Page 71 of Gideon

“You’ve done that. We’ve assessed the situation and come to the conclusion that Isabel needs our help.”

“Youcame to that conclusion.”

“You don’t agree?”

“I’m as upset as you about her circumstances.”

“You don’t look upset.”

He blew out his frustration at a tuft of dry grass. “Okay. Fine. This is how it’s going to go down. We’ll wait until all the lights are out and everyone’s gone to bed. You are going to tell me where she is, and I will go see if I can get her out. But you have to promise me you’ll stay here.”

“No way.”

“This again?”

“She doesn’t know you. She has to see my face, or it won’t work.”

“She saw me at the church.”

“No, she didn’t. She wasn’t looking at anything. She was too busy trying to hide herself.”

“These guys aren’t messing around, Nikki.”

“I don’t know why you think I’m your responsibility. This is my decision to make. The only way we’re going to help Isabel is if I come too.”

“I really don’t remember you being this stubborn when you were a kid.”

“You don’t remember me at all from when I was a kid.”

“I do. I remember pigtails and a frilly dress.”

“They were very stubborn pigtails. And I gave my mom so much grief over that dress. I hate frills. Always have.”

“Fine. But if we go down there and I think the danger is too great, we’re pulling out.”

“I won’t?—”

“That’s nonnegotiable. You agree with me on that or we’re not moving.”

“Okay. If that’s the way it’s got to be.”

“Good.”

Chapter 18

Nikki followedbehind Gideon as they crept closer to the building beside the main house. As much as she made out like she was confident about putting her life at risk, it was all for show. Or maybe it was an attempt to bolster what she believed was in him so he could do what she was too afraid to do.

He stopped, and she put her hand on his back to keep from bumping into him. She let it linger as he shifted, and she could feel the movement of muscle under his shirt. He may not be in special forces, but he was built like he was. She drew her hand back, frustrated at how much she’d grown attached to him. When she’d asked God for help, she should have specified that it shouldn’t be someone she’d be attracted to.

“You’re sure this is the building?” he whispered.

She hated how much she wanted to draw close to him. “Yeah, that’s the one. I’m positive.”

“We’re lucky there aren’t any guards around.”

“Fairfax has never needed them before now.”

“Lucky for us. We’ll arc around the outside so I can get a better idea of the best way to gain entry. There are others inside?”

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