Page 43 of Critical Mass
“We’re asking you to help save lives,” Colton said. “Just remember the stakes. If we’re right about him, thousands of people could die. If we’re wrong, the evidence you gather will prove it.”
Natalie closed her eyes before nodding. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
Hudson wanted to argue, to tell them this was too dangerous, that they were asking too much of a civilian who’d been terrorized and shot at just hours ago.
But Colton and Ty were right—Natalie was their best chance for finding out information on Critical Mass.
That didn’t mean he had to like it.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
“It’s late.”Colton stood. “Why don’t we all get some rest and reconvene in the morning to finalize the plan? Hudson, can you show Ms. Ravenscroft to her guest quarters?”
Hudson nodded, grateful for the dismissal.
He needed to get Natalie alone, to make sure she understood what she was agreeing to.
The truth was that his original exit plan hadn’t been great. Basically, once he found the information he needed, the plan had been to break up with Natalie and walk away. She would never have to know about his scheme.
He hadn’t felt good about how things would play out, but the deception was part of the job.
Then his heart had gotten involved. But would she ever believe that?
Part of him wished she hadn’t found out the truth. Wished she could just think they were breaking up because his job was moving him out of state. That excuse seemed less hurtful. But it was too late now.
They walked in silence through the corridors of the lodge, their footsteps echoing on the hardwood floors. Hudson led her upstairs to one of the smaller guest rooms. It was still a decentsize, with a queen bed, an attached bathroom, and a window overlooking the Pamlico Sound.
“There should be toiletries in the bathroom.” He lingered in the doorway. “And I’ll have someone bring you some clean clothes.”
“Thank you.” Natalie’s voice sounded formal, distant.
Hudson knew he should leave, but he couldn’t make himself walk away. Not yet.
“Natalie, I don’t like this plan,” he said. “Sending you back is dangerous. If your father suspects anything, if Sigma realizes you’re working with us?—”
“You don’t have to pretend to care about me anymore.” She cut him off, her voice sharp. “Your charade is over, Hudson. You’ve done your job. You’re getting what you need from me.”
“It’s not like that. It wasn’t a charade?—”
“Stop. Just . . . stop.” She moved to close the door, her eyes not meeting his. “Good night.”
Hudson stood in the empty hallway, staring at the closed door, his chest tight with everything he couldn’t say.
Natalie thought he was pretending. Thought his concern was just another manipulation tactic. Part of his job.
And maybe she was right to think that. He’d lied to her about everything else. Why should she believe his feelings were real?
Hudson turned and walked back down the corridor, his mind already racing through worst-case scenarios. Natalie going back to Norfolk, acting normal while her father watched her every move. The men from the marina still out there, still hunting. The attack timeline accelerating while they scrambled for intelligence.
If something happened to Natalie—if she got hurt because he’d brought her into this investigation—Hudson would never forgive himself.
He’d spent three months building a relationship with her based on lies. Now he was sending her back into danger with nothing but those same lies to protect her.
The irony wasn’t lost on him.
He just prayed she would survive long enough for him to tell her the truth:
