Page 25 of Shadow Operative

Had Nia somehow managed to delete it? She was a smart lady and good with tech. She was probably capable of it.

Maybe she was more cunning than Gage gave her credit for.

“I hope you find the guy that did this to him.” Gage was certain to saythe guy, to not let on to the fact he thought a woman was responsible.

There was one thing Gage knew for sure. He’d need to keep Nia close if he wanted to find answers. His gut told him that demanding a confession wouldn’t work. She was too stubborn for that.

He would need to be more subtle.

The two of them stepped outside, and he paused. He needed to think of a reason to stay together without being too obvious.

Gage glanced at Nia, trying to remain casual. “What are you doing now? Going to work?”

She let out a heavy, burdened breath. Glanced around. Frowned.

“I don’t know. I really don’t.” She raked a hand through her hair and stared off into the distance. “I have so much on my mind.”

“Want to take a walk?” he asked. “We could clear our thoughts. I think it would do us both some good.”

Nia studied him a moment, a flash of distrust in her gaze. He couldn’t blame her after everything that happened.

He fully expected her to say no.

Instead, after another moment of thought, shenodded. “Maybe thatisa good idea. I don’t think I should go into the office right now feeling like I do. Iamthe leader of the company, and I need to set the tone. Right now, I just want to fall to pieces.”

Her words sounded so sincere that Gage almost believed her.

Almost.

If you don’t do what I tell you, I’ll send that picture to the police. More instructions coming.

That was what the text had said, Nia mused as she stood outside Rob’s apartment building with Gage after the police interview.

Even though the two of them had talked about taking a walk, her feet felt cemented to the sidewalk.

Was Gage . . . dangerous?

She glanced at him. He didn’t have an air about him. His gaze was smart. His reactions quick. Yet he had a certain toughness to his actions.

Part of her wanted to run. But that wasn’t an option right now.

Despite the fact that it was humid and hot outside, Nia shivered. “What a nightmare. I still can’t believe it.”

Gage eyed her a minute. “Me neither. Who could have done this to him? Rob was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”

That was the question Nia kept asking herself also. She really had no idea. But she needed to think hard.

Maybe Gage was just the person to help her do that.

“I know Rob had some very innovative ideas. Maybe someone else wanted to take one of those ideas for themselves,” she guessed. “You have any theories about who that could have been? Did he ever talk to you about any of his competitors?”

Gage’s eyebrows flickered up, almost as if her questions surprised him. “I can’t say he’s mentioned anyone to me. But you’re right. That would be a possibility. I suppose you’d have to ask yourself who has the most to gain by his death. Usually, those things go back to gaining money, love, or power.”

Nia shrugged again before shaking her head. “Or maybe . . . maybe the whole thing was random? What if someone broke into his apartment intending on robbing him, only to discover he was home?”

“Maybe, but my impression after talking to the detective is that nothing was stolen from his place. Besides, the average, everyday robber probably doesn’t have the skills to erase security footage.”

Nia frowned. “Good point. That does seem to take this to the next level, doesn’t it?”

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