Page 109 of Shadow Operative

Gage exchanged a look with Nia. Was this all some kind of ruse?

It wouldn’t surprise him if it was. Brittany hadn’tproven herself to be someone who always told the truth. For that reason, he needed to answer with caution.

“Why do you think someone is following you?” he asked.

“Because every time I turn around, I see the same man behind me. Sometimes he ducks out of the way so I won’t see him. But I sense that he’s there. I know he is.”

Her fear did sound genuine, and there was the possibility that she was in the line of fire now also. “Where are you right now, Brittany?”

“I got in a cab. I figured it was the safest thing to do. But for all I know, this guy could be following me right now.” Her words came out faster and faster.

“Here’s what you’re going to do,” Gage said. “There’s a diner near Bayfront Park that stays open late. Mickey’s. Have you seen it before?”

“I have.”

“Go there and wait inside. There should be plenty of people so you should be safe. Get a table, and Nia and I will be there to meet you in fifteen minutes. Got it?”

“Oh . . . okay. If you can meet me there that would be great. Thank you.”

“Keep the phone with you, and if you need anything in the meantime, call me, okay?”

“I will. But hurry.”

Gage ended the call and glanced at Nia. Neither of them had to say anything to know what the other was thinking.

This could be a trap. Brittany could be exaggerating. Leading them right into danger.

Neither of them had any idea what they would be walking into right now.

But Brittany had earnestly sounded fearful.

For now, Gage’s first order of business would be to get Nia out of Rob’s apartment safely and undetected.

chapter

fifty-four

A rushof relief swept through Nia when she and Gage stepped into the diner. The place was fashionably old-timey, though nothing about it was truly hometown, especially not the prices.

The scent of bacon and toast temporarily filled her with comfort.

But the emotion quickly dissipated.

Nia feared they’d run into those men again or that someone would find them. But so far, so good.

Now they needed to get through this meeting with Brittany.

She spotted the woman sitting in the corner with a cup of coffee in front of her. Her eyes were red as if she’d been crying.

A pang of compassion echoed in Nia’s chest.

The woman looked truly upset.

But Nia reminded herself to remain cautious. The stakes were too high for her to let down her guard.

She and Gage slid into the booth across from Brittany.

Brittany sniffled before saying, “Thanks so much for coming.”

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