Page 56 of Lethal Game

"He sounds like the worst person in the world."

"He is."

"So, are you going to meet Patrick?"

He thought about that. "I probably should, just to find out what he knows. Patrick retired from the bureau six months after that ambush, so I don't think he'll try to insinuate himself into the investigation. He probably just wants to know what's going on. And maybe I owe it to him. He was my father's best friend, and he helped me a lot when I first started at the bureau. I didn't always take his advice, but I was grateful for it." He paused. "Sometimes, I feel a little guilty that I haven't kept in touch with him."

"Why haven't you?" she asked.

"I've just buried myself in work the last few years. And I haven't wanted to share stories about the good times he had with my dad."

"I can see how that would be difficult. Seeing Patrick would remind you of your father and your loss."

"It would. And his stories would remind me that he had a much closer relationship with my dad than I did."

"Really?" she asked with surprise. "But you're his son."

"I didn't have the kind of relationship with my father that you had with your dad. He wasn't warm and fuzzy. He wasn't even around that much. He was ambitious, and his goals were always bigger than the family. I never could get close to him. And sometimes I was a little envious of Patrick's relationship with my dad, how he brought out this fun, more relaxed side of my father. It wasn't a side I saw very much. My dad wasn't a talker. He didn't express emotion, one reason my motherdivorced him. He couldn't say I'm proud of you, or I love you. He just couldn't do it."

"I'm sorry. But I'm sure your dad loved you, even if he couldn't say it. And I bet he was proud of you, too."

He smiled at her words. "You're sweet to say that, Alisa."

"I'm not just saying it; I think it's true. And I'm not that sweet, Jason. I know families can be problematic. Believe me, after working in the ER and seeing how people sometimes treat the people closest to them, I know that not every family is good. But hearing the way you've spoken about your dad and getting to know you, I just can't imagine how he couldn't have cared about you or been proud of you. You're a good guy."

"You don't know me that well."

"I know it's only been a few days, but we've been through such intense moments together, it feels like we know each other on a level I don't get to very often, even with people I've spent time with for weeks."

"Like your last boyfriend?"

"Yes." She paused as a server delivered their dishes. "This looks good. I've been craving a salad."

He was hungry, too. Everything else could wait. For now, he was just going to eat. Then he'd decide what to do about Patrick.

Fifteen minutes later, he felt decidedly better than he had in a while. He'd needed food, air, and a break as much as Alisa had. She looked happier, too, her face filled with color, her brown eyes glowing, no stress tightening her mouth, no nerves making her fidget in her seat. She was relaxed, and so was he. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to last.

He got another text from Patrick. It was urgent that they meet. He just needed a few minutes of his time.

"Patrick again?" Alisa asked.

"Yes."

"He sounds desperate to speak to you. Why don't we just go meet him together?" Alisa suggested.

"I can't take you with me."

"Why not? He's a retired FBI agent. He's not working the case. And he's not a bad guy, so what's the problem?"

He frowned. "It's not a good idea."

"I'll stay in the car," she offered. "If what he has to say is important, I don't think you should put him off."

She had a point. Taking her back to the hospital would take too much time. He sent Patrick a text, asking if he could meet him at the park across the street.

The answer came flying back. Patrick could be there in twenty minutes.

"Okay, he's coming to the park across the street," he told Alisa. "But you will stay in the car. The car windows have bulletproof glass, so you should be okay."