Page 34 of Stone Coast
I gave him a flat look.
“But worth the difficulty,” he assured with a grin. “For the most part.”
I smacked his arm playfully, like I’d done it a thousand times before. “What happened between us?”
He looked at me, staring deep into my eyes, probably wondering if that was a can of worms he wanted to open. “That’s a story for another time.”
I didn’t push the issue. “What happens now?”
“When we get back to the boat, I’m going to make a pot of coffee and take watch.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “You’re going to stay up all night?”
“In case you forgot, somebody tried to kill you tonight.”
“We don’t know that for certain. Like you said. It could have been random.” I think I wanted that to be true, but knew better.
“You’re going to get a call from Ross, if you haven’t already. He’s going to want you to come in for a debrief.”
“What do I do?”
“Talk to him. Tell him you don’t remember a thing about your past.”
“I don’t.” I paused. “I’m clearly not useful to the agency or anyone else right now.”
“The question is, are you a liability?”
I didn’t have to think hard to come to the conclusion that,yes, I was a liability.
It was at that moment when a black SUV pulled into the parking lot. Both our eyes were on it as it drove around to the dock. Ross hopped out of the passenger seat, and two men in navy suits climbed out of the back seat and accompanied him. The driver stayed in the vehicle.
Tyson was ready for anything. So was I. We were both a little on edge.
Ross flashed a disarming smile. “Thank God you’re okay!” He breathed a relieved breath as he approached. “I saw you on the news. I tried to call, but you didn’t pick up, so I thought I’d check on you.”
“How thoughtful,” I said.
He gave a sympathetic frown. “I’m so sorry about Grayson. He seemed like a good man.” His eyes found Tyson.
“Ross, this is Deputy Tyson Wild with Coconut County.”
They shook hands.
Ross’s two associates hung back, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Ross said to Tyson. “Would you excuse us?” He whispered to me, “I think it’s time we talk.”
My eyes flicked to Tyson, then back to Ross. “Yes, I think we need to.”
“Why don’t you come with us? We can take you somewhere safe. Secure.”
I looked at Ross, then the two men behind him. The driver waited with the engine running, his eyes constantly scanning for threats. “I don’t want to go anywhere right now. I’m comfortable here. Tyson is staying with me tonight.”
“Oh, good. Good,” Ross said, trying to act supportive but clearly annoyed. Then he said to me, “Let’s take a walk.”
I gave a hesitant nod of agreement.
Ross motioned to his associates to stay behind.
