Page 62 of Blind Trust
“No.” Kekoa folded his arms across his chest. “Jack updated the boss on what we found on Ammar and that gunrunner in Florida. Secret Service is involved now. I think that’s where they’re at, but I know they mentioned meeting up with DOD too. I’ve never seen Walsh so angry. I think Jack went with him just to keep him from strangling someone.”
Nic understood exactly how Walsh felt. He dropped the ice pack on his desk. “Kekoa, you ever thought about working outside the office?”
“What do you mean? Like remotely?”
“No, like what Jack and I do. Running leads on assignments like you did with Elinor.”
Kekoa tucked his hair behind his ear. “In case you don’t remember, I was set up.” He looked at Nic, then shrugged. “You guys are better at that than I am.”
“That’s not true, brother.” Nic curled his fingers into a fist and then stretched them again. “That assignment was successful because of what you did outside of your genius behind the computer.”
Kekoa slapped his forehead. “Brah.”
“What?”
“You finally admit I’m a genius.” Kekoa spread his hands around him to the empty room. “And no one was here to hear it.”
Nic started to shake his head, but the painful throbbing stopped him.
“You sure you’re okay?”
“I should be, according to Dr. Patel.” Nic looked down at his open palms and fingers. “I’ve got this tingling sensation she said could be a side effect from the concussion but that it should go away.” He ran his hands down the front of his pants, anxious to get rid of the weird feeling.
“Maybe you should take your own advice and go to the hospital.”
Nic folded his arms over his chest. “I’m good.”
“Is that why you’re asking about me going into the field? In case you’re notgood?”
Inhaling slowly, Nic turned to Kekoa. “I’m asking because I might be leaving for a bit. Taking a temporary assignment overseas, and I—”
“What are you talking about, you’re leaving?” Kekoa frowned. “That ain’t funny.”
“I’m not being funny, brother.” He looked back at Walsh’s office. “I think it’s time, and I need you to remind her she’s not invincible. Keep her from going all gung ho on the bad guys.”
Kekoa snorted. “You think she’s going to listen to me?”
Nic sighed and looked at his friend. “You guys are close. Somehow you’ve managed to hack into her defenses like you do with computer systems. She trusts you.”
“Nice analogy, but Lyla trusts you too.” Kekoa tucked a curl behind his ear. “She’s all tough on the outside, but brah, she’s like a pineapple. Or maybe a coconut.” He shook his head. “No matter. What I’m trying to say is that underneath that rough exterior, she’s just a softie desperate for your approval.”
Nic dipped his chin. That Jack and Kekoa both saw how Lyla needed his approval reinforced his feeling that maybe it would be better if he left. Then Lyla wouldn’t feel the need to seek what was already hers.
Kekoa rounded on him. “Have you told her you’re thinking about leaving?”
The door to Walsh’s office opened and Nic stood, his heart leapfrogging into his throat as Lyla came out with Dr. Patel behind her. His fingers curled into his palms as he watched her take slow and steady steps, being cautious of the injuries he couldn’t see.
The left side of Lyla’s face had taken the brunt of the attack. There was a cut above her eyebrow, angry red scrapes and purple bruising along her cheek and near her chin. It wasn’t as bad as he’d allowed himself to imagine when blood caked the side of her face, but it still made him want to punch something. Or someone.
“I’m to inform you,” Dr. Patel said as she put her coat on, “that her injuries look worse than they are. And while I have my own opinion about what I would tell my daughter in this situation, I’m to assure you boys that Lyla is still fit to work.”
Nic shot Lyla a look, but her attention was on Dr. Patel, who sighed.
“And she doesn’t want any special treatment unless it comes in the form of coffee, chocolate, or a spa day to make up for the tiny bubbles episode—whatever that is.” She zipped up her coat, and Lyla cleared her throat, indicating there was more. Dr. Patel heaved a sigh but continued. “And those are doctor’s orders.”
This time Lyla met Nic’s eyes. “I’m going to walk Dr. Patel out so we can get started.”
Dr. Patel paused next to Nic and eyed his balled fists. “Be sure to schedule an appointment if you have any persistent side effects.”
