Page 84 of Girl Lost

“Loud and clear,” Luna said, grateful for the distraction.

“Remember, I’ve got a team on standby.” Blade came through next. “Anything goes sideways, we’re there in minutes.”

Luna nodded, even though she knew Blade couldn’t see her. “We’ve got the extraction phrase memorized.”

The Chiron BioInnovation Center loomed ahead, a shining monolith of glass and steel. Luna’s heart rate picked up. This was it. No more rehearsals, no more briefings. It was time to step into the lion’s den.

She parked, then turned to Corbin. “Ready, Mr. Sinclair?”

He met her gaze. “Absolutely, Mrs. Sinclair.”

They stepped out of the car, and Luna rushed to Corbin’s side to support him as he feigned weakness. As they approached the entrance, the mission settled over her like a cloak.

Find Trinity. Save Stryker. Uncover the truth. Find justice for Carlie and the other victims.

With a deep breath, she pushed open the door, stepping into the cool, antiseptic interior of the Chiron BioInnovation Center. As they entered the lobby, Corbin stumbled slightly, his hand going to his chest. Luna’s arm tightened around him instinctively, her eyes widening with practiced concern.

“Darling, are you all right?” she asked just loud enough for the receptionist to overhear.

Corbin nodded, his breathing labored. “Just ... need a moment,” he gasped.

Luna guided him to a nearby chair. Was this part of the act, or was Corbin genuinely struggling? She knelt beside him, taking his hand in hers.

“Deep breaths, love,” she murmured, falling easily into the role of doting wife. “That’s it. Nice and slow.”

The receptionist approached, her face a mask of professional concern. “Is everything all right? Should I call for assistance?”

Luna looked up, allowing a flicker of fear to cross her face. “No, thank you. This happens sometimes. It’s why we’re here, actually. We have an appointment with Dr. Forest.”

The receptionist’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Of course. Let me check you in. Names, please?”

“Alexander and Lorelai Sinclair,” Luna replied.

As the receptionist tapped away at her computer, Luna turned back to Corbin. He met her gaze. So far, so good.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair?” Luna looked up to see a young woman in a lab coat approaching. “I’m Dr. Sheridan. I’ll be assisting Dr. Forest today. If you’ll follow me?”

Luna helped Corbin to his feet, noting how he leaned heavily on her, his breathing still slightly labored.

As they followed Dr. Sheridan down a long, sterile hallway, Luna couldn’t shake the feeling that they were walking into the belly of the beast.

29

CORBIN SETTLEDinto the plush leather chair,hishand absently rubbing his chest. It wasn’t a total phantom ache. The stitches in his side no longer hurt,but they itched like fire,and his ribs still zingedwith pain if he took a deep breath.

Unlike the white walls and harsh fluorescent lighting they’d just navigated, this room was swathed in warmth. Wood paneling. Soft, recessed lighting. A carefully constructed illusion of comfort. Yet he couldn’t relax. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled, a sixth sense whispering that someone—or something—was watching their every move.

Dr. Sheridan’s smile was all perfect teeth and practiced charm. “Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, Dr. Forest will be with you shortly. Can I get you anything while you wait? Water? Coffee?”

“Water would be lovely, thank you,” Luna replied with a hint of transatlantic elegance. Lorelai Sinclair, brought to life. He was struck by how effortlessly Luna could slip into a role, how easily she could become someone else.

When Dr. Sheridan left the room, he leaned close to Luna and let his lips brush against her ear. “Nice touch with the accent. Very posh.”

Luna’s lips quirked in a half smile. “Well, darling, one must keep up appearances.”

The door opened, and Dr. Sheridan returned. “Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, this is Summer Reeves, one of our brightest interns. She’ll be observing today’s consultation, if that’s all right with you.”

The young woman handed them each a water. “Here you are.”