Page 68 of Cassidy

Cassidy was gone for so long he’d assumed she’d left without telling him. He stared up at the ceiling, praying she’d find it in her heart to forgive him.

Rhy too. And the rest of the team. Maybe he’d acted rashly, but given the same set of circumstances, he knew he’d make the same decision again.

But what he regretted the most was disappointing Cassidy. He loved her more than anything. It hurt to know that she didn’t feel the same way.

And likely never would.

Cassidy thoughther conversation with Ben was odd. He had more questions about what had happened with Gabe than the malware on the game. She’d had to cut it short to take a call from Rhy.

“Gabe wants a laptop, but the doctor has given him strict orders to rest,” she said. “I’m torn because he’s probably the best person to track this guy using the dark web. And Gabe claims he won’t be able to rest until we know the truth.”

“I’m torn too,” Rhy agreed. “I’ve asked Brady to see if Ian can dig into the origin of the malware. But I’d feel better if Gabe were involved. Maybe I’m biased, but Gabe has been a great resource for us, and I believe in him. Besides, two brains working this are better than one.”

“Do you want me to run back to the precinct?” she asked.

“No, I’ll bring it. I need to talk to Gabe anyway,” Rhy said. “I’m glad he’s fine, but if he pulls another stunt like that, leaving without telling us, he’ll be sorry.”

She noticed he didn’t threaten to fire Gabe, that would be like cutting off his nose to spite his face. “This was personal for him. And you know as well as I do, Rhy, most of the team members has put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones. Even you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Rhy sounded tired. “I’ll see you soon.” He ended the call without saying anything more.

She stood in the hallway for several minutes, wrestling with putting her conflicted feelings aside. She had been so angry with Gabe for leaving, then horrified and worried when he’d been shot.

He said he loved her, but she still didn’t believe he was of sound mind. Maybe it was the shock of being hit at close range in the chest. Because if Gabe really did love her, why had he left without her?

From the moment he’d contacted her from the gas station, they’d been a team. Working together, side by side.

“I demand to speak to Gabe Melrose,” a shrill voice said. She turned in time to see a woman standing in the hallway tapping her foot on the linoleum floor.

It didn’t take long to recognize Gabe’s mother.

Cassidy saw red and stalked toward her. “Ms. McCord? I’m police officer Cassidy Sommer. I’m afraid Gabe can’t have visitors right now.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed, but Cassidy did not back down. Instead, she took a step forward, holding the older woman’s gaze.

“Your son Travis is fine. Gabe was shot in the chest while wearing a Kevlar vest trying to protect him. But I will not tolerate anyone going into his room to upset him. So you can turn right back around and leave.”

“I—really? He saved Travis?” Shelia McCord asked, her expression uncertain.

“Yes, he put his own life on the line for hisbrother.” She stressed the last word. “And it would be wise of you to remember you have two sons. Not one, but two!”

Her words must have struck home because Shelia nodded. “You’re right. I—thank you for telling me.”

Cass was about to give in and let Gabe’s mother visit when she turned and walked away. After watching her go, Cass turned and went back into Gabe’s room.

He’d been resting, but his eyes shot open when he heard her come in.

“I thought you left,” he said, his expression troubled. “I know you’re upset with me. I’m so sorry. What can I do to make things better?”

“I’m fine.” She forced a smile and crossed over to take his hand. “Your mom stopped by and is grateful for your help. I think she’s feeling bad for the way she treated you. Oh, and Rhy’s bringing a laptop...”

The door opened, and she turned, expecting to see Gabe’s nurse.

But it was her stepbrother Ben who stood there with a hard expression on his face.

“You just couldn’t stay out of it,” he said, coming farther into the room. When he pulled a small gun from his coat pocket, she abruptly realized what had been so strange about their conversation.

Ben had known Gabe was injured and in the hospital. But she hadn’t told him that. Now that he stood there, glaring at them, she realized Ben was involved.

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