Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 111086 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 555(@200wpm)___ 444(@250wpm)___ 370(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111086 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 555(@200wpm)___ 444(@250wpm)___ 370(@300wpm)
When Reese didn’t respond or even react to my statement, I continued. His eyes were back on the window as I spoke. “I’d like you to come stay with me for a while. I live near Woodinville. Are you familiar with that area?”
Reese shook his head. It wasn’t much, but at least he was listening.
“It’s just north of the city, so it would still be easy to get you to your physical therapy sessions and any other appointments at the hospital. But it’s quiet and there’s plenty of room for you to just take it easy. You already know that I typically only work jobs in the area so I don’t need to leave my kid overnight too often. I’ve already talked to Ronan about not having me take on any jobs that take me out of town and he’s agreed.”
Still no response.
“Look, Reese, whatever happens, you’re going to need some help for a little while. I’d like to think you and I have become pretty good partners, maybe even friends, these past few months, and I know you’d do the same for me.”
I waited for him to say something, anything, but he remained stoically quiet. I was about to get up so I could leave and give him some time to think it over when he said, “Yeah, whatever.”
It was much more than I’d hoped for, so I carefully settled my hand on his shoulder and waited until he looked at me. “It’s going to be okay, Reese. I promise.”
“Didn’t your parents ever tell you not to make promises you couldn’t keep?” he asked sullenly.
“Yeah, they did,” I responded as I stood up. “That’s why I never do.”
He cracked a small smile before shaking his head. He immediately winced and closed his eyes. “When was the last time you were given something for the pain?” I asked.
“Don’t like that shit.”
“Too bad,” I said. “Don’t try to be a fucking hero, Reese. You already are one. Take the goddamn pain meds.”
Reese managed a nod.
“I’ll get someone,” I said. “I’ll be back a bit later to check on you, okay?”
Another nod, but just before I reached the door, Reese called my name. When I turned to look at him, he said, “Thanks.”
I didn’t say anything, just sent him a nod and then left the room. I found a nurse and told her Reese had agreed to a dose of pain medication, then went in search of Ronan to give him an update. He’d texted that he was in the conference room Everett was using. Apparently, the man hadn’t lasted more than a few hours at the hotel before he’d returned to the hospital and the son who wanted nothing to do with him.
Even if I hadn’t known where the conference room was, it would have been easy to pick out, considering the stiff-looking man standing just outside of it. Agent Nash’s eyes locked on me as soon as I rounded the corner and his jaw seemed to tighten with every step that drew me closer to him.
He didn’t say anything when I stopped in front of him, nor did he step aside to let me pass. I could have easily forced the issue, but decided against it. I had a feeling Agent Nash preferred it that way. I deliberately let my eyes rake over his body, taking my time as I took in the way he filled out his clean-cut suit. He definitely fit the part of a G-man.
Except the eyes.
They burned.
I suspected he usually kept them shuttered, but it wasn’t working for him at the moment. I couldn’t exactly say what emotion he was feeling, but a guy in his position should have been more unreadable.
“I don’t believe we’ve been officially introduced, Agent Nash,” I said as I extended my hand. “I’m Gage Fortier.”
He looked at my hand like it was a rattlesnake. But the longer I held it there, the harder his expression became until he finally bit the bullet and snatched it up in what he probably was hoping would be a quick handshake.
I made sure it wasn’t.
I had no clue why rattling the man’s cage was so important to me, but I wasn’t going to pretend it wasn’t.
“Special Agent Jonathan Nash,” he bit out as he tried to tug his hand free. I could feel electricity shooting up and down my arm and little firecrackers of awareness popping beneath my skin, but I wasn’t so sure about Agent Nash.
“Nice to meet you, Jonathan.”
That got a reaction out of him. He yanked his hand back and said, “It’s Nash.”
I didn’t comment on that, though I did wonder if it was actually his name that he didn’t want me using, or that he was trying to avoid any kind of informality.
“Fine. Nash. I need to speak to your boss,” I said.