Page 48 of Critical Doubt

"You're not just suspicious; you're also cynical."

She shrugged. "Now that you've discovered some of my negative traits, are you feeling better that we only had one night together?"

His lips curved upward. "Surprisingly, no. I think having witnessed my recent attack, you'd be the one feeling that way."

"Surprisingly, no." She held his gaze for a long moment and then she cleared her throat. "Let's find Vic."

Chapter Twelve

Maloney's wasan Irish sports bar in downtown Atlanta. They had to park across the street and down the block, which gave Ryker a few minutes to mentally prepare himself for the onslaught of sound awaiting him in that bar. The clinking of glasses, the televisions blaring with the latest game, and the cheers from the crowd could all trigger an episode. He could already hear some of those sounds now, and they hadn't even entered the place. He'd been avoiding bars and restaurants for months.

"Ryker?" Savannah asked, giving him a concerned look. "I can do this on my own."

He knew she could do it on her own. But he wanted to be a part of it. He wanted to track down Vic and find out what kind of trouble Todd was in. He wanted to act instead of retreat.

"I can make it." He squared his shoulders and hoped that was the truth.

She handed him his car keys as they paused in front of the bar. "If you need to bail, do it. No questions asked. I'll meet you back at the car."

He both appreciated and hated her compassion. "You must think I'm incredibly weak."

"You're not weak; you're human."

"A weak human."

"More like a wounded warrior."

"Let's get this over with." He opened the door for her and then followed her inside.

He tried not to focus on the conversation, the laughter, or the basketball game on TV. He kept his gaze on Savannah as she moved across the restaurant to the bar. For some reason, focusing on her helped.

There was only one guy working the bar, and they slid onto two open stools, waiting for him to make his way down to them. Hopefully, this was Vic. The bartender appeared to be in his forties, with several tattoos on both arms.

"Do you want me to lead?" Savannah asked.

"Let's save your badge as a last resort. We might get more from him if he thinks we're just Todd's friends."

A moment later, the bartender set two napkins in front of them. "What can I get you?"

"Are you Vic?" he asked.

"Who wants to know?"

"Ryker Stone—I'm a friend of Todd Davis. I heard you might be helping him out."

"What's it to you?"

"Todd is missing. His car was run off the road last night."

Vic's expression changed at that piece of information. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"We think Todd might have been in some trouble. Did he ever say anything to you about that?"

"Todd was always looking over his shoulder when he was in here, like someone was following him."

"Was someone following him?"

"Not that I know of. Do you want something to drink? Because that's really all I have to offer."

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