Page 16 of Viktor

He only made one more stop, and that was for gas. It was a short ride to Sara’s family farm after that. He did pay attention to his surroundings this time, as he might need to map out an escape route. He liked to have several when it came to these cases. You never knew when it would be necessary to get out quickly.

The Grafton family farm sat on fifteen acres of land. The farmhouse itself was two stories with a wraparound porch. It reminded Viktor of his uncle’s farm. He and his brothers had spent many, many days helping the old man plow the fields and tend to the animals. The whole experience made him adamant about never wanting to own a working farm. He loved the whole countryside aspect and the farmhouse itself, just not all the chores that came with running an actual farm.

Gabe stood from where he sat on the porch swing and walked over to greet Victor.

“Everything okay?” Viktor asked.

Gabe shook his head and cracked his knuckles, a sure sign he was angry. “Yeah, for the most part. Sara’s been out back since Ben got here. I think talking about everything brought it all back.”

“Nothing we can do about that.” Viktor shrugged, keeping his face blank. He didn’t want Gabe knowing how personal this case was to him. He’d ask questions—questions Viktor had no answers for.

Gabe leaned against a front porch column. “I was thinking I might stick around a little while. I know I’m supposed to be on vacation, but I have a feeling this guy is going to be trouble. I’d rather spend my time here taking care of someone instead of by myself at the beach.”

“You sure about that?” Viktor quirked an eyebrow. “The beach at night, margaritas, women….” His voice trailed off at the determined expression on Gabe’s face. He knew Gabe still blamed himself for his last client’s refusal to listen and understand how much danger she was actually in. Her death wasn’t his fault, but Viktor knew it would haunt Gabe for a long time. Maybe helping him with Sara’s case could ease some of that guilt.

Besides that, he’d be glad for Gabe’s help. They’d been in the same squad in the Marines, and he trusted him like he did his own brothers.

“I’m good here if you want my help.”

Before Victor could say anything, the screen door opened, and Sara stepped out. He’d seen her just that morning, but it did nothing to lessen the impact she had on him. His entire body turned toward her, the instinct to touch her so strong, he shoved his hands in his pockets. What the hell was it about this woman?

“I thought I heard someone pull up.” Her eyes were red and puffy. She’d been crying.

“Just me.” He stayed where he was on the bottom step. If he stepped closer, he ran the chance of giving in to his desire to comfort her.Client, Kincaid. She’s a client.

“I can see that.” She even sounded subdued, not the fiery kitten of yesterday. “We just put supper on the table. Are you hungry?”

He nodded. “Starved, but I need to get cleaned up.”

“Sure.” She turned her attention to Gabe. “Will you be staying for supper?”

“Gabe’s going to be hanging around for a while.” Viktor almost laughed at the frown forming between her eyes.

“I’m going to have two of you trying to boss me around now?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Gabe grinned, winking at her. Viktor’s eyes narrowed and his body went rigid at that wink, something his friend picked up on and raised his eyebrows in question.

Fuck.

Client, he forcefully reminded himself.She’s a client.

“In all seriousness, we’re not here to boss. Only to watch out for you.”

“Youdamnsure aren’t here to boss me. I’ve had enough of men doing that for three lifetimes.”

“We’ve had this discussion already, Sara.” Viktor kept his tone even, but he wanted to laugh at her surliness. At least that hollow, subdued tone was gone. She was a spitfire, even after everything she’d been through. Roger hadn’t managed to completely break her.

“As I recall, I never agreed to any such bossiness. I walked away from that conversation.”

He arched a brow, and Sara was struck with the urge to stick her tongue out at him. After her emotional breakdown earlier, she needed to either laugh and be silly or start a fight. And fighting was the last thing she had the strength for today.

“Come on in the house and get cleaned up. Gabe, I’m not sure where to put you if you’re staying.”

“I can share the room with Viktor,” Gabe said, pushing his glasses up his nose. “When he’s on guard, I can catch a few and vice versa. We do it all the time.”

Sara wasn’t sure how she felt about them both being here and expecting her to follow their rules. She understood why it was necessary, but it still didn’t sit well. She meant it when she said she was done being controlled. Delia wouldn’t grow up thinking that was normal.

“I’ll let Mom and Dad know you’re here for a while. And, Gabe, my mother said to have your butt sitting at the table for supper or she was going to haul you in by the ears.”

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