Page 72 of Shadow Operative

Unmoving.

Not saying a word.

Only thinking.

She didn’t know who to trust. Didn’t know if one of the men who’d been following her earlier might be in this room now. Might be watching her.

At least Gage stood beside her. He seemed well-equipped. She’d found an unusual comfort when he held her hand. When he’d used his own body to shield her when he’d heard that gunfire.

The act hadn’t gone unnoticed.

The police were already going around and beginning to question people. Paramedics were working on Darius.

Thank goodness, he was still alive.

Nia wasn’t sure what part, if any, he might have played in Rob’s death. But seeing the man like this . . . she didn’t wish that on anyone.

“Just stay cool,” Gage whispered.

She nodded, trying to keep her racing heart under control.

Across the room, Nia saw Brittany crying, her face in her hands. Nia should go comfort the woman. Even if Brittany was shallow and flighty, she still appeared to be honestly grieving.

“First Rob and now Darius?” Gage whispered.

“I know. Is there a connection?”

Gage frowned. “It seems as if there might be. And that connection could be Brittany.”

She swallowed hard, unable to deny his words.

A cop approached just then and said he needed to ask them some questions.

Nia pulled her gaze from Brittany. Maybe she’d talk to the woman later.

Before the cop could ask them anything, the door at the front entrance opened, and a man stepped inside.

Nia sucked in a breath.

Mario.

She hadn’t seen him in nearly two years.

But now he was right here.

At Avenue 12.

His gaze met hers, and something flickered there.

It almost looked like . . . satisfaction. Like he’d been waiting for the opportunity to question her. To put her in the hot seat.

That sounded about right.

“Nia?” Gage asked beside her.

She pulled her gaze away from Mario. “Yes?”

“Is everything okay? You flinched.”

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