Page 18 of Shadow of Doubt
“I could use a VPN,” she said, though a Virtual Private Network that handled login and internet activity by masking the actual IP address could be the answer for some people, it wouldn’t be when a hacker like Kane was tracking you.
“You know that’s not possible,” Nick said.
As expected. “I know, but I’m having withdrawals and was hoping you might tell me it was okay.”
He snorted. “Just keep your eyes open. I’ll think on this development and get back to you. Call me if you see anything unusual. And I meananything.”
“Will do.” She ended the call and stowed her phone.
She dropped onto the bed instead of heading for the door. She didn’t want to leave the bedroom. Not because it was warmand cozy and begged her to stay. Nah, it was kind of dismal with an old quilt on a double bed, walls of pine paneling, and faded blue curtains on the small window. Not quite what she’d expected, but it was clean and that was all that mattered.
She didn’t want to join Colin. Not when he clearly planned to ask why she’d been so jumpy and what was up with racing from the room to finish her call with Nick. Maybe even ask about her conversation with Nick and Gage yesterday. She’d hoped to have more time before having to tell him. To prove her value so he didn’t give her the boot.
But if he asked outright, she couldn’t lie to him. Not even to say she didn’t know what he was talking about if he mentioned the items she thought he might bring up. So there was nothing for it but to tell the truth.
She took a deep breath and left the room. She found him in the living room, but another man of similar height, build, and hair color stood next to him, their backs to her. Likely his brother. Good. Maybe Colin wouldn’t grill her in front of him.
She cleared her throat to let them know she was entering the room.
They both spun. The other man looked like Colin’s twin, except he had a close-cut beard where Colin was cleanshaven.
“I’m Brooklyn Hurst.” She held out her hand.
“Devan—Dev.” He punched Colin in the shoulder before taking her hand and giving it a hard shake. “This bozo’s brother.”
“Like I told you,” Colin said. “Dev’s the family clown.”
“So you talked about me?” Dev raised an eyebrow, looking darkly dangerous.
“For a few seconds is all.”
He shifted his focus to her. “What else did he say?”
“Just that you were a former deputy, specializing in water rescue, and a carefree guy.”
“Guess that’s not bad then. Wait until you get to know us and the old stories start flying. You’ll probably want to run for the hills.”
“Hey, don’t scare her off before she even gets started,” Colin said.
Dev rolled his eyes. “Now who’s the funny guy?”
“I wasn’t joking.”
Dev looked at Brooklyn. “Well, anyway, welcome. Colin is going to head out right now, but I have a couple of hours until my next class so I can fill you in on Mom’s med schedule.”
“I planned to do that before I left,” Colin said.
“No worries, bro. I got it. You get going. Don’t want to keep Eryn waiting.”
Colin lifted his chin. “Since you seem to be directing my day, would it be all right with you if I grabbed some lunch before I go?”
“Sure. Might as well take a sandwich for the long drive.”
Colin actually looked like he was getting mad.
She didn’t want that to stop him from heading out the door so they didn’t have to talk just yet. “I can make you a sandwich. Let’s see what’s in the fridge.” She nearly ran to the attached kitchen and opened the older-model, avocado-green refrigerator in the small space with a matching oven and dishwasher.
She half expected Colin to come charging after her, but he remained with his brother, who he’d taken by the arm and led across the room to hold a hushed conversation.
