Page 10 of Ground Zero (Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation #3)

M averick kept one eye on the road and the other on their surroundings as he drove back toward the beach. His hands were relaxed on the steering wheel, but every muscle in his body was coiled and ready.

Those men who’d tried to capture him at the beach could still be in the area. Waiting. Watching. Ready to either abduct or kill.

He still wasn’t sure which.

However, Maverick didn’t want any more surprises today.

Sheridan sat beside him, impressively composed, considering the situation. Though she still wore her skirt and blouse, her feet were bare. She’d said she had more shoes in her car.

The beach access road was empty when they arrived at her vehicle. But that didn’t mean much. Professional operators knew how to stay invisible.

They had to remain on guard if they wanted to stay alive.

He pulled up next to Sheridan’s black sedan and kept the engine running. “Check your car for trackers and explosives before you get in.”

She gave him a sharp look. “Trackers and explosives?”

“Someone was most likely tracking you this morning. They might have prepared for multiple contingencies.” Maverick scanned the parking area one more time. “Trust me on this one.”

“If you say so.” Sheridan climbed out of his truck, then hesitated. “Maverick.”

It was the first time she’d used his first name without anger or accusation.

He looked at her through the open passenger window. “Yes?”

“Be careful,” she said simply, her voice and gaze at war with each other.

She was still angry with him, still not sure if he was trustworthy. But a small part of her must want to believe he was innocent and on her side.

“You too.” Maverick waited until she was several steps away before adding, “And Agent Mendez? If something feels wrong at Blackout, get out. Don’t try to be a hero.”

He hated that he had to say those words. But he did.

There was a traitor among them, and until he knew who that person was then he’d trust no one.

She nodded once then walked toward her car.

Maverick didn’t wait to see her leave. But he couldn’t afford to stick around in public any longer than necessary. He had too much work to do and being visible made him a target.

As he drove away, he caught a glimpse of Sheridan in his rearview mirror, circling her sedan and checking for threats.

Good.

Maybe she was starting to listen—and to trust him—after all.

Sheridan shook her head as she watched Maverick’s truck disappear down the beach road.

Trackers and explosives?

The man was either extremely paranoid or extremely experienced.

But as she stood next to her car, his words echoed in her mind. If someone had known where to find them this morning . . .

It wouldn’t hurt to check.

She spent ten minutes examining every inch of her sedan, running her hands along the wheel wells, checking under the hood, and inspecting the undercarriage. Her fingers came away dirty but empty.

She’d found no tracking devices, suspicious wires, or packages.

She should feel relief. Instead, her muscles remained coiled.

As she climbed into the driver’s seat, Sheridan couldn’t shake the feeling that Maverick had been right to be cautious.

The drive to Blackout headquarters gave her time to think. To think about the messages she’d found on that computer. About the way Maverick had reacted when those fake agents started shooting. About the genuine pain in his voice when they’d mentioned his parents.

Was there really a mole on her team? On his?

The possibility made her stomach churn. She’d worked with some of her colleagues for years. She’d trusted them with her life. Some of them had been at Danny’s funeral, had offered their condolences, had promised to help her find his killer.

If one of them was responsible for Danny’s death . . .

Sheridan gripped the steering wheel tighter.

She needed to find out the truth. Not just for Maverick’s sake, but for Danny’s.

And for her own peace of mind.

She had no idea what kind of situation she was walking into at Blackout.

But she was praying for the best—and for wisdom to know how to maneuver it all.

Her faith in God was the only thing that had helped her survive Danny’s death.

And it would be the only thing that helped her survive now as well.