Page 36 of Playing the Game
“And why not?”
“Because I’m afraid you’ll put Dorothy in greater danger if you do.”
Cold prickles cover my skin. “What do you mean, greater danger?”
“I don’t think those bullets were meant for you. She told me there were lasers pointed at her chest, but you stepped in front of her and saved her life.”
My thoughts are fuzzy, but I remember Dori telling me that when I woke up. I’m too drugged up to figure out why.
In a moment of self-preservation, I relent. “I won’t say anything if you promise to keep me informed. If Dori’s in danger and you keep me in the dark, I’ll have no choice other than to get the police involved.”
“Thank you. And trust me when I say we have the same interest in keeping her safe.”
“We need to do just that. Considering my condition, I’m going to need some help.”
“She allowed me to set up a security team for her, but she made them stay in front of your door before she left. If we can convince her to let them continue to follow her, then I’ll have them keep you informed on everything.”
I peek around him and out to my room’s entrance, where two men guard my door. “Where did she go?”
“I don’t know. She left about an hour ago and made my team stay here to watch over you.”
“Why would she do that?”
“She thinks you’re in more dire need than she is.” His voice, thick with worry, echoes the depth of his concern.
“And you disagree?”
“I think she’s in some kind of trouble. If you remember, she was being followed a week ago.”
“I didn’t know that. I remember her telling me someone at the bar was watching her, but she didn’t say she was being followed.” My heart rate spikes and my protective layer snaps on.
He rubs his neck. “She wasn’t convinced she was. She brushed it off, thinking she was overreacting or making it up in her head.”
“But you think otherwise?”
“I’m not sure. It’s hard to say.”
In a moment of pure adrenaline, I force myself up straight. “What is this about, Hunter? If it wasn’t your doing, why would someone be following her?”
“I don’t know.”
“Jesus Christ. And now we don’t know where she is.”
“Calm down. I’m getting more men to help as soon as I leave here. I’m sure I’ll find her.”
“What are you waiting for? Do it now.”
“I’m on it, Jamison. I’m just waiting for a call back from the agency I use.” His gaze fixes on my gunshot wound. “I’ll keep you informed about everything, but I need to speak with Ava and my father before I say more.”
“What do they?—”
“Hey, there. You’re awake again.” Dori steps into my room. She glances at Hunter and gives him a forced grin. “You know Jami shouldn’t be exposed to any stress, so why are you here, Hunter?”
“That wasn’t my intention.” He turns to her. “I came to find you, thinking you’d be here with Jamison.”
“I was, but I went to get something to eat.” She shuffles to the side of my bed and peers down at me. “How are you?”
“Better now that you’re here.” I relax with her mere presence.
