gage’s comment some thought. Not now. Not when they were hunting her stalker. “I talked her into going home for a shower and to rest while Veritas finishes their work. We could clear her rental house together then make a plan while she rests.”
“Sounds good but it would help if I got a ten-cent tour of the place first so I know what we’re dealing with here.”
“Follow me.” Travis swiped the temp card Claire had issued him through the wall-mounted reader and entered the research lab. Gage trailed him as he strode down the aisle to Claire’s office, where she was sitting in front of her computer but staring into the distance as if lost in thought.
“I’d like you to meet my buddy, Gage Blackwell.” Travis stepped out of the way so Gage could enter too.
He strode straight to the desk and held out his hand.
She shot to her feet and clasped his hand, her expression tight like an overtired and stressed individual. “Dr. Claire Reed, program director here. But call me Claire. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.” Gage released her hand, and his gaze roved over the room. He had to be taking in every detail like he would’ve done on one of his former ops. “I only hope I can be of help.”
She dropped back into her chair. “Travis told me all about your team in Oregon. Cold Harbor sounds like a lovely town.”
“Off the beaten path for sure.” Gage didn’t show a hint of emotion. Why? Travis had no idea.
“Do you know the Veritas Center’s partners?” she asked.
“I do. In fact, we have used them to process forensics in our investigations.” Gage smiled. “Perhaps you could take me on a quick tour of the facility, and I can say hello along the way.”
“Of course.” Claire glanced at her computer, likely checking to be sure it had gone to sleep and locked itself while she’d been daydreaming. “Follow me.”
She passed Travis and Gage on the way to the hall, and they trailed behind.
“She’s a real stunner,” Gage whispered to Travis. “And a doctor too. No wonder you fell for her.”
Travis rolled his eyes.
Claire glanced over her shoulder at Gage. “I hope while you’re in town, you’ll be willing to run a few of our simulations.”
“Sure thing. I mean, if you’ve been basing success on this guy’s scores.” Gage stabbed a finger in Travis’s chest and grinned. “You don’t know what success is.”
“We’ll see,” Travis said, trying to keep his competitive spirit in check.
Claire laughed then continued on, handling the tour like a professional who’d conducted similar tours over the years, and she didn’t show even a hint of that stress he’d seen in the office. She took Gage into the server room where Nick remained seated at the computer.
“Thorn,” Gage said. “Heard you were being your usual prickly self, proving you’re aptly named.”
Claire cast a horrified look at Nick. “I didn’t say anything.”
