Page 36 of Locked Down

Vic met Ryker's gaze, and he gave her asmall, reassuring nod. She might as well know it was him. Her uncle was never going to give him credit.The credit should go to her since she had gone to Archer and if she hadn't, there was abetter than averagechance Davis would be dead right now.

Vic stepped back from the embrace."I'm so glad you're okay. It must have been terrifying."

Ryker knew by the look on her face that she meant what she was saying. She might be slightly afraid of her uncle, but she didn't want him dead. That made at least one person in the room. Ryker wasn't so sure about Armstrong. He'd been arguing all morning about how to handle the attempt on the senator's lifeandat this point, Floyd was so frustrated, he just might kill the senator himself.

"Oh, it was a bit, but, sugar, you know me. We Davisesare madeof stern stuff."He gave her a wink."Don't you worry your pretty little head aboutit.I'm just fine."

Ryker was incensed on Vic's behalf. The condescending old bastard was about as big of a misogynist as he was a criminal.

Davis returned to his desk and sat down."Now,"he continued,"don'tyou be tellin'anyone about it.We're just tryin' to keep a lid on this thing until we know more."

Armstrong snorted."Stupid idea. We need to tell the world."He glared at Ryker."We need the FBI involved."

"As I've already explained, Floyd, we're gonna handle thisin house."Davis's expression was hard and sour. He didn't like to have to repeat himself to the hired help. He glared at his assistant and then swung his gaze back to Vic."Now, sugar, I need you to attend several events today.There's a luncheon,and a meet and greet I can't possibly attend myself.I will send you a list of people I want you to talk to. Several of them will, of course, have heard what happened.Thisis Washington, after all, and even the walls have ears."His gaze flicked to Ryker, then just as rapidly returned to Vic. He winked at her and let out ajovial, fake chuckle."I need you to give them as few details as possible."

Vic's face fell, and her shoulders sagged slightly. Ryker was sure she was exhausted. His intense dislike of Davis rose like bile in his throat. He wanted to stand up for her, to tell Davis togoeff right off, but he also knew that it wasn't his place. It wasn't his joband, in fact,it could jeopardize the job he'dbeen hiredto do. But holding his tongue rankled him. Hewas still pissedat Vic for taking the bus this morning. He'd sent Rush by her place, but she'd already been goneby the timehe arrived. Ryker hadn't trusted himself to go.He'dend up back in her bed, andthis timehe wouldn't leave.

"Um, I can go, of course, but do you want me to confirm that someonemade an attempt on your life,or deny it?"Vic asked.

"Confirm,"Armstrong said.

“Deny,”Ryker responded.

Davis held up his hands."Sugar, I need you to tell themthat I'min the best of health and leave it at that."Ryker hated when the man called Invicta 'sugar'likehereallycared about her.Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing. Ridiculous.

Vic stared at him for a beat and then nodded."Fine. Please send me the details and the list of names. I will do my best to make sure I speak with everyone."

"I know you will. Thank you, sugar."Davis gave Vic a smarmy smile. She'dbeen dismissed.

She turned to go as Joyce entered with the muffins."Invicta, make sure you take a muffin.It'sgonnabe a long day and you need to keep your strength up."

Vic seemed to freeze for a moment, but she reached over and took a muffin offthe plate Joyce was holdingbefore she left the office.

"Thank you, Joyce. Just leave them on the coffee table,"Davis said absently and then went back to Armstrong as Joyce did as shewas toldand left the room silently.

"Now—"

"Idon't think you understand the gravity of the situation,"Ryker said, cutting Davis off."We do not want it out there that someone tried to kill you.Questions will be asked, the type you don't want to answer."

Davis glared."I am aware of your position on the matter. You were very clear last night. I am not tellin' the world. I am merely lettin' the rumors fly. I can deny them if I need to, but Floyd is right.Thisis an opportunity to gain some traction, and I will not let it pass me by."

Ryker's shoulder muscles bunched.Thiswas turning out to be the worst assignment of his careerandthat was saying something. His phone buzzedandhe glanced at the screen. Rush. He had some news. Ryker pushed off the wall where he'd been leaning."I have to go. Some leads have come inandI want to track them down."

"What leads?"Davis demanded.

"I'll tell you about them if they pan out. Tony and Melvin are here. You will remain here until I get backandthen we'll take you home."

Davis's mouth turned down in a frown as he shot a dirty look at Ryker.Too flippingbad.

Ryker strode out of the room and, twenty minutes later, walked into his own house and took the call on his laptop."What do you have for me, Rush?"

Rushton Fletcher's face filled the screen."This shit is weird."

"Why am I not surprised?"Ryker hit the button on the single-serve coffeemaker and then sat down at his kitchen island.

"So, the dead guy?"Rush looked at his notes."His name is Nathan Langille.Former Marine. Two tours. Awardedthe Silver Star.Honorabledischarge."

"Nothing sounds weird so far. Washemarried? Kids?"Ryker tried to keep his voice neutral and his face bland, but his gut tightened as he waited for Rush's response.

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