Page 26 of Knockout

“I’m looking into Hurstwhile. Since it’s a nonprofit, a lot of their information is public record.” He turned and scooted toward his computer. “It’s all in the file, but basically, their financials look a little too clean. Simon is working on breaking into their system. We’ll see how that goes. The owner is a corporation that’s owned by another corporation. There’s a figurehead, but we’re not sure how to get ahold of him. Might even be a fake identity, or some kind of pseudonym.”

She pulled it up on hers and spotted a familiar name immediately. “They wanted to partner with the Ridgeman Center in Last Chance County?”

“Sounds like it.” Peter wheeled his chair over to beside her. “They wanted to combine their efforts in working with veterans. Provide more comprehensive care because they could share best practices and what they’ve learned.”

“Sounds like a great way to level up.”

“Right.”

“And it didn’t go through?” Roxie glanced over.

Peter gave her a sharp shake of his head. “Nope. Clare gave me Dean Cartwright’s number since they know each other—that’s the guy who ran the Ridgeman Center—and he said he didn’t get a good feeling. He didn’t dig. He just didn’t have a peace about it, so he declined the offer.”

“Huh.” Roxie knew Dean personally. She could’ve made that call. But Peter hadn’t known enough about her history to make the offer. He’d used the resources he had available. “Good for Dean, if it turns out something more is going on.”

“Something more isalwaysgoing on.”

Roxie grinned. “Sure seems like it.”

“You know the Ridgeman Center?”

Such an innocent question, and everything in her tensed. “I do.” She took a breath. “I’ve stayed there.”

Peter nodded, a knowing look on his face. “They’re good people.”

“Yes, they are.”

“One of Liam’s guys on SWAT went there a few months ago. Dakota. He stayed in Last Chance County afterward, and he told me they really helped him. He’s clean now and part of a Bible study.”

She nodded. “They like to push the faith angle with their program.”

One of his brows rose. “You didn’t like that part?”

Roxie cringed. “It isn’t that. I’d never really thought about faith as something that would help me. Seems more like a bunch of rules and being told what youshouldn’tdo. And then the people who are supposed to follow all that do whatever they want, until they’re caught, and then they’re all sorry about it.” She shrugged. “I just never resolved all that.”

“Faith isn’t about other people,” Peter said gently. “It’s about you and God, and there’s no one else in that mix. You have to decide for yourself what you’re going to do about Him.”

For the most part, she’d ignored the issue. Lived her life.

One day, probably soon, she was going to have to face what she’d pushed away in favor of denial. Destiny had tried to get her to do so. Liam had as well, even. Back when they’d been friends.

Roxie sighed.

“Helton!”

She glanced over at Bob, who’d stuck his head out of his office. “Yeah, boss?”

He grinned. “Clare wants to see you upstairs!” He disappeared back into his office, but not before she saw a flush on his face. He liked being the boss? She didn’t blame him for basking in her respect after what he’d been through and how far he’d strayed.

As far as she was concerned, he’d earned it.

Roxie opted for the stairs and spotted Simon on the landing by the door to the main floor. “Everything okay?”

He nodded, his long hair moving over his shoulders. “Just taking a break.”

She squeezed his elbow. “Go see Peter.”

Roxie could read him a little better than she normally could with acquaintances since she’d spent time around his twin brother, but it still wasn’t clear what was going on with him. When she opened the door, she turned and saw him heading downstairs.

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