Page 76 of Dead Man's Alibi

“Nate.We’re all doing everything we can think of to get you out of here.Your only job is to survive this moment.Focus on that.”

But how could he possibly do that when people were out there… “Listen, I don’t want anyone risking anything for me.”

Cal’s expression sharpened then.“Why the fuck not?”

Surprised at the vehemence and a little chastened by it, Nate shrugged.“It’s just not necessary.”

It was Cal’s turn to lean toward the divider between them.He spoke low and certain and with a kind of anger Nate didn’t fully understand.

“You have people who love you, brother.I’d get used to that before you get out of here.Because wearegoing to get you out of here.And letting people love and help you is part of loving them.”

He wasn’t wrong.It was hard to accept, but Cal wasn’twrong.He was also the pot calling the kettle black.

“When are you going to apply that lesson to yourself?”

For the briefest second, Cal looked utterly arrested.But he quickly blinked it away.“Let’s get you out of here before we worry about me learning any lessons, huh?”

Nate sighed, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Getting out of here seemed more farfetched by the day.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Parking lot outside a restaurant in Bozeman

Sam was dragging.Even though she’d slept all right last night, she was still catching up on all the sleep she’d missed, and being out past dinner was a drag.Especially since she hadn’teatendinner.

She’d gotten a rental car in Livingston, so as not to be IDed by Jake, then staked out Jake at the police station all afternoon, then followed him out to Bozeman, where he’d run a few errands and then stopped at this restaurant and gone inside.

Sam yawned.Was someone in there waiting for him?Could she risk getting out of her car and peeking inside?

Yeah, she was going to have to take some risks, and if they blew up in her face… well, so be it, right?Anything for Nate.Anything for the truth.

She got out of the car, eyed the restaurant, its entrance and setup.The windows partially looked out at the parking lot, but most of the blinds were closed against the setting sun.

She heard a car door slam behind her.If it was a group, she could potentially hang back and hide behind them as they went inside.Blend into the group, avoid any detection by Jake.

But it wasn’t a group.It was a woman she recognized striding intently toward the entrance.

She was so surprised, she said the woman’s name before even thinking it through.“Olivia.”

Olivia stopped near the entrance as Sam jogged over, worry about being seen long gone.What the hell was Olivia Underwood doing here?

Olivia clutched her purse before turning around.Her expression was deeply suspicious.“Are you following me?”

“No.”Sam supposed she shouldn’t be surprised by the accusation since she was followingsomeone.“I was here on… a different matter, and I happened to see you.I just wanted to make sure you’re all right since you haven’t returned any of my calls.”

Olivia looked her up and down, clearly not happy with her.Yeah, Jake had no doubt spun some tales this morning.

Jake… who was inside.What the hell?

“Are you here to meet Detective Hayes?”

Olivia clutched her bag harder and lifted her chin.

When she spoke, every word was ice.“Ms.Price.I don’t know what you want from me, but—”

“I know Jake cornered you at Honor’s Edge this morning, and I want to know why.”