Page 18 of Shadow Operative

His shock was still real.

Rob had been his best friend, the one person he’d been able to depend on during a tumultuous childhood. Gage’s mother had left when he was a toddler, and his dad drank too much. Had kicked Gage out of the house as soon as he graduated.

Gage had been ready to leave. Yet he hadn’t been fully equipped. Didn’t have a job that paid enough to cover his bills. That was why he’d joined the military.

After enlisting, his background must have triggered something in the system. He’d been plucked out of obscurity for a special program the military was starting.

All the guys participating had similar backgrounds, which basically meant they had no strong family ties.

It was a harsh realization but true.

People with strong, supportive families would have gotten pushback from loved ones. The program would have failed because of it.

He turned back to Nia. “Do they know what happened? Or when? Where?”

Nia shook her head, appearing earnestly perplexed. “I didn’t get all the details. All I know is that the police are at Rob’s place, and they would like to ask me a few questions.”

“Why is that?”

She shrugged. As she did, she waved her hand, hitting her drink.

Liquid spilled over the white tablecloth before she had a chance to snatch the white cup and set it upright.

Gage took his napkin and wiped up the liquid before it spread.

“I’m so clumsy . . .” she murmured.

“It’s probably the shock of it all.”

“Maybe.”

Gage ran a hand over his face and stood. “May I go with you to talk to the police? Please? I . . . I need some answers also.”

Nia studied him as she contemplated her response.

“Besides, you don’t seem as if you’re in any state to navigate these streets by yourself,” he continued.

Nia didn’t argue with his statement.

Finally, she nodded. “I guess there’s no harm that could come from that.”

“Thank you.” Gage pulled out his wallet and dropped some bills on the table. “My treat.”

Nia still looked stiff as she stood, a stoic look in her eyes.

Gage had no idea what the rest of this day would hold.

But he would get the truth from Nia if it was the last thing he did.

chapter

eight

Nia didn’t know why,but part of her wanted to lose Gage.

She felt as if the man could see clear into her soul.

Or as if he knew the truth about what had happened to Rob.

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