Page 18 of Stone Coast (Tyson Wild Thriller)

“ N o,” Ross said. “But we’re working on it.” He paused. “There's one other possibility. And this may get uncomfortable."

I swallowed and nodded. I was getting used to uncomfortable at this point.

"We’d been watching Grayson.”

“Spying on him?"

"It was imperative that we knew everything about him. I'm not sure if you were aware, but he was planning on asking you to marry him. As you can imagine, in this line of work, we need to thoroughly vet everyone that is in the regular orbit of our officers.”

It made sense that they would dig into every aspect of his background, looking for potential threats and vulnerabilities.

"You found something," I said, seeing it in his eyes .

"We can discuss the specifics of it later. I don't think that's what this was about, but it's something to consider."

"What?”

"Like I said, this might be uncomfortable to hear.”

My eyes narrowed at him. “I think I can handle just about anything at this point.”

"Grayson was having an affair with a woman named Sierra Langston.”

My eyes rounded with surprise. But the revelation didn't come as a punch to the gut. I still had no real emotional connection to Grayson at this point. "I thought you said he was going to ask me to marry him.”

"That's what our intel shows. I hate to be blunt, but he was having a torrid affair with this woman.

She's married. There is a non-zero possibility that her husband found out and perhaps hired these two street thugs to take care of his problem. Granted, it seems like a stretch. But something to consider.”

I took a moment to process it all. But how do you really process something like this?

“You’re in a vulnerable position right now,” Ross said.

“Tell me about it.”

“Impressionable.”

I lifted a curious brow. “Impressionable?”

“All you have to go on is what others tell you. You’re recreating your past, bit by bit. It’s a delicate time, and you need to be careful who you let influence you.” He glanced back at Tyson.

“What are you getting at?” It was obvious, but I wanted to hear him say it.

“Protect yourself.”

“I’m trying.”

“Not all threats come from obvious places.”

“Stop beating around the bush.”

He glanced back at Tyson again. “Just be careful.”

“In what way?”

Ross shrugged. “He’s a contractor. A gun for hire. His loyalty goes to the highest bidder.”

“He’s a county deputy.”

“Among other things.”

I tried to hide my irritation at what he was saying. My instinct to defend Tyson was second nature. I may not have had access to my memories, but I knew Tyson was a standup guy.

“I’m just saying you can’t trust anybody right now.”

“Even you?”

Ross laughed. “I wouldn’t trust me either, if I were you. Trust is earned.”

“That’s what Tyson said.”

Ross seemed amused .

“Why were there cameras on my boat?” I said with a bit of venom in my voice.

“We had to monitor you. I’m sorry for the intrusion. It was necessary.”

“Where else are there cameras? In my stateroom? In the head?"

"Did you find any cameras in either of those locations?”

"No.”

“I wouldn't violate your personal space like that,” Ross assured.

I scoffed. "How do I know some analyst isn’t jerking it, watching the feed when I shower?”

Ross chuckled. "Still as sassy as ever. I think the real Savannah is in there somewhere.”

“It doesn't instill trust,” I said. “How am I supposed to trust you if you don't trust me?”

"Fair enough. I can assure you, I will earn your trust. You were one of my best officers.

Your absence has left a gaping hole in our organization.

" He paused. "Why don't you get some rest. You’ve been through a lot today. In the morning, we’ll do a debrief. I can arrange a safe place for you to stay the night.”

"I’m comfortable where I am," I said.

Ross glanced back at Tyson.

"You don't like him, do you? "

"No. I don't. But I suspect you're safe with him for the evening.”

"Why don’t you like him?"

"I told you, he's an unknown variable at this point. He hasn’t worked directly with the agency in years. He did contract work for Cobra Company. He may still, for all I know. He could be working for anybody.”

“Cobra Company?”

Ross flashed a reassuring smile. “We can discuss all of this tomorrow.”

He said goodbye and walked down the dock to join the others. He climbed into the SUV, and they disappeared into the night.

I regrouped with Tyson. "Do you know Ross?”

Tyson shook his head. “No. But I know his kind.”

"He knows you.”

"He did his research.”

"He doesn't like you.”

"Not everybody has good taste.”

I laughed. "Want to tell me about Cobra Company?”