Page 86 of Shadow Operative

Gage had had those exact same thoughts. “Rob wouldn’t have called me for those reasons. I wouldn’t have been that much help to him. The only reason he would have called me . . .”

“Would be if he was in danger,” Niafinished.

Gage gripped the wheel harder and nodded. “Exactly. So within that hour, he went from being happy to feeling like his life was in danger. It just doesn’t make sense.”

“You’re right, it doesn’t.” Nia shook her head and stared out the window. “Hopefully, Cormac will be able to offer us some answers . . . if we’re able to find him.”

Nia stared at the cabin where Cormac might possibly be staying.

It looked just like Lillard had described it with the light-blue siding. They’d searched along the river near the old fish camp until they’d found something that matched.

The place was set far off the gravel road, and grass and reeds grew up around it. Several live oak trees, each with moss hanging from their branches, stood around the place. A glimmering lake sparkled in the background.

This was an older area, mostly used by sportsmen. The glamour of Miami was absent in favor of an old Florida feel.

The place was also far enough inland that Nia and Gage would need to watch out for alligators.

She swallowed hard at that thought.

Her gaze drifted to a small garage beside the bungalow. Nia would bet Cormac’s car was inside.

Gage turned toward her. “I’d tell you to stay in the car while I check things out, but I have a feeling you don’t want to do that.”

“I’d rather go with you than sit here.” There was no need to skirt around the truth. “But I don’t want to hinder you from doing your job.”

He stared at her another moment before nodding. “If you stay behind me and promise not to do anything rash then you can come out with me. Is it a deal?”

“Deal. And if it makes you feel better, I’m not usually impulsive . . . not unless I wake up beside a dead body.” Grief flashed through Gage’s eyes, and regret instantly filled Nia. “I’m sorry. I know he was your friend, and I didn’t mean?—”

Gage held up a hand to stop her. “You don’t have to apologize. I understand what you’re saying. Sometimes it still hasn’t sunk in that Rob is dead.”

“It takes time for these things. I’m sorry you have to go through that.”

He drew in a deep breath and then nodded to the house. “Let’s go see if Cormac is inside.”

Nia nodded, thankful Gage had been gracious. Then she followed him out of the car, carefully closing her car door as to not alert Cormac they were there.

She remained behind Gage just as she promised as they walked toward the house. Gage paused by the garage and peered inside.

“That’s his car. I had Austin look it up, and he texted me the information earlier. Cormac is here.”

Gage reached for the gun at his waist but held it just out of sight.

Then he knocked at the door. “Cormac. I’m Gage, a friend of Rob’s. Nia is here also. We need to talk. Weknow you didn’t kill anybody. And we need answers about Rob.”

Nia waited, hoping to hear footsteps, some sign of life.

There was nothing.

After a few more minutes, Gage peered through the window atop the door.

“What do you see?” Nia asked.

“Someone’s been here recently. A coffee cup is on the table, and a set of keys are on the table. But I don’t see any signs of life.”

Temporary relief washed through her. At least Gage hadn’t seen a dead body.

Nia hadn’t even realized it, but another death had been her biggest fear coming here.

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