Page 15 of Savage Peril

So far, Lori’s research had revealed possibilities, which increased the mystery instead of resolving it. But she wouldn’t pull Adam into the investigation before she had enough to go on. If she presented a stronger case to support her suspicions, then he would support her.

Later that afternoon, Adam mentioned that Matt had returned and was in his office with Sheldon. When she finished with her last patient, she went to say hello to her uncle. It would be nice to see a friendly face.

Lori had been reviewing records and had several locked in her desk drawer. She went over the details whenever she had a few minutes. Matt wasn’t aware that she had questions, but he would be. It was his job to run the administration of the clinic. He should be the one ensuring accuracy of the orders, and Lori shouldn’t have to oversee that.

Uncle Sheldon stood and greeted Lori when she appeared in the doorway. “My favorite niece.” He gave her a warm hug.

“I’m surprised you’re here, but pleased,” Lori said.

“I came to see you,” Sheldon said, “but you were with a patient.”

Lori smiled. “Checking on me, are you?” She noticed Matt’s frown and his body language. He was likely miffed that she had ducked out the day before without talking to him. But she could take the cold shoulder; he needed to get the idea that he couldn’t boss her around anymore.

“If I don’t check on you, who will?” Sheldon said.

Matt bristled at that, but Lori ignored him. “I’m okay, really,” she said.

“Good to hear,” Sheldon said. “I dropped by to invite you to dinner.”

Lori’s father used to have dinner with Sheldon every few weeks. He probably missed that, and Lori wouldn’t mind having company. “I’d love to,” she said, “but I have other plans tonight.”

Matt narrowed his eyes but kept his mouth shut.

“Whenever you’re free, just let me know.” Sheldon didn’t seem to notice Matt or his antics, which was just as well.

Lori didn’t need her uncle getting into it with Matt, and he was protective enough to do that.

“After you check your calendar, let me know what works for you.” Sheldon gave her a kiss on the check and headed toward the door.

Unwilling to be alone with Matt, Lori decided to follow her uncle out. She had finished with patients for the day.

“I left the office early, but I have a meeting downtown with a client,” Sheldon said.

Lori supposed that as an investment banker his hours were more flexible than the schedule she kept in the medical profession. While Lori grabbed her purse, Sheldon waited then walked her out to her car. Once again, she had avoided a discussion with Matt. It was getting to be a habit.

*****

Gunner was on a high. He had a dinner date with Lori. He would have taken her to dinner the previous night, but he’d had an assignment. Tonight, he was free and looked forward to an evening of dinner and conversation. He didn’t know how much talking he’d do, but he was interested in knowing more about Lori.

While Gunner wrapped things up at his desk, thoughts of Lori filled his mind. She looked classy whether she wore casual wear or a lab coat. That made Gunner wonder how to dress. He didn’t have much of a wardrobe. He cringed at the thought of wearing a dark blazer and looking like a bodyguard.

“Hey, buddy, where are you?” Garrett tapped the desk to get his attention. “Daydreaming on the job?”

“Can’t get away with anything around here.”

Garrett was a married man. He had met Marlene Parks, the beloved movie star, and protected her from a shooter. Saving her life had impressed her, it seemed. She’d fallen for Garrett, and when he’d proposed, she accepted. He was a lucky guy.

“Well, don’t dally too long,” Garrett said. “I’m guessing you have a hot date.”

When Gunner finished up, he hustled home to get showered and changed. It was important to make a good impression, although it occurred to him that he didn’t normally try so hard. Going on a date usually meant a clean polo shirt and jeans, but not tonight.

Lori was special, so Gunner dug out a dress shirt, relieved to find that it wasn’t too wrinkled. He found a pair of slacks that looked decent with it. He had found that women swooned over the macho look, so a tight cotton shirt could go a long way towards impressing a date.

But Lori was different. She was delicate and refined, although Gunner was sure she had inner strength. Some things he could just tell about a person. Dinner reservations were at Pace, an Italian place in Hollywood Hills.

Gunner wanted to take Lori somewhere nice, but he didn’t want to be out of his depth. One restaurant boasted two Michelin stars, so he figured the food was too gourmet for his tastes. He enjoyed pizza and homemade pastas, so Pace should be a winner.

Plus, the website described it as cozy and dimly lit, so the atmosphere would be romantic. The restaurant was a bit of a drive, but Gunner wouldn’t mind. Lori would be in the car with him, so there was no need to rush.

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