Page 62 of Tabitha

“I appreciate it.” I bow my head, reluctantly tucking away my last blade, feeling a little naked without it in my hand.

Banks half turns to walk away, then hesitates and glances over at me. “Why don’t you let me make it up to you? The town is having a little Harpersville celebration tomorrow. Join me as my special guest.”

Though he just helped save my life and I should be grateful, everything inside me shudders in disgust at the thought of spending time alone with him.

“I’m actually going for a run in the morning.” I try to give him a coy smile I see other girls use on their marks, but the expression feels funny stretched across my face. Considering the way he tips his head, amusement spilling into his eyes, I’m not sure it worked. I push forward, anyway. “But I can join you afterward if that works.”

He flashes me a charming smile, and I note that, even though there is no emotion behind it, he performed it perfectly. If I were anyone else, not constantly looking for cues in others, I would never guess that he’s a sociopath.

Only another sociopath would be able to spot one so easily.

“I’ll see you then.” He dips his head toward me, then strides away, whistling a carefree tune under his breath, his hands in his pockets, not the least bit perturbed that he just killed two of his own men.

I take a step toward the house but come to a stop near the bodies. Gage joins me a few minutes later. “Were you going to kill them?”

Unsure how to answer, I glance at him. For the first time, I don’t sense judgment from him, so I decide to answer honestly. “Maybe?”

I shrug, still not sure what I would’ve done. “I’m not supposed to kill them yet, but it’s hard to resist.”

“Why do you think Banks would kill his own men?” Pierce crouches and searches the bodies, but I don’t expect him to find anything.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Bast doesn’t look up from where he sits on the top step with Rocky huddled next to him, his expression grim. “They broke the cardinal rule—touching what Banks considers his own. For whatever reason, Banks wants Tabitha alive. While I’m grateful, it’s worrisome, and I don’t trust it.”

I glance at the house, conscious of the guys all sharing a pointed look. “The real question is why were they at the house? It’s obvious that they were the ones to set off the bomb. I thought it was to get rid of you guys, but what if there is something in the house they want?”

Pierce rises and joins me, allowing the rest of the guys to file into the house first. Neither Gage nor Bast bother to put away their weapons, clearing the house. River follows, carrying Rocky into the kitchen, then spills the box of supplies across the giant island, grabbing anything that catches his attention.

“They had plenty of time to search the house in the month that it’s been vacant.” Pierce frowns at the mess of supplies, then fills the sink with hot, soapy water, and the two men go about cleaning up the dog. Rocky licks his lips and trembles but otherwise stands still for their ministrations.

It’s obviously not the first time the dog has been injured, and something dark explodes in my gut. I’m suddenly fiercely glad the men are dead, even if I didn’t have the pleasure of doing it myself.

“We searched the house as well, but we never ran across the bunker you mentioned.” Bast finally holsters his gun, looks at Pierce, and shakes his head. “Clear.”

The guys all glance at each other, including Pierce. I narrow my eyes, suddenly convinced they’re communicating somehow, especially when they all turn to look at me, but I’m unable to figure out how.

“I’ll take watch outside tonight. I’m heading upstairs for a nap. Wake me if you need me.” Bast gives me a nod, then turns to saunter toward the stairs.

“I’m going to contact Delta group, set up a meeting for them to take Rocky.” River doesn’t look up from cleaning the blood from the dog’s fur. I suspect it’s the only thing keeping him grounded and not flipping out into a complete rage. “They’re working about an hour out. If Banks’ men came after Rocky once, I don’t trust them not to do it again.”

“I’ll join you, drive while you take care of Rocky and keep him calm.” Pierce casts me a meaningful glance, and I panic slightly, hating that I can’t read what he’s trying to tell me. Does he want me to join them?

Argh!Why can’t people just use their words?!

Pierce tosses me a clue by tilting his head meaningfully toward River, and I follow his gaze. Darkness dulls River’s brown eyes, and I’m at a complete loss on how to help him. Then understanding clicks—Pierce is volunteering to watch over River for me, and I sag in relief.

The thought of River running off to seek vengeance twists my stomach into a snarly mess.

“Good.” I nod, then cross the room and scratch Rocky gently under his chin in a silent goodbye. Despite his injuries, his tail thumps weakly, and he lathers me with sloppy puppy kisses. My heart is saddened when I pull away, and I wonder if I’ll ever see him again.

Troubled by that distressing thought, I clear my throat and don’t look at the dog again, desperate to avoid dealing with the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “While you’re gone, I’ll show Gage the bunker.”

I peer up at the man in question, noting he already has his computer under his arm. I tilt my head, waiting for his suspicions, but his green eyes are only curious, almost soft when he gazes back at me. My stomach does a slow swirl, and I hastily drop my eyes, not sure I like that sensation…or if I like it too much.

I scurry toward the stairs, very conscious of steady footsteps following behind me.

Almost like he’s chasing me.

A thrill goes through me at the thought, and I nearly roll my eyes at myself. Gage would be the last one to chase me…unless he had a knife or a gun in his hand.

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