Page 28 of Shadow Operative

“Let me give it to you then.”

Gage pulled out his phone and typed her information there.

Then she lowered her head and walked inside with the detective.

Gage turned to Nia.

He needed to think of the best way to proceed from here.

Was that what this was about? Nia wondered. Had Brittany’s ex-boyfriend killed Rob in a fit of jealousy? Could it be that simple?

The theory seemed far-fetched, especially considering everything else she knew.

But it was another idea to explore.

She remembered that text she’d gotten. Would Brittany’s ex-boyfriend have sent it?

The pieces just didn’t seem to fit. Then again, she needed to know more before she could draw any conclusions.

“What are you thinking?” Gage studied her expression.

“I’m . . . I don’t even know what to think.” She glanced up at him. “You?”

“This is all crazy,” Gage said. “I’m not an investigator. I don’t even pretend to be one. But . . . maybe I should track down this guy Brittany mentioned. The police will probably do the same thing because Brittany will most likely give them his name also. Right now, I have a head start. I don’t want to interfere with a police investigation, but . . . I want to know who did this.”

Her thoughts raced. Gage’s idea was excellent . . . but she didn’t want to be left out. “It . . . sounds like a plan. I . . . I could go along if you’d like.”

“I don’t want to put you in danger.” His voice held a touch of concern.

Nia glanced down the street where the car had disappeared after nearly hitting them. Danger was already all around her.

But she didn’t want to tell Gage that yet.

“I’m no good for the rest of the day,” she finally said. “I already texted my assistant that I was taking the day off. There’s no need for me to go to the office. I won’t get a thingdone anyway.”

Gage continued to study her face as if trying to figure her out.

Finally, he said, “I don’t even know where this guy lives.”

Nia was already doing a search on her phone. She found the man quickly. “He owns a club in downtown Miami. It’s only about a mile from here.”

Gage raised his eyebrows. “Good to know.”

“So what do you say?”

He frowned before turning away. Then he raised his hand to flag a taxi coming down the road. “I’d say I would drive, but it will take too long to get to my car. It’ll be faster this way.”

He ushered Nia inside the cab.

She didn’t know exactly what she was doing right now. All she knew was that she had to find the real killer . . . and Gage seemed like a good person to keep close.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Which category did Gage fall into?

chapter

thirteen

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