Page 90 of Unchained

Sophia glanced down at her mug and shuffled closer to the edge of the chair. “I’ll cut to the chase. You’re fortunate to have made it out of Leonetti’s chamber of horrors alive, Brooks. We’ve only just started the investigation into his work and, while collaborating with the police in Utah, we’ve learned just how awful the conditions were that you endured.”

Brooks laced his fingers together, his face somber. Cam’s stomach flipped at the memory of his dirty, bruised, and battered form lying unconscious on the bed. New anger filled her blood. She curled her fingers together.

“Some of it’s hazy, but I’m grateful to be out.”

Sophia shifted and pulled a folder from her large tote bag. “I shouldn’t be sharing this with you, but more than anyone, you have the right to know about Leonetti’s studies. I tracked down your file from his hard drive, too, so you’ll know exactly what was in the drug. It might help if you ever have health concerns in the future.”

He stretched forward and flicked through the pages. “Thank you,” he said, his tone no longer hesitant but grateful.

“We also learned that at the time of your disappearance, Conrad Hornick invested a large sum of money into Leonetti’s studies for Axalantheum. It’s possible he was involved in your abduction, but unless your memories fully return, it will be hard to know for certain.”

“What about his lab in Utah?” Cam interjected. “What happened to it?”

“It’s completely shut down,” Sophia said, pressing her palm to her thigh. “The remaining associates were questioned, and some were arrested for patient neglect.”

“Good.” All the nurses who’d worked in the lab should be sentenced to life in prison, but Cam kept that opinion to herself.

“Oh, one more thing.” She lifted her cell phone and flicked her fingernail over the glass. “We came across this image taken by one of the guards. Any idea who he could be?” She leaned forward and passed the device to Cam.

Cam held the phone and stared at Cole’s shadowed profile. It appeared to be an accidental photo, as the image was a blurry shot of the tent’s makeshift kitchen area. Despite the poor quality of the image, the straight nose, black hair, and focused stare matched her memory of Cole. Cam shook her head. “No, sorry. I have no idea who that is.” She turned the screen to Brooks, who shrugged.

“Nope. But, like I said before, I don’t remember much.”

“Hmm. Okay, then. Perhaps Cole Holmes will materialize one of these days.” She rose.

“Do you mind if I ask what your interest is in that man?” Cam asked.

“Cole?”

Cam lifted a shoulder, not willing to admit she knew who Sophia was talking about.

“He’s a dangerous person, Ms. Bayfield. He’s somewhat of a ghost, but through fragmented images like this one and the odd snitch, we know Cole Holmes is a contract killer. You’d both do well to report him if you’re ever in contact.”

The blood drained from her cheeks. Of course Cole was dangerous—it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. But a contract killer? She swallowed. That sure explained his ability to disappear, the high-tech gear he’d used, and why everyone wanted to keep his existence a secret. But who or what Cole was wasn’t her business. She was either in this family or not, and she wasn’t giving up Cole for anything.

She stood and escorted the detective to the door. “We’ll keep that in mind, Sophia. Take care.”

Sophia’s chin hiked up, and her expression held a hint of irritation. “Speedy recovery, Brooks.” She breezed out the door.

Cam shut and locked the door before turning into Brooks’s arms behind her. He enclosed her in a hug and pressed his mouth to the top of her head. She laced her fingers together at his back. “I guess we have some reading to do?” She pulled away to nod at the folder on the couch.

Brooks’s eyes turned to stone. “Nah, I’m good.”

She reared her head back. “What do you mean? There could be information you need—”

He stroked her cheek. “I don’t need those studies in my head, plaguing me with ideas about what could go wrong. I already know that I’m different from every other test subject, so really, do the findings even compare?”

The knot in her stomach settled. It wasn’t her place to tell Brooks how to handle his life, and surely there was good that could come from being ignorant. “Can we still keep the folder? Just in case?”

“’Course. But unless I start growing extra limbs, I want no knowledge of what’s inside. I’ve got everything I need right here.”

He brought his palm to her cheek, and heat that started at her toes crawled its way up to her neck. “Is that so? I take it you’re talking about all this extra muscle?” She ran her hand over the tight washboard of his abdomen.

He threw his head back and laughed. “That’s just a perk.” He kissed her forehead. “The doctor said the changes I’ve experienced are most likely permanent, but you’re the only thing I need, Cam.”

She caught his neck in her palms. “You make me so happy. I love you, Brooks.”

He bent his head and invited her lips into a long, leisurely kiss that curled her toes and tingled her mouth. He pulled away and pressed gentle pecks to the sides of her mouth. “I love you.” He clapped his hand to her ass. “Now let’s eat. I think your mom needs some company.”

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