Page 34 of Cold Silence
“Yeah. Real quiet.”
“No loud parties or noisy neighbors to keep you up at night?”
“Occasionally on the weekend but never during the week. But I’m a night owl so…”
“A night owl? Maybe you saw the moon Monday night? I was out running around eleven. Fabulous.” She hoped it had been fabulous as she was sound asleep and had no idea.
“I’m not much on the outdoors. Was hunkered down in my gaming cave with my online friends like I do most nights.”
“Sounds like fun.” Claire smiled. “Okay, thanks for the info on your complex.”
She left Ruth behind to head to the training facility. Both Ruth and Bethany had an alibi that could be checked out if needed. But just like Hector, there was no way Claire could follow up without raising suspicions, which she didn’t want to do. So for now she would trust these three weren’t lying and focus on Mike and Kent. Unless, of course, Travis or Gage had a different take on things.
She joined Julie in the observation room. Gage was running a mountain scenario and Travis leaned against the wall, his ankles crossed in a lazy pose, but his gaze was intense and focused as usual.
Claire was interested in the progress, but even if she was consumed by the theft right now, Julie would expect Claire to be involved in this testing. “How’s it going?”
“Good. Travis killed this scenario. Gage is just a bit off. He seems to baby his right arm.”
Claire nodded. “An arm injury sustained in an accident. His reason for leaving the SEALS.”
“Ah, that explains it. But look at his scores.” She stood back from the main computer. “He’s still more impressive than anyone else who’s run the test. Anyone except Travis.”
Claire studied the screen, confirming Julie’s take on the situation.
The scenario ended, and Gage took off his virtual device. He rolled his right shoulder and looked at his arm. “I’d be smoking you if only this stupid thing worked right.”
“I’m sorry about the accident,” Travis said.
Claire was afraid the guys might forget about Julie and start talking about the theft. She muted the mic for a moment and turned to Julie. “No point in us both staying here. I can finish up.”
“Okay.” Julie marched from the room but she looked a bit frustrated. She was never fond of doing grunt work, which is likely what she had waiting for her, but it was in her job description, and Claire tried to do her share of it too.
Claire felt bad for the abrupt end of her conversation and wished she could tell Julie what was going on. But Claire had no choice but to send Julie away. She couldn’t be party to any discussion the guys might have about the theft. With her assistant gone, Claire turned the mic on.
Gage waved a hand. “No need to be sorry about the accident. Was all my fault. Alcohol and motorcycles don’t mix.”
“But the alcohol and joyride were a result of losing your wife.”
“True that, but I chose to act out. I could’ve trusted God and got on with my life in a proper way. So as much as I hate this injury…” He flexed his arm again. “I caused it and now I live with it the best I can.”
“By forming a team of former military or law enforcement people just like you.”
Gage nodded. “God’s way of making something good from bad. A second chance for all of us, really.”
“And from what Jackson says, you built a compound most spec ops guys would be envious of.”
Gage grinned. “I might’ve gone a little overboard.”
Travis smiled. “I have to get out there and see it.”
“You’re welcome any time.” Gage’s phone rang, and he got it out. “Eryn. Putting you on speaker so Travis can hear.”
“Hey, Travis.” Eryn’s pleasant voice came over the speaker. “Nice to meet you. Gage speaks very highly of you.”
“Ditto,” Travis said.
“Maybe you could come out to Oregon when all of this is over and those of us who aren’t sunning ourselves in Orlando can meet you in person.”
