Page 46 of Lethal Game

“I’m not your mom, you can go wherever you like.”

He lost his smile and came all the way into the room, not stopping until he was crouched next to her. He put a hand on her knee and it felt so shockingly warm she jerked.

His expression was so neutral she knew it was a lie.

“When I get back,” he said in an easy tone. “You’re going to get another Tai Chi lesson.”

“I don’t have time.”

“It’s only going to take ten minutes.”

“That doesn’t seem worth it.”

“It’ll help with the shakes.”

She wanted to tell him he was imagining things, but that would be a blatant untruth. She just nodded.

He left and she managed to work another ten minutes before the nervous energy in her body forced her to get up and walk around. Might as well go to the bathroom.

Jones was in there and she looked Sophia over. “How are you? It’s all over the base what happened last night.”

“I’m okay. Kind of sick of everyone asking though.”

Jones smiled. “Got it. Most of the women on the base will be showing some solidarity by sitting with you at meals today. Wave at me when you’re ready to go to lunch.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“You’re tougher than most people, Dr. Perry, but we need to do it for all of us.”

“Okay.”

A minute later, she and Jones exited the bathroom.

When they reached Eugene’s desk, Jones said to Sophia, “See you at lunch.” Then she turned and smiled at Eugene. “Hi, Gene, having a good morning so far?”

“It’s okay,” he said, his gaze darting between Sophia and Jones. “Got a lot of extra paperwork to do thanks to those assholes last night.” He focused his attention on Jones, looking her square in the eyes despite a blush heating his cheeks. “You’re being safe, right? Traveling in groups?”

“Yes.” Jones’s smile deepened. “I knew there was a reason why I liked you. Catch you later, Gene.” She winked at Sophia and left.

“She likes you,” Sophia told him as they both watched the woman walk away.

“She likes me?” Eugene asked incredulously.

“That’s what she told me,” Sophia said, then winced. “Was I not supposed to tell you that?”

Eugene threw his hands up in the air. “I donotunderstand women. That one least of all.”

“I think she likes smart and you’ve got more brains than most of the men on this base.”

“Thanks,” Eugene said dryly. “But I’m small fry compared to Sergeant Button. The guy could give lessons in interrogation.”

“He interrogated you?”

“Yeah, about you, Max, and the whole team.”

A cold ball of uneasiness settled into the pit of her stomach. “What did you tell him?”

“About you? That you like solving puzzles that involve really small things and you want to make a difference.” He paused. “Should I have kept my mouth shut?”

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