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That was one of many qualities she appreciated about Zack. His wit had a way of soothing the edges of any situation and reminding her that life was full of joyful moments, no matter how small, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
She couldn’t believe he’d maintained enough control of the truck that he’d been able to keep everyone safe. He’d saved lives today. She could have lost him. For good. They hadn’t had a chance yet to make things right between each other.
“What’s wrong?” Naya lifted her gaze from his shaking hands. Now, those same eyes held determination and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on.Protection? For her?
She wanted them to clear the air. To agree to fight on the same team, not against each other. Life was too short, and todayhad reminded her of that reality. Their end goal was the same. To have justice and truth exposed.
Could they find a way to see eye to eye?
“Someone has taken these threats too far.” Zack’s jaw twitched. “A threat against you is a threat against me.”
Naya lifted the note out of Zack’s grip and read the words.
“This note makes it sound like your story is connected to my parents.” Zack scrunched his brow. “But that doesn’t make sense.”
Naya finished reading and folded the paper again. “Actually?—”
A door slammed shut, and baritone voices filled the air. The rest of the crew was back.
That would make it more difficult to share what she’d discovered today with Zack. The information wasn’t confidential, but she didn’t want speculation and gossip starting over details that weren’t confirmed.
Would he want to get coffee?
“Anyone want pizza from Backdraft?” Ridge yelled from somewhere, and a few seconds later he meandered into the common area. “I thought you were heading home to chill, hero.” Ridge plopped down on a sofa and pulled out his phone.
“That was the plan. Until I found a note in my mailbox. Did you grab the mail today?” Zack asked.
“Ah, I do remember that handwritten card being in the pile. A love note?” Ridge winked.
“Far from it.” Zack’s body tensed next to Naya. “You didn’t see anyone drop something off?”
“Sorry, man. I just took the mail, then distributed it in our boxes. Security cams might show someone.” Ridge tapped a few buttons on his phone. “Do you two want pizza?”
It might be a tad selfish, but Naya didn’t want to stick around for dinner. Not when she had details to share with Zack. The two of them debriefing alone was more appealing.
“Would you like to stay here and eat?” Zack turned to Naya.
She bit her lip.
Zack turned to his colleague. “We have some other things to take care of. Later.”
Ridge chuckled. “Have a good night, you two.”
Naya stepped out into the hall with Zack, and he said, “Do you mind if we check the security footage?”
“Good idea. It might show something.”
Naya followed him into a room with three monitors. Several camera angles were displayed in tiny boxes on the screens with real-time footage.
Her stomach growled. “After, we can head back to my place to talk. I can make some dinner.” Why was she so nervous? “If you want…”
Zack pulled out a chair and sat down, then swiveled to face her. “It’s a date.”
Naya swallowed. She couldn’t read Zack’s expression. Did he mean a date for the two of them, or a work date?Why am I so bad at this?
“You can sit down.” Zack slid another chair closer. “If you want…”
She caught the tug of amusement on his lips and cleared her throat. “I don’t mind standing.”