Page 80 of Strike Fast

His gaze warmed. “Yeah. Especially once I’m out.”

That…really didn’t make her feel any better.

Kai searched her eyes for a moment, then sighed and motioned for her to sit down with him at the kitchen counter. Abby took a stool next to him and waited for him to continue.

“You know I work for the government.”

She nodded.

“I’m with the DEA.”

“Oh.” Drugs. Dealers. Cartels. A warning shiver started at the bottom of her spine. “So this leak was to someone really dangerous.”

He dipped his head. “Did you hear about the little girl who was kidnapped this past week?”

“The one who was just rescued tonight?”

A nod. “She’s my teammate’s daughter.”

“Your…” She glanced down at his bandaged arm, then up into his face as understanding dawned. “Oh. So you’re with some kind of a tactical team, then?”

His eyes crinkled at the corners in the hint of a smile. “Yeah.”

“Were you the ones who rescued her?”

“Unfortunately, no. But I got to see her when she left the hospital tonight.”

“Is she alright?”

“She’s okay physically. Emotionally, I’m not sure.” He shifted on the stool, the small piece of furniture creaking beneath his big frame. “I can tell you this now because the operation’s over and the details are going to come out in the media over the next few days, but she was kidnapped by an enforcer of theVenenocartel.”

At the mention of that name, she cringed. Everyone knew about them. And how they murdered and tortured people at will to get what they wanted. Abby rubbed her palms up and down her thighs, pondering the knowledge that someone in the cartel might have Kai’s personal info. “I’m really glad the FBI found her.”

“Me too. She’s such a sweetheart, you’d love her.” His expression sobered. “But that’s why I have to go. AVenenolieutenant bought off a clerk in the agency, and she gave him my and my buddy’s home addresses, information on next of kin, stuff like that.”

Abby frowned, horrified. “So your family’s at risk too?”

“Doubt it. They’re all back on Maui, and the clerk’s in jail, so there won’t be any more leaks. And the sooner I pack up and get out of here, the sooner you’ll be safe.”

But I don’t want you to go.She held the words back, because she was made of sterner stuff than that. “I’ll miss you. It’s not too often you get a neighbor you actually like.”

He chuckled. “Truth.”

Sadness filled her. “Who’s gonna eat all the extra food I make?”

“Hey, if you still want to give it to me, we can meet up somewhere.”

Finding Autumn Prentiss must have been a huge relief for him and the others, but there was a weariness in Kai’s expression that tugged at her. “Well I’ll be sorry to see you go. Have you got anyone to help you pack up?”

“A few of the guys are gonna come over tomorrow morning and help.”

“I can help too, if you want. I can be here as soon as I get back from the gym.”

His answering smile warmed her from the inside out. “You’re a gem, Abby.”

Oh God, she loved the way he said her name, his deep voice like a caress.

The moment the thought hit her brain, blood rushed to her cheeks. Definitely time to go.

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