Page 35 of Playing For Keeps
Against my better judgement, I take a chance and share more about myself. “I was being followed and threatened by someone. My boyfriend even had a security team on me.”
Xander takes a step back with rounded eyes. “Then how did they get you here?”
I groan. “I left the place I was supposed to be and got ambushed. They attacked my bodyguard and held a gun to my chest. They drugged me, and now I’m standing before you without a plan.”
“Why did they bring you here?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t figure out why or what they want from me. You probably know more about that than I do.”
He seems to consider something. “Tell me about your brother.”
An uneasy heat slithers through me. “What about him?”
Xander inches closer and scans my face. “Where is your brother’s headquarters?”
“I… I can’t say.” Maybe being honest with Xander could help. I’ve got nothing left to work with. “He’s trained me not to discuss it.”
Xander slowly nods. “So it’s true?”
“It is.” My heart pounds hard, and I pray I’m doing the right thing. “Can you help me?”
“Where’s your brother’s agency?”
“Colorado.”
“So you didn’t lie to me about where you’re from?”
“No.”
Xander’s eyes narrow. “And your brother’s headquarters are in Denver?”
“Yes.” I relax my stance. “How do you know so much about the FBI? Is that something Mort has you research?”
“I’m not on his side. I’m on yours.” Xander stalks to thedoor and pokes his head out, looking for something down the hallway. After a moment, he marches back to me. “You can trust me, Dori. Tell me everything so I can get you out of here.”
What is he trying to tell me?
Why would he want to help me?
My mind grasps onto an answer. “Are you working undercover?”
Water dripping from the shower head splashes rhythmically on the bathroom floor as a few seconds pass. Xander's chest rises and falls quicker than it did a minute ago. He opens his mouth but snaps it shut again.
He growls and then steps closer to me. “I am. Now, who’s your brother?”
Tears fill my eyes, and my shoulders round as I breathe easier. “Aiden Fisher. Do you know him?”
“No, but that helps.”
“Can you call him?”
“That’s not how this works.” Xander checks the time on his watch. “We only have a few more minutes, so tell me everything that could help.”
“Why can’t you call someone to come and save us?” I rush to him and grip his arms. “Help me understand.”
His gaze bounces around my face. “Because undercover work doesn’t go that way.”
“How does it go?”
