Page 69 of Gideon

“I wasn’t, but I still had training.”

“I don’t have to do much.”

“I won’t put you in danger like that.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m old enough to make that decision for myself.”

“The answer is no. But I promise to let you know as soon as I’ve got anything.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Good luck.”

He slowly opened his door. “You’re sure?”

“Yup.”

It was dark with no moon, but the stars were bright and clear on the farm.

Gideon laid flat on the ground, hidden by a clump of weeds on the tree line. He looked through the night vision binoculars he’d gotten from the guy behind the desk at the motel. It was an unusual item to have lying around, but Gideon didn’t ask any questions.

Down a gently sweeping slope were the acres of farmland that consisted of the main house with several outbuildings dotting the acreage—one of which, he assumed, would be where Isabel lived.

After several minutes scanning the property for guards prowling around and finding none, he switched to regular binoculars and focused on a large picture window. It was the only room with a light on that he could see from this side of the house.

Fairfax walked past the window and out of sight for a moment before he appeared again holding a tumbler of clear liquid. He sipped at it, which made Gideon guess it held vodka or a similar clear liquor.

Fairfax made a gesture with his hands as he spoke,but Gideon couldn’t see who was in the room with him. Then, an internal door opened, and Isabel entered. She had no noticeable injuries, but her mannerisms suggested she was afraid.

She looked up in response to something Fairfax had said, and he stepped closer, touching her arm before he splashed the remains of his drink in her face. She flinched but remained still, not even wiping her face. Now, Fairfax’s arms waved as if he was yelling.

Gideon’s hands tightened on the binoculars. It was hard to watch her being treated like that, unable to do a thing about it. But she was alive. That was a good start.

Fairfax pointed at the door, but as she walked out, he shoved her hard enough that she tripped out the door and fell before he slammed it and turned, straightening his suit jacket.

The other person in the room showed themselves then. It was Phineas. He put one hand on Fairfax’s shoulder and the other over his heart. Fairfax nodded at whatever he was saying. It looked like he was receiving comfort. Gideon dropped the binoculars for a second, his frustration getting the better of him, until he heard a stick snap behind him.

In one swift movement, he grabbed the knife beside him and swung around.

Nikki let out a soft squeak and fell back into a bush.

“What are you doing here?” he hissed as he pulled her up.

“I followed you.” She dropped to her knees and crawled up to where he’d been lying a few seconds ago.She picked up the binoculars and looked at the house. “Any sign of Isabel?”

“You should go home,” he said but crawled up beside her.

“She needs our help.”

“I told you I’d handle it. You said you’d stay home.”

“I never said that. You said that.”

“That’s your defense?”

“There was no point arguing with you. You’d made up your mind.”

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