Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 133531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 534(@250wpm)___ 445(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 534(@250wpm)___ 445(@300wpm)
Gideon respected him even more for the ice in his voice and the steel in his gaze. “We had to shut down all communication. That’s standard procedure in a safe house for their security. They were told the rules before they agreed. Lydia was made aware that you would know she wouldn’t be able to contact you.”
“I’m a detective.”
“And you’re most likely under observation.”
Larrsen couldn’t argue with him, and Gideon knew he wouldn’t have a comeback. On the other hand, Gideon knew when he’d lost contact with Rory he’d nearly gone out of his mind.
“I’ll do my best to get word to have one of my people get something to us so you can see she’s fine.”
“I’d appreciate it,” Larrsen said, his voice gruff. Once more, his gaze was on the bruising on Rory’s face. “I never thought anyone I knew would go this wrong.”
“I learned that lesson when I was very young,” Gideon said.
There was no expression on his features or in his voice, but there must have been in his head, because immediately Rory reacted. Her hand crept across the bed, seeking his, and he covered it to reassure her, stilling the movement.
A frown flitted across her face, her lashes fluttered but didn’t lift, and he felt the faint stirring in his mind. Why are you so sad?
I’m not, Red. You’re supposed to be asleep.
I am asleep. But you’re frowning and you’re sad. Now you’re lying, and you’re not a very good liar, Gideon.
She made him smile. He leaned down, bringing her knuckles to his mouth. Her hand felt very small in his.
I’m a very good liar, just apparently not to you. That’s a good thing. But sleeping means you’re not supposed to be aware of your surroundings. I’m looking out for you so you can sleep in peace.
Her lips curved into a smile and his breath caught in his throat. Then she seemed to be drifting again, but just as quickly, her breathing came too fast, and images poured in. Voices, dark and disturbing. Her free hand reached up to try to remove the oxygen mask. He stopped her very gently.
“Rory, open your eyes for me. You aren’t there with them. You’re here with me.”
She continued to try to take the mask from her face, shaking her head. He had to use a little bit of force to keep her from taking it off.
You need to leave that on, sweetheart.
She shook her head, her frown back. I can’t stand it. Take it off me, Gideon. I feel like I have that hood on me.
Inwardly he cursed. Let me ask the doc if you’ll be able to breathe.
I can breathe. Take it off. Hurry.
He knew panic was setting in fast. He reached for it. We aren’t alone. Larrsen is here. I’m taking it off. Just breathe in and out. I’m talking to the doc now.
Gideon turned his head to observe Larrsen even as he reached out to Paul telepathically. The detective was watching him, too much speculation in his gaze. Larrsen was extremely observant and very intelligent.
Rory’s having a difficult time with the oxygen mask. Panicking. It feels like the hood to her. I took it off. Should I replace it with the nosepiece?
Gideon didn’t like waking Paul when he knew the man needed rest, but he wasn’t sure how removing the flow of oxygen would affect Rory.
I’ll be right in to assess the situation. In the meantime, give her a break from the mask.
“The doctor will be in soon, sweetheart. Just keep breathing.”
Rory nodded.
Larrsen moved away from the bed to take one of the two chairs close to the door. “You’re able to speak to her telepathically. That’s how you tracked her.”
Gideon glanced at him but didn’t reply. That was getting into classified information. The higher-ups would probably find someone who could remove memories from Larrsen’s brain if they ever knew about the conversation.
“If she can tell you where she thinks Peter Ramsey’s notebook is, I’d greatly appreciate the information. Or at least a starting point where to look.”
Did you hear that? Larrsen stayed behind because the detective who was killed was in the middle of an investigation. The evidence he collected had been written in a notebook that looked like a diary with a brown cover. Does that sound familiar? Gideon asked her.
A little frown flitted over her face again. We were in the lounge sorting our mail when he came into the room, and we ran. Later, an officer gave us our mail. I always kept my junk mail in a bag in the trunk of my car. When the bag was full, I’d take it to the bar and shred it. It always took a long time to get full.
Gideon couldn’t help himself. He rubbed at the frown with the pad of his thumb, seeking to erase it. Red, if this is too hard for you, we can wait a little longer. Larrsen isn’t going anywhere. He’s patient.