Page 77 of Facing the Enemy

I assembled my laptop, cords, and papers strewn across the coffee table.

“Where are you going for the next few nights?” he called.

Darlene had offered her home, but I wouldn’t drag anyone else into this. “A hotel.”

“Where?”

“I haven’t decided.”

“What about my house?”

As tempting as his offer sounded, I couldn’t accept. In my emotional state, I might do something totally inappropriate ... and regret it. “It’s impossible for me to stay with you, Gage. Not with how we feel about each other. But I appreciate the offer.”

He appeared with his arms full. I took the underthings from him and stuffed them in my overnight bag. “Why refuse my invite?”

“People will talk.”

He startled. “We took a trip last weekend together.”

“Carson was with us, and we had separate rooms in a hotel.”

“Technically adjoining. Pretend he’s there, and you’ll be fine.”

I wanted to say yes. “Agent Patterson, I’m vulnerable right now.”

“And you think I’d take advantage of you?”

I shook my head sadly. “Quite the opposite.”

Gage chuckled. “Doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

I longed to crawl inside his embrace forever, let the warmth in his dark eyes keep me safe and loved. “And if I stayed with you, I’d agree.”

With his hands full of my clothes, he leaned over and kissed me. “Make your reservations, and I’ll follow you there to ensure you’re okay. In the morning, I’ll pick you up for breakfast—”

“Aren’t we meeting with Clyde Washington early?”

“You’re right. And I’m sure he has information to keep us busy all day. He’s skittish, so I’d like you to lead out.”

“Are you sure since he asked for Jack?”

“You’re prettier. Give it a whirl. See where it goes.”

“Thank you,” I said, “for believing in me and not giving up.”

“I’d never give up on you. Now let’s get you to a hotel where you can rest up.”

“You still believe in us?” I said.

“Absolutely. But I need to tell you something about me.” He glanced away. “You might change your mind about us.”

41

Was Clyde Washington afraid of meeting Gage and me at the FBI office? Or did he prefer a bakery and coffee shop at 6a.m. near his home for convenience’s sake? After the horror of finding Luke yesterday, my cautionary perception slammed into overdrive. I’d heard every moan and groan of the heating unit in the hotel room, and when I did manage to fall asleep, the images repeated. But prayer and determination had a strong grip on me, and without either one, I’d fail ... again.

The bakery had five café-size tables along a wall opposite the display counter. From the people already lined up, takeout was their specialty. Gage pulled up a third chair to the table farthest from the door where he could see all who entered and left. We introduced ourselves, and Gage made sure we had coffee.

Most people were nervous when in the presence of FBI agents and the focus of questions. I would be too. Clyde Washington was no exception.