Page 27 of Stone

Knox pulled out his handgun and set it on the coffee table. “I think that’s the point.” He yanked off the ball cap and his jacket. “Killian told me the windows are covered in a protective film, as well. No one can see in.”

She was safe. She wrapped her arms around herself.

“Nola?”

She waved a hand. “I’m fine. We’re safe.” She smiled at him. “We made it.”

He nodded. “We did.” Then he strode over to a panel set in the wall by the front door. She hadn’t noticed it before.

He swiped and tapped on it.

“What’s that?” She leaned against him to get a look.

“The place has a full security system.” He pressed a button. “The alarm is engaged, and Killian has the place wired. Look.”

Several images appeared on the screen. They showed the front of the building, the entry, the stairwell, and the front door of the apartment.

Tension drained out of her, leaving her a little shaky.

She’d been running on adrenaline ever since she’d seen that man get shot.

She was safe.

Thanks to Knox.

“I’d be dead if it wasn’t for you,” she said quietly.

“Hey.” He touched her jaw. “You did good, Nola. Didn’t lose it. You held it together.”

“Knox? Nola?”

The tense female voice made Nola blink and look at the security screen. She saw Killian’s and Hex’s faces.

“You did it, Knox.” Hex beamed. “You got her there safely.”

“Nola, how are you holding up?” Killian asked.

“Well, I’ve had better days.”

“Nice wig,” Hex said.

“It’s so itchy.” Nola pulled it off and scratched her scalp. “But it helped.”

A faint smile crossed Killian’s lips. “We’re glad you’re okay.”

She leaned forward. “Have you heard from Nick? How’s Lainie?”

“Lainie is fine, and resting at home,” Hex said. “Nick is with her, no doubt hovering over her and driving her crazy. Apparently, she just overdid it. She and the baby are fine.”

Nola let out a breath. “Thank God.” Then her stomach clenched. “Hex, the doorman from the High Line Tower, he was shot. I had to leave him with bystanders when I ran. His name is George—”

“Already got confirmation that he’s okay.” Hex smiled. “He was treated and released.”

Nola pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Good. That’s good.”

“Now, you just need to focus on your own safety,” Killian said. “The kitchen is stocked. You two need to rest and regroup tonight.” His face turned serious. “Nola, when you get to Sentinel Security tomorrow, you’ll need to give your statement about what happened to the police. Zolotov is a bad man. You can help put him away.”

She clenched her hands on the wig. “Absolutely.”

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