Page 12 of Savage Peril

“It’s not that big of a deal,” Gunner said. “I met a woman and can’t seem to get her off my mind.”

“That’s not a bad thing,” Rip said. “Anyone you’ve mentioned before?”

Gunner filled him in on how he’d met Lori Waters. He told him about her professionalism and how she’d impressed him with her attitude—along with her stunning looks.

“Sounds like a special woman.”

Gunner agreed, then said, “Her father passed away recently.”

“Wait a minute,” Rip said. “Lori Waters? Haven’t you been watching the news?”

“What did I miss?”

Rip told an electrifying tale of how Lori Waters had saved the life of a passenger during a flight back from Houston. “And the passenger wasn’t just anyone. That dude was Marco Bacci.”

“The attorney?” Gunner knew of that firm. Bacci had a reputation, since he handled legal matters for the Italian mob. The mob in the city wasn’t as prevalent as it had once been, but it was still around.

After the call, Gunner found the story and read the details. Then he looked up the Bacci firm to see what else he could learn. The incident was unsettling. Lori had saved the mob attorney’s life, which could be good or bad. The mob would respect Lori for saving one of their own but might not leave it at that.

Gunner was savvy about the underpinnings of Los Angeles. He had to be, since he protected clients from dangers including criminals. He had researched the different factions and kept up to speed on current events. He didn’t like it at all that Lori had interacted with someone connected to the mob.

A gut instinct told Gunner that he needed to check on Lori—not that he probably wouldn’t have anyway. Thoughts of her had nagged at him, and he’d considered paying her a visit to see if she was okay. With the new twist on things, he had more reason to see her.

Gunner wrapped it up for the day, then headed for Waters Pain Clinic. He hoped that Lori hadn’t left, and it was still late afternoon, so his chances were good. On the drive over, images of Lori filled his mind. He had to get a grip. He couldn’t walk into her place of work like a crazed stalker.

Whatever Gunner’s approach, it had to be socially acceptable. He didn’t want Lori to refuse to deal with him. She had told him to call if he needed any follow-up with the ankle. That would be the way to explain why he was at the clinic.

When Gunner entered the lobby, he realized that he needed to get past the check-in desk if he expected to see Lori. The woman looked up from her computer. “Go ahead and sign in. I’ll be right with you.”

There were no other patients waiting, so Gunner assumed that he had arrived near closing time. “I don’t have an appointment.”

The woman waited for him to explain.

“I’m just here to see Doctor Waters.”

“I’ll check to see if she is still here. Is she expecting you?”

“It’s more of a surprise,” Gunner said, not liking the frown on her face.

A familiar voice caught Gunner’s attention. Lori was walking toward him. Without her lab coat, she was even more lovely. Her blond hair flowed in waves to her shoulders, no longer tied back for work. Her blue eyes captivated him.

“Gunner Cantrell?”

“Yes, hello.” Gunner knew he was blowing it, but he was flustered. “I came to see you.” Not the coolest thing he could have said, but it was true.

Lori stood close. “We finished with the last appointment. And shouldn’t you be at the VA?”

“I was hoping to talk to you.”

For a moment, Lori didn’t seem to know what to make of that. “Sure, come to my office. You can tell me what issues you’re having.”

Gunner followed her down the hall, not assured of success yet. She might be annoyed when she learned that he hadn’t come for medical advice.

The hallway was long and well lit, with an exam room along the way. A tall guy strolled toward Lori, looking all business—probably some guy in administration.

“I need to see you,” the guy said to Lori.

“I’m with someone, Matt.”

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