Page 16

CHAPTER 16

R aven’s heart continued racing even as they talked to Cassidy. Her pulse probably wouldn’t slow down anytime soon. Her adrenaline was pumping too hard after that near-death experience.

“We put a BOLO out on the island,” Cassidy said as they stood in the driveway of Raven’s rental. “However, we have no leads on that man from yesterday either.”

Raven noticed as they talked that Jake constantly glanced around, on the lookout for any more trouble. She appreciated his tenacity.

Cassidy turned toward Raven and frowned. “What I can’t figure out is why you’re being targeted.”

Raven jerked her head toward Cassidy. “Come again?”

“Someone tried to break into your rental,” Cassidy said. “Then they tried to shoot you this morning. There’s got to be a reason they’re coming after you specifically.”

“I don’t know what that reason could be.” Her voice quivered.

“That’s my point exactly.” Cassidy narrowed her eyes in thought. “Do they not want you to discover something about these bombs? Do they want to silence you before you can do that?”

Raven rubbed her arms, suddenly chilled. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Or . . .” Jake paused and glanced at Raven. Then he turned back to Cassidy. “Or there’s a chance someone knew Raven would be called in to work a case like this and set up the situation to get her here.”

Cassidy squinted. “Why do you think that?”

They told her about the photograph they’d found and explained that they’d planned on telling her today.

“But why would they target you?”

Raven blew out a breath. “My father is an ambassador. He’s made some enemies. I’m not sure that’s why—or even if Jake’s theory is correct. But it’s a possibility worth exploring.”

“I agree.” Cassidy nodded. “It is. We’ll figure it out. But I understand if you don’t want to stay here on the island. Things are getting more dangerous by the moment.”

Raven knew where the police chief was going with that statement. Raven wasn’t a trained officer of the law. She didn’t know much about defending herself or protecting others either. Being here could make her a liability.

All she really knew was how to properly identify relics from the past.

For a moment, the irony hit her. She could identify historic remnants—but what about the remnants from her own past? Remnants like Jake?

Why couldn’t she analyze those things with equal accuracy?

Jake shifted beside her. “Is there anything else you need from us?”

Cassidy let out a breath and slid the pad of paper where she’d jotted notes back into her pocket. “I think I have everything I need. Do you want me to call someone to fix your tires and windshields?”

“That would be great,” Jake said. “In the meantime, someone from Blackout is going to pick us up and take us back to headquarters.”

“Sounds like you have your plan all worked out then.” Cassidy glanced at Raven. “Are you going with him to see the ordnance?”

Raven nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“I figured as much,” Cassidy said. “But please, be careful. I have no idea who, or what, we are up against right now, and that fact bothers me. It should bother all of us.”

A few minutes later, Atlas Manning arrived to pick up Jake and Raven.

Out of everyone in the group that had started at Blackout with Jake, Atlas was the one Jake trusted the most.

Atlas was brooding with a killer sense of humor. Always a hit with the women. He was from Montana and loved line dancing.

Maverick Adams was the toughest computer genius Jake had ever met. He knew his way around electronics and tech better than anyone, and the Washington, DC, transplant seemed like the boy next door.

Hudson Roberts was all muscle and brawn. But beneath that tough exterior, he was also smart with great instincts. He hailed from Upper Michigan, where he’d been an avid ice hockey player before joining the military.

Kyle Harrell of Nashville, Tennessee, was Mr. All American. He’d actually played football for the Navy. From the day they’d met, Jake had thought the man should be a diplomat.

Unfortunately, he felt certain one of them couldn’t be trusted.

There were small things that added to his suspicions.

Like when they were in training together, someone had gone through his things. He had a certain way of arranging his clothes and his toiletries. They’d been disturbed.

He’d found a handwritten note someone had dropped saying “Meet me at seven at our place.” He’d tried to figure out what that place was so he could investigate, but he’d had no luck.

Jake’s gut told him that one of them was up to something. He just didn’t know who that person was yet.

“Atlas, this is Raven,” Jake started. “Raven, Atlas.”

They said hello to each other.

Atlas didn’t know about his history with Raven—and he wanted to keep it that way. The fewer people who knew his business, the better.

“Sounds like you’ve had some excitement.” Atlas gripped the wheel as they headed down the road.

“You could say that.” Jake told him a little about the situation.

Atlas let out a whistle. “Didn’t expect something like this on little ol’ Lantern Beach.”

“None of us did,” Jake said. “I’m surprised you haven’t been called in to help also.”

Atlas had been a CIA operative with specialized training in psychological warfare.

“Colton has me working another case.” He didn’t offer any more details.

Colton Locke led Blackout along with Ty. The two seemed to make a good team.

Jake watched Raven’s reaction as they pulled up to the gate of the Blackout headquarters. Her eyes widened with surprise. The place was impressive. Even Jake had been shocked when he’d first arrived.

A three-story building stood at the center of the property, looking more like a stately beachside hotel. Two wings stretched from the main lobby. Dormers were built onto the roof, gray siding covered the walls, and a large covered porch welcomed people who arrived.

Inside, there was a gym, cafeteria, apartments, and offices. The lobby had a fireplace. The apartments were small but comfortable and ample, some larger than others.

On the property, there was an obstacle training course, a shooting range, and a couple of other outbuildings. Woods ran along the south side of the land and the Pamlico Sound stretched to the west.

Jake parked and turned to Raven. “In other circumstances, I’d show you around.”

“I understand.” She glanced at the main building again. “Maybe another time.”

For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to have an opportunity at another time. He knew that probably wouldn’t happen.

But, for some reason, the thought had him a little too intrigued.

Right now, they had business to take care of. That was what he needed to focus on.