Page 57 of Lethal Game

She frowned. "Really? You had to mention the bulletproof glass? You couldn't just say I'd be fine."

"Sorry," he said with a smile. "I was thinking out loud."

"Maybe some things should be kept in your head. But I'll be fine. It's just a few minutes, right?"

"I'll make it as fast as possible, and hopefully, Patrick has something worth sharing."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As Jason parked the car, his eyes scanned the park. Kids played on the playground to the right, and a community garden spread to the left. Tall trees provided shade for picnic benches and people lounging on the grass.

His trained gaze swept over the scene: homeless men by the bathrooms, families near the swings, joggers on shaded paths. Nothing set off alarm bells, but with Alisa in the car, he stayed cautious.

"What's wrong?" Alisa asked, her tone sharp. "Do you see someone?"

"No," he replied, still watching. "Just being careful."

"Because of me?"

"Because it's my job."

"Where are you supposed to meet Patrick?"

"By the community garden. It's right there. You'll be able to see me the whole time."

"Okay, good. I'll be fine, Jason."

He had a feeling she was trying to convince herself as much as him, and he impulsively put a hand on her leg. "Youwillbe fine," he said, drawingher gaze to his.

She nodded. "Thanks. You always seem to know what I need to hear. You're very insightful."

He had to grin at that comment. "You might be the first woman who ever thought I told her what she needed to hear."

Her lips curved into a smile. "So, you're not that perceptive?"

"Not when it comes to women. Danger, yes. Women, no."

"Well, I think you're doing a pretty good job handling both right now. Maybe you don't give yourself enough credit."

"You might be giving me too much. I get tunnel vision when I'm working. I put my job before everything and everyone else. That never works in a relationship. That's why I stay single."

"Maybe you've just never met anyone you wanted to put ahead of your job. When two people really connect, they want to be together. They want to give the other person what they need. If the feelings aren't strong enough to distract you from work, then it's not the right relationship."

He was thinking about that when he saw Patrick get out of a car down the block. "That's him," he said, relieved to get back into work mode because the conversation was getting too personal. "I'll be back soon. Here are the keys. Lock the doors when I get out. Can you climb behind the wheel?"

"I think so, but do I need to?"

"If anything happens, I need you to drive away. I'll be fine on my own. I want you to be safe. If you punch in the first number on the phone screen, you'll be connected to my team, and they'll help you. But first, get the hell away from here."

"You're scaring me again," she said, giving him a worried look.

"I'm sure nothing will happen, and I won't be far away, but you have to do what I say, Alisa. Under no circumstances will you get out of this car. Promise me."

"I promise," she said. "Good luck with Patrick."

He didn't know if he needed luck to deal with his father's best friend, but he would probably need some mental fortitudeto keep Patrick out of the investigation. Like Stephanie, he was going to want revenge, too.

Jason stepped out of the car, hearing the lock click behind him as he headed toward the garden. Patrick, tall and thin, standing under a tree, phone in hand, his sharp gaze sweeping the park like the seasoned FBI agent he had been for thirty years. Dressed in casual slacks and a polo, Patrick looked more ready for golf than a stakeout.