Page 66 of Chain Reaction

He swallowed hard as he tried to decide what to do.

“I’ve been thinking more about what happened today. I’m now convinced this was an inside job,” he admitted, surprising himself by saying the words aloud. He’d had his suspicions before, but he didn’t see any other alternatives at this point.

“I’m sorry to hear that. That has to be difficult.” Raven paused. “Do you have any idea who might be responsible?”

He shook his head. “Not really. I only have suspicions.” He paused. “I know some of the best EOD techs around. There are only a few people I can think of who might be capable of making the kind of bombs we’ve seen since you’ve arrived here on Lantern Beach.”

“And it’s one of your colleagues, isn’t it? One of the guys who came in with you?” She sounded breathless as she asked the question.

He somberly nodded. “That’s right. It could be any of them, really. They each might have their reasons.”

“Even Atlas? You two seem close.”

Her words caused an unseen weight to press on his shoulders. “Out of everyone, I’m closest to him. But also out of everyone, he’s the most likely one who could have left that bomb today at the headquarters.”

“Wow.” She blinked. “That’s a lot.”

“Yes, it is.”

She continued to study his face, compassion in her gaze. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m trying to figure that out.”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.” Her words sounded confident and sure.

His gaze caught hers. The truth was Jake didn’t always make the right decisions.

He hadn’t with her.

Was this the time to tell her the truth?

He licked his lips, unsure even how to start. Unsure how she’d react. Unsure about . . . everything, really.

But before any words left his mouth, Raven stood. “Listen, maybe we should get some sleep. Maybe we’ll see things with fresh eyes in the morning.”

“Smart thinking.” His voice sounded hoarse in his own ears.

Her gaze lingered on him, almost as if she’d sensed he was about to address what had happened in the past and wanted to avoid it. “Good night, Jake.”

“Good night, Raven.”

Maybe seeing her again wouldn’t bring healing like Jake had hoped.

Maybe it would only bring more hurt.

CHAPTER 31

Jake looked as if he had already showered, dressed, and been awake for hours when Raven headed to the kitchen the next morning.

She wasn’t sure how he did that, but she was impressed and wished she had the same skill.

Instead, she felt like a mess with her hair pulled back in a sloppy bun, still wearing her sweats from the night before. She’d replaced her sweatshirt with her favorite T-shirt—one she’d purchased while on a work trip to London last year.

Truthfully, she’d hoped she might avoid Jake a little longer. Last night, she’d sensed he wanted to talk about what had happened between them. She’d almost let him.

Then she’d changed her mind. Maybe the reaction had been out of fear. She wasn’t sure.

She’d panicked and feigned an excuse about going to bed.