Page 39 of Chain Reaction

There was so much she didn’t know about Jake.

If she were honest with herself, she’d admit she wished she knew those answers.

Jake’s mind rushed.

Raven had noticed the tension between him and his colleagues. Ofcourse,she had. She’d been observant when he’d known her before, and that clearly hadn’t changed.

But he wasn’t ready to dive into any of those details with her.

It all came down to the fact that it was sometimes hard to know who to trust.

He drove to the southern end of the island and got in line for the ferry. His plan had been to be on the first boat out of here this morning, but that hadn’t worked out.

Thankfully, another car ferry had just pulled in, so they were loaded fairly quickly.

This was island life.

Jake hadn’t thought initially he’d like living in a place like this. But he was starting to really enjoy it. When danger wasn’t following him, this place was peaceful.

His favorite thing to do was to sit outside in the mornings and watch the sun rise over the Pamlico Sound behind the Blackout headquarters.

It was a good way to center his life.

He touched the object hanging at the end of his necklace.

A wedding ring.

Ever since Danielle had died, his perspective on life had changed. He’d realized just how precarious every day could be.

He’d also realized that there was more to this life than just living and dying.

On one particularly rough day, he’d decided to open his Bible.

Since then, he hadn’t stopped reading it. First thing every morning, he started with reading the Bible and prayer. His life was different because of it. He had more peace, more perspective—a new lease on life and a reason to live.

“I’m going to get out and look at the water.” Raven’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He glanced at her, his mind returning to the moment.

She paused and startled, misreading his surprise. “Unless you don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Jake had already thought about the safety precautions he should take while on the ferry. He’d been keeping his eyes open, looking for anyone suspicious.

He hadn’t seen the mystery car again—the one with the shooter. No doubt that guy was too smart to bring the same car aboard this ferry. However, that didn’t mean the man didn’t have a new vehicle. That he wasn’t here watching them.

In fact, there was a good chance he was.

The person behind these acts was clearly desperate and determined. When he hadn’t been able to break in last night, he’d shown up this morning to make a statement.

“I need to be out there with you,” Jake told her.

He didn’t miss the frown that flickered across Raven’s lips. She’d probably been hoping for a moment alone.

He couldn’t blame her for that.

But keeping her safe was his top priority.

It didn’t matter if Raven hated him. It only mattered that she stayed alive.