Page 29

CHAPTER 29

E verything that happened after the bomb went off felt like a blur to Raven.

Medics had examined her for any injuries. She’d given a statement to Cassidy. Jake had been on patrol, watching for more danger, checking for any more bombs.

The important thing was no one was hurt. Things could have turned out so much differently.

She couldn’t stop thanking God for that.

Finally, she and Jake were cleared to leave the site. She lingered near the Tahoe, waiting for Jake to come back outside.

She thought for sure he’d ask her to stay at Blackout tonight, but to her surprise he hadn’t.

Instead, he stepped outside, an overnight bag slung over his shoulder.

He met her at the Tahoe and tossed it in the back.

“No way am I letting you stay alone, not after everything that’s happened. I’m sleeping on your couch again.” He didn’t sound apologetic in the slightest.

Part of her wanted to argue out of principle. But she didn’t.

Because another part of her was truly terrified and hated the thought of staying alone right now.

She needed someone to have her back.

Jake had stepped up to the plate, so she wouldn’t argue with that answered prayer.

She was curious, however, if he knew anything more than she did.

She waited until they were back in his SUV before she asked any questions. “What are you thinking? Is there something I need to know?”

His jaw tightened, and she knew there was more to the story. She wasn’t sure exactly what he might tell her.

Finally, with his gaze still on the road and his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel, he said, “They messed with our communications. Blocked our calls. Someone breached the Blackout headquarters. Planted a live IED on our campus . . .”

“You think someone affiliated with Blackout may be responsible?” Her throat burned as the question left her lips.

“It’s the only thing that makes sense.” Jake scowled.

“What are you guys going to do about it? I’m assuming you’ve talked to one of your superiors about this.”

“I have mentioned my concerns to Ty and Colton. We don’t want to let on that we suspect anything yet. We need to somehow try to figure out how to draw this person out.”

Raven’s thoughts continued to race. “You think this person is the same one who left the ordnances on the beach?”

He shrugged. “I can’t say for sure without any type of evidence. But Blackout has hired some of the best of the best.”

“You’re a bomb tech,” she reminded him. “Who knows bombs better than you?”

A frown tugged at his lips, and she knew he was having a thought.

“Blackout just hired me and the four guys you met earlier. All of us know bombs pretty well.”

Alarm raced through her. Had she correctly read between the lines? “You think someone on your team could be responsible?”

“I don’t want to believe that. But I’d be a fool not to examine every possibility.”

“Have any of them given you any reason to doubt them?” Raven asked.

Jake’s jaw twitched. When he didn’t answer right away, she decided not to press. He had a lot to think through right now.

So did she.

She leaned back in her seat as they headed down the road. She didn’t like the thought of someone being on the inside. She couldn’t imagine what it might feel like for Jake to be in his position of having to question people who were supposed to have his back.

They still had a lot more answers to uncover. But time felt as if it was running out. It was almost as if another bomb ticked in the background. Armed and ready to take them all out.

Jake checked out Raven’s house, just to make sure it was safe and there were no hidden surprises.

Everything appeared clear.

He ushered her inside and locked the door behind them. He couldn’t afford to let down his guard. Trouble could show up again at any moment, and he needed to be prepared if it did.

Raven had watched him from the doorway as he worked.

She looked exhausted as she stood there. She had been through a lot today.

He paused in front of her. “You should be good. Everything’s secure.”

“Great.” Raven nodded with relief. “I need to take a shower. I feel gross. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable.”

Jake nodded. But he knew he wouldn’t be making himself comfortable in this situation. Not until the person behind this was found.

A buzz sounded, and he reached for his phone.

Then he realized the sound had come from the kitchen.

It was Raven’s phone. She’d left it on the counter.

As he glanced at it, a text message that had popped up on her screen caught his attention.

He hadn’t meant to read it.

But it was too late.

The message had been from someone named Kingston.

I can’t wait to see you again. I can’t stop thinking about you. Come back into town soon. Please.

Jake’s heart pounded in his throat.

So Raven was seeing someone?

He shouldn’t be surprised.

Maybe it wasn’t surprise he felt. It was more like devastation.

No, that wasn’t the right word either.

He had no right to be upset about Raven seeing someone else. He’d blown his chance with her.

But he couldn’t stop thinking about all his regrets.