Page 54 of Lethal Deceit (Hightower Security #2)

It feels like déjà vu as I hobble into the room and find Alice—the same nurse who treated me earlier—waiting for me. To preserve what’s left of my dignity, she’s set up a privacy screen and laid out a cot with a clean gown.

I’m too sore and exhausted to protest, so I nod when Verity offers to help.

Like before, Alice moves with calm efficiency, directing Verity to ease me out of my soaking clothes and assist as she examines my injuries. Verity offers quiet smiles and winces while the nurse wipes away blood and has me lie down to check my abdomen. I dig my nails into my palms, bracing against the pain—afraid if I cry out, Mick will come rushing in.

Not that I’d mind seeing his face.

I’m wrecked—physically and emotionally. And the more time I spend around these women, the more confused I feel.

Adena is talking to Brooke on the other side of the room, checking if she’s okay. I try to follow their voices while Verity hovers nearby, her face drawn with concern. Alice shakes her head and murmurs to Verity.

“Are they all dead?”

I blink, thinking I must’ve misheard.

“Mick left one alive for the FBI,”

Verity replies quietly.

“The other three are dead.”

There were two others? I never even saw them.

Alice shudders.

“Thank the Lord you got to them in time.”

She glances at me and gives a soft smile.

“God sent His angels with you for your first operation.”

I don’t argue. I don’t understand it, but for the first time in my life, I want it to be true. God is the only thing that makes sense. Two days ago, nothing—absolutely nothing—could’ve made me risk my life for anyone. Especially not strangers.

My throat tightens, and it’s not from being half-strangled.

“What’s happening to me?”

Verity gently pats my shoulder—one of the few places not bruised.

“God’s called you into His service, . And He’s not letting you go.”

Alice nods, and Adena’s voice drifts in from the other side of the screen.

“Amen. And neither are we. As soon as we’re done here, we’re heading back to Jericho.”

Jericho?

I glance at Verity, confused.

“What about the FBI? Mick said they’re waiting.”

Verity wrinkles her nose.

“Well… Mick’s a great guy, but he’s not Hightower.”

Adena chuckles.

“We can’t tell him all our secrets.”

Still baffled, I try to sit up. Alice helps me.

“Secrets like what?”

Verity slides her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, lifting one brow.

“Even if the FBI pardons you, you still know people who could make things… difficult.”

I rub my temple, trying to think, but the headache’s winning. “I know.”

Alice voices the question I haven’t said aloud, turning to Verity.

“So what are you going to do to keep safe?”

Adena appears, exchanging a look with Verity.

“That’s where Brooke comes in.”

Brooke peeks around the curtain, grinning as she touches her split lip with a wince.

“I’m going to write your obituary.”