Page 11 of Shadow of Doubt
“She’s right there,” he admitted, but he sounded reluctant. “Other than a work connection, we really have no ties. He would have to look at everyone I worked with over the years and somehow suspect you or Colin above everyone else.”
Gage’s expression softened. “Can we keep an eye on him?”
Nick shook his head. “Only as much as I can track him online on the dark web. Which I can’t guarantee. Unless he surfaces and leaves tracks for me to follow. If that’s the case, he’ll want to be found, and we would have to be very careful as he would likely be setting a trap to capture Brooklyn.”
“So we avoid these traps, you stay off the internet, and Colin and his family should be safe.” Gage met and held Nick’s gaze.
“Theoretically, yes,” Nick said.
Good. Gage was on the fence. Time to tip him to her side. “You said the Shadow Lake Survival compound is secure as well. He shouldn’t be able to breach the fences and get to us.” Brooklyn tempered her excitement and made sure her earnestness came through. “And I promise if there’s any hint that Kane knows where I am, I’ll notify Colin of the situation and leave immediately.”
“I don’t know.” Gage bit his lip. He was waffling now for sure, something he seemed very uncomfortable with.
“I’ll agree for now,” Nick said. “But let me assess the situation when I get back to my main computer. If I see any risks, you’ll have to tell him, or I will.”
“Fine,” she said, not at all feeling victorious because she did care about bringing others into her situation and the potential for them to be hurt. “If I get even a day of a more normal life, that’s better than nothing.”
“Okay,” Gage said. “I’ll go along with it, but Nick, you call me tomorrow with an update, or I go straight to Colin.”
“I can do that,” Nick said.
“Let’s get back inside then.” Brooklyn pushed past the two men, praying that their expressions didn’t give away their concern to Colin. She really wanted to take this job if even for just a week.
One week of semi-normal life sounded heaven-sent, and she would live every minute of it to the fullest.
Colin bit his tongue against a need to know what the huddle outside was all about. Especially with Gage’s and Nick’s reserved expressions as they marched into the room behind the woman.
“So,” Colin said and leaned back, acting casual when that was the last thing he felt. “I’m assuming that conversation was about the job taking care of my mom.”
She nodded, but bit her lip.
Mixed message for sure. “And are you interested in it?”
“I am. Yes. Very.” She ended with a satisfied sigh.
His pulse tripped.Forget it.Focus on the enthusiasm that she’s showing now. He pointed at a chair across from him. “Take a seat, and we can discuss it to see if we’re a good fit.”
Now why did he say that when just the sight of her made him think of her as a woman not a caregiver? They were as far from a good fit as possible.
“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” Gage said. “And work out an employment plan.”
Nick stepped closer to Colin. “Brooklyn and I once worked together as white-hat hackers, so if you want a reference I cangive one, but don’t count on it being good.” He laughed and squeezed Brooklyn’s shoulders.
She flashed a smile up at him, but rolled her eyes too. Clearly the two of them had a good relationship.
“Seriously,” Nick said. “She’s good people, and you’d be lucky to have her help with your mom. That is if you can put up with vintage movies. She’s obsessed, especially with the sappy romance ones.”
She shook her head. “You make that sound like a bad thing when it’s anything but.”
“Says you. Give me a Tom Cruise or Bruce Willis film over those any day.” He stepped back. “I’ll leave your things with Gage and call you tomorrow, Stick.”
Stick?He sure couldn’t be referring to her body as there was nothing sticklike about her. Soft curves all the way. So where did it come from?
“Later, man.” She gave Nick a fond smile.
Yeah, the pair were good buddies. That was obvious. Completely. A pang of jealousy hit Colin.
Seriously, dude. Jealous over a woman you just met? Unbelievable.
