Page 44 of Savage Peril

“Come and sit down,” Lori said. “You’re not making sense.”

Nick fidgeted with his jacket but didn’t move toward the living room. “No, I can’t stay. I have business. I mean I had a nightmare. It was about Dad. I wish…”

“Nick, please. You don’t look well.”

Nick dragged his sleeve under his runny nose. Gunner recognized cocaine addiction when he saw it, but he didn’t want to call the police.

“You’re my sister,” Nick said. “Why won’t you help me? I need money. I just need some money. You’re the only one I can go to this late.”

Lori touched her brother’s sleeve. “I thought you were done with all this, Nick.”

“What? I told you I’m fine,” Nick said. “I only need a couple of hundred bucks. That’s not much.” Then he looked at Gunner, as if he might offer the funds.

“I’ll have someone take you home,” Gunner said.

Nick raked a hand through his unkempt hair. “I’m not going home.”

While Lori tried to settle Nick down, Gunner called Travis, explained the situation, and asked for a couple of guys from the team. His request was granted without hesitation.

“I have friends on the way over,” Gunner said. “You shouldn’t drive right now. One of them will take your car home, and the other will give you a ride then stick around until you come through this.”

Lori gave Gunner a look of gratitude, but Nick staggered to the living room. He sank onto the sofa, only to get up again. He walked across the room, still asking for money, although Lori didn’t respond to his pleas.

It wasn’t long before Gunner’s teammates showed up. They were newer hires at Stealth, qualified but not overloaded with clients yet. Aware of the situation, the guys took control and escorted their new charge out. Gunner didn’t know whether Nick had lost weight recently, but he was rail thin. It was easy to usher him out.

After locking the door behind them, Lori leaned against Gunner and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m sorry he caused a scene. He swore that he wasn’t back on drugs.”

Gunner wasn’t pleased that Nick was out of control. That was one more reason to stay close to Lori.

“It was a wonderful evening,” Lori said. “I’m just really exhausted, though.”

“Of course,” Gunner said. “You’ve been through a lot. I’ve got things covered, so go to bed and get some rest.”

Lori touched his cheek, then went to her room and shut the door. Gunner made another check of the house before going to bed. He only partially undressed, in case he needed to spring into action. It paid to be ready. When he closed his eyes, thoughts of Lori filled his mind. She didn’t deserve all the problems that had been dumped on her. Gunner would protect her, sparing no effort in handling the danger that surrounded her.

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