Page 96 of Shadow Operative

Nia swallowed hard. “I only have eighteen hours,Gage.”

His throat tightened. “We’ll figure something out. Starting with Cormac.” He nodded at the man’s house. “Maybe he can help.”

This time, Nia wouldn’t walk up to the house with him. Not after seeing that video of Cormac.

From Gage’s position on the side of the road, he could see the backyard. “The boat is back.”

Nia glanced at the vessel bobbing in the water. “Yes, it is.”

That should mean that Cormac was back also.

Now it was time to find some answers.

Nia understood why Gage wanted her to stay put. But that didn’t mean she liked it.

As she watched Gage approach the house, she gripped the armrest.

She also kept an eye out for that alligator. So far, she hadn’t seen it.

It was getting dark outside now, which could work to their advantage or disadvantage, depending.

She wanted to be out there. Wanted to help him.

If they could talk to Cormac . . .

He could tell them what was going on.

Then maybe Nia could help her sister.

Or what if he was the one who took Sophia?

Her throat tightened.

But that theory didn’t feel right. Cormac was on therun. Hiding out. Not in a position to grab Sophia.

Nia’s thoughts raced as she tried to make sense of everything.

She watched as Gage went to the front door. He didn’t knock. Instead, he crouched low and lifted his head to look in the window.

The shades at the front of the house appeared to be drawn. She thought there might be a light on inside, but she couldn’t be certain.

Gage began to walk around back.

She held her breath. Soon, he’d be out of sight and Nia wouldn’t know what was going on.

She didn’t like that thought.

But Gage seemed perfectly capable of taking care of himself. She had to remind herself of that fact.

She continued to watch.

Then Gage was gone. Out of sight. Behind the house.

She pressed her eyelids together and prayed he would be okay. That he’d stay safe.

Still, she could hardly breathe.

She waited.

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