Page 60 of Critical Doubt

She was incredibly touched by his unexpected words. Her blood raced through her veins once more as their gazes clung together. She realized then she'd been lying to herself. They didn't just have a physical attraction; they had an emotional connection. And that was scarier than anything. She forced herself to move past him before she did something foolish—like kiss him.

Once in the bathroom, she turned on the shower, opting for a cooler temp. She needed to get her heart rate down and focus on business. But as she showered and dressed, she couldn't stop thinking about his surprising admission. Ryker hadn't let anyone into his life since he'd been hurt, not his family, not his friends, but, somehow, he'd let her in. She was both honored and a little terrified.

What if she wanted to stay in? What then?

Ryker might need her now, but that wouldn't last. He was battling his own private war, but she knew he would win. And she'd help him win, even if that meant he didn't need her anymore.

Hopefully, she wouldn't end up needing him.

The flight to DC was uneventful. Savannah rented a car upon landing, using her alias ID, but allowed Ryker to drive, since he seemed to be happier when he was behind the wheel. They decided to see Hank first, so they drove to the H Street NE neighborhood, where his gym was located in a two-story brick building on the corner of an eclectic, busy block filled with cafés and small retail shops. It was eleven in the morning when they arrived, and the gym lobby was fairly empty, as they were a little early for the lunchtime workout crowd.

The desk clerk called for Hank, and he appeared a few minutes later. While she remembered him from the team photo, in person he was much bigger. He was at least six foot four, with dark hair and eyes, and was extremely muscular, his biceps bulging under his short-sleeve T-shirt. There was more than surprise in his eyes when he saw Ryker; there was also wariness. She wondered if that was just because there was always tension between the men or if the stress was coming from somewhere else.

"I can't believe you're here, Stone. I thought you were done with us."

"Not done, just dealing with some of my own problems," Ryker said. "How are you, Hank?"

"All right. Did you go to Paul's funeral?"

"Yes. I wondered why you didn't."

"We had a big event on Monday. I couldn't get away. I didn't think you'd go."

"Well, I did. Todd was there, too."

"He said he'd represent for all of us." Hank's gaze moved to Savannah.

She stepped forward and extended her hand. "I'm Savannah Kane. I grew up with Abby, Paul's wife."

"Oh," Hank said, giving her hand a strong shake. "Why are you both here?"

"Have you heard about Todd?" Ryker asked.

"I spoke to him on Monday morning before the funeral. I haven't heard from him since. Why? What's going on?"

"Todd drove his car into the river Monday afternoon, after the funeral," Ryker said shortly. "He didn't survive."

Savannah watched Hank closely as Ryker delivered the terrible news.

Hank's lips tightened, and his eyes filled with shadows. "I don't understand. Todd is dead? How is that possible?"

"I don't know," Ryker replied. "But I don't think it was an accident."

"If it wasn't an accident…" Hank paused. "Are you saying he killed himself?"

"There's a chance."

"Damn. That's insane." He shook his head in bemusement. "Although, it sounded like that's what Paul did, too. When Todd told me that Paul fell off the roof, I just couldn't believe it. He was as nimble as a mountain goat."

"He was wasted at the time."

"Yeah, that's what Todd said, but there was still a part of me that wondered. Now you're telling me Todd drove into the river, and I'm supposed to think that's an accident, too?"

"Do you think Paul and Todd were suicidal?" Ryker asked.

"They weren't happy. But I wouldn't have thought they'd kill themselves," Hank replied. "I don't know what to say."

"I don't think either one of them killed themselves," Ryker said. "I think someone else had a hand in Todd's death, maybe in Paul's death, too. There's a good chance someone is taking out all the members of our team, which is why I'm here. One of us could be next. We need to have a longer conversation. Can you break away for a bit?"

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