Page 62 of Shadow of Doubt
“That’s Blake.” Colin looked at her. “Dev and Reid will go first just as we planned, then you and me. Got it?”
She, too, wanted to roll her eyes, but Colin was just being extra careful for her safety, so she nodded instead.
She followed directions and quickly got inside the building, where Blake handed out security passes for each person. “You’ll need to wear these badges whenever you’re out of your condos and will have to be escorted by a staff member at all times too.”
“You take your security seriously,” Brooklyn said, very impressed.
Blake’s sharp nod fit his demeanor. “We’re aware of law enforcement’s skepticism in our ability to secure our evidence. Of course, we have better security measures than they often do, and we aim to take it even one step higher.”
“Which is one of the reasons your lab is world-renowned,” Colin said.
Blake flashed a short smile. “I wish I could take credit for that, but all these procedures were in place before I came to work here. I just make sure to abide by them and that our visitors do too.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” Colin said. “You have a strong reputation both in law enforcement and in your work here.”
He waved a hand. “If you want to step out to get your luggage, I’ll get you settled into your condos for the night.”
Reid circled an arm around Dev’s shoulders. “C’mon. We can handle all of it.”
Blake had to enter a code for the door to open. Even from the inside. Even more impressive to her.
They exited, whisking quickly through the door, but Brooklyn’s mind wasn’t on them. It was on the living arrangements. Blake saidcondos, which meant they would be staying in more than one. Would she be alone or would Colin be with her? Or Dev? Reid?
Could she trust herself to be alone with Colin and not let their conversation travel to the personal realm? She could stay in her room, she supposed.
“You mentioned condos as in plural,” Colin said. “Any way we can all bunk in one?”
Was he thinking the same thing?
Blake locked gazes with him. “You worried about security for Brooklyn and want everyone in one place for added measure?”
Colin didn’t respond right away but then nodded. “It would be safer.”
“All our condos have only two bedrooms so it would be more comfortable to have two units. Plus, this place is locked down tight with security cameras and alarms. We also have an armed guard on duty all night.” Blake rested against the wall. “Pete’s on duty tonight. He’s a former law enforcement officer and quite capable. I assure you that Brooklyn will be safe here.”
“We’ll go ahead and take one unit anyway.” Colin didn’t consult Brooklyn and kept his focus on Blake as if he didn’t care what she thought. “Brooklyn can have one of the bedrooms. I’ll be bunking on the couch, giving Dev and Reid the other one to share.”
Blake eyed Colin. “I don’t think that’s really necessary.”
Colin firmed his stance, looking on the verge of turning combative if needed. “I do.”
Blake let out a breath. “Then one condo it is.”
Colin relaxed his shoulders. “I know it seems like overkill, but put yourself in my shoes. You’d do the same thing.”
“You’re probably right.” Blake gave a wry smile.
Reid and Dev returned carrying suitcases and duffle bags. Blake tapped a code in the keypad to open the door, and the guys filed in.
Reid held up a plastic bag. “Can I give these gas samples to you so the lab can start work on them as soon as possible?”
“I’ll drop them off at Sierra’s lab as soon as I get you settled in the condo.” Blake took the bag.
Colin took his bag from Dev to shoulder it and her overnight suitcase, which he set down to pull up the handle.
“Follow me,” Blake said. “We’ll cross over the skybridge to the condo tower.”
Reid shifted his bag and stepped ahead. “I heard the Veritas partners lived in the condos.”
