Page 41 of Shadow Operative

“His friend and assistant?” Gage said. “Yes, I’m surprised he hasn’t been around.”

“Rob mentioned yesterday something about Cormac having a trip planned, so he could be out of town. Otherwise, I’d think we would have seen him today.”

“Agreed. I think we should pursue both of those angles.” He paused, his gaze drifting in the distance with thought. “I’m still curious about Brittany and Darius as well. I can’t believe Rob didn’t tell me he was dating someone.”

“And Darius definitely seems suspicious, like someone you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.”

Gage stood. “It sounds like we have some good placesto start. I just need to clean up this cut. Give me ten, and we can leave.”

Nia’s heart skipped a beat. This was her chance to escape.

She kept her voice even as she said, “Sounds like a plan.”

As soon as Gage disappeared into the bathroom, Nia quietly stood. Not making a sound, she walked to the door, moved the chair, and turned the locks.

Hesitating only a moment, she twisted the knob.

Opened the door.

Glanced up and down the hallway.

Empty.

Nia looked back at the closed bathroom door one more time. She could still hear the water running inside.

She’d really wanted to trust Gage. Wanted to believe he was one of the good guys.

But trusting him had been a mistake.

Quietly closing the door behind her, Nia jostled into action.

She darted down the hallway and punched the button to the elevator. As she waited, her heart fluttered out of control.

She glanced back down at the doorway, halfway expecting Gage to emerge.

He didn’t.

Finally, the elevator dinged.

It was empty.

Temporary relief filled her, but she couldn’t afford to letdown her guard.

She rushed inside and hit the button for the lobby. As the elevator doors closed, she prayed it didn’t stop on any other floors, that no one else stepped inside.

Images of that gunman filled her thoughts.

What if he found her? Cornered her here in the elevator?

What would she do if that happened?

She didn’t know.

But she knew she wasn’t safe with Gage either.

She was better off taking her chances on her own.

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