Page 30 of Cassidy

“Yeah, I understand. We’ll find another place to stay.” She shot him a resigned look. “Keep us on the list, though. Thanks.”

“Sounds like the safe house isn’t an option,” Gabe said flatly. “What’s the next option?”

She shrugged, glancing at Steele. “What do you think? The American Lodge? Or some place we’ve never used before?”

“The American Lodge should work,” Steele said thoughtfully. “I don’t think these guys know about the tactical team, or they wouldn’t take random shots on the interstate. They may not realize the resources we have at our disposal.”

The American Lodge sounded very familiar. “Have I been there?”

“No,” Cassidy assured him. “You booked it for us and send backup there as needed, but you have not stayed there.”

“And we know the owner, Gary Campbell,” Steele added. “He’s supportive of the team and will give us rooms for cash.”

“He also installed security cameras, which may come in handy,” Cassidy said. “Let’s head there now. We’ll get Flynn or Jina to meet us there with a laptop.”

“And a clean vehicle,” Steele said with a scowl. “They may have gotten the license plate on this one.”

Hearing the two of them discuss the best way to keep him safe made him wish he could do more. To contribute in some small way.

“Maybe you should ask one of them to bring me a gun.”

Both Steele and Cassidy gaped at him. “What?” Steele echoed in shock. “That’s crazy. You don’t shoot guns.”

“Do you know for sure I’ve never fired one?” he asked. “I mean, you guys are armed. Maybe I should be too.”

“Look, Gabe, I know you asked for a gun earlier today. And I’m not necessarily opposed to giving you one. But as Steele said, as far as I know, you’ve never fired one, and that could be a problem. A gun isn’t going to help you if you’re not familiar with it.”

“Cassidy is right. You could hurt one of us by mistake,” Steele said. “We’ll keep you safe.”

“I hate feeling helpless,” he said. Hurting one of them was the last thing he wanted. “I need to do my part in this.”

“You will,” Cassidy said, “by cracking the computer code on that USB drive you hid in the freezer. That could be the key to blowing this open.”

“Okay, I’ll do my best.” He still felt as if he were more of a hindrance in this endeavor. Especially since Travis was still missing. “But once this is over, I want you to teach me how to shoot.”

Cass and Steele exchanged a quick look. “Sure, Gabe,” she finally said. “I’ll take you to the firing range if you’re still interested in learning how to shoot once your memory returns.”

The way she said it seemed to indicate the Gabe she knew would never want to fire a gun. Was that true? He didn’t know.

But he made a silent promise to follow through with learning how to shoot. Because he never wanted to be this helpless when it came to being in danger ever again.

“There’s the American Lodge,” Cassidy said, changing the subject. She gestured to the west side of the road. “The vacancy sign is lit, so that’s good for us. I’m glad there are rooms available.”

“Probably because it’s the middle of the week,” Steele said. “I know Gary is booked up on the weekends, especially this close to the holiday.”

The two-story white building emanated a sense of familiarity, but Gabe had to assume it was only because he’d seen pictures. Maybe from their website? As Steele parked in front of the lobby, he knew he’d never been inside.

“Wait here, I’ll take care of the room,” Cassidy said.

“Use my cash.” He thrust a wad of bills toward her. “Please. I want to contribute.”

She hesitated, then took the cash. “Thanks. Be back soon.”

Gabe watched her disappear inside. “I hate this,” he said. “I hate knowing you and Cass are risking your lives for me.”

“Gabe, you’re an integral part of our team.” Steele met his eyes in the rearview. “Of course, we’re going to protect you. We protect strangers every single day. But when someone attacks our family, it’s even more important than ever to seek justice.”

He sighed and nodded. “I know that. It’s just...”

---