Page 23 of Rules of Engagement

I hugged him. "Just find out who did this," I said before I went upstairs with Garrett several steps behind me.

The stillness in the house persisted upstairs. I headed directly for our bedroom, leaving Garrett to linger on the landing. I grabbed a bag from my closet and set about adding a couple of clothing changes and a purse. One of Solomon's sweaters was folded on the console. I picked it up, holding it up to my nose, and inhaling the delicious scent of him. I stuffed the sweater into my bag and tried not to think about how alone I felt without him there.

In the bathroom, I packed a bag of essentials and things Solomon would need and want when he woke up. Then I stepped back into the bedroom and looked around, wondering what else I might need.

There was one thing I wanted. Even though I dismissed Garrett's threat, I had to admit there might be a chance that someone could come after me. I'd already considered the possibility of someone pursuing Solomon again but with a police guard, not to mention my mom, he was pretty safe for now. Me? Not so much. I wanted my gun.

I smiled at Garrett as I moved onto the landing and gave him what I hoped was a grateful pat on the arm. Before I went downstairs, I ducked into the guest room Solomon set up as an office. The computers in there couldn't be moved but I could take the laptop. I didn't know his password but if I couldn't crack it, I knew Lucas could. If there were any kind of threat, there had to be some kind of evidence of it in his emails or files. I added the laptop to my bag and Garrett reached for it, carrying it downstairs and setting it by the door.

"Need anything else?" he asked.

"Just a couple things from the kitchen."

"Anything you want me to carry?"

"No, but thanks anyway." I hurried away before Garrett could follow me and headed into the kitchen. When I was sure Garrett hadn't followed me, I silently popped the panel that was cleverly disguised as one of the cabinets. It slid back and I punched in the code for the safe, easing the door open. Solomon's gun was inside, along with the holster he sometimes used. My gun was in there too. I shrugged off my hoody, slipped on my shoulder holster and pushed my arms back into the sleeves. I loaded my gun, put it into my holster and re-zipped my hoody. After pushing the safe door closed again, I replaced the panel. Grabbing two bottles of water from the refrigerator, I took them out to Garrett, handing him one.

"Back to the hospital? Or do you want me to take you over to Mom and Dad's?"

"Hospital, but I need to swing by the office first," I said, checking my watch. We'd already been gone too long.

"Let's go." He picked up my bag and reached for the door. I grabbed Solomon's phone and keys from the console, sliding it into my pocket along with my purse that I dropped yesterday. I set the alarm code and followed him out, closing and locking the door behind me. The image of Solomon slumped in the doorway lurched into my brain and I hurried down the steps, climbing into Garrett's car as fast as I could.

"I don't know what to tell everyone," I said as we drove.

"About Solomon? Who do you mean by everyone?"

"Everyone at the agency."

"A few of your buddies came by the hospital last night. Fletcher, Flaherty, Lucas, and a couple others. I figure Delgado filled them in so you don't have to worry about that. We'll need to speak with everyone, of course."

"I'll make sure everyone knows."

"You don't have to get involved in this. I’m sure Delgado can set everything up."

"I know he can, but they know me."

"They know me too!"

"It's not the same. I'm on their team. Turn here. We can park in the underground parking lot."

Garrett parked in my space, next to Solomon's empty one. Most of the lot was full, although a couple of the cars were beaten up "pool cars" as Solomon referred to them. No one wanted to drive them but they were useful for surveillance when an unnoticeable car was required. So far, I hadn't any need for one. My VW was about as anonymous as they came, allowing me to blend in easily whether I was following a suspect or parked for surveillance. The VW was also outside our home, near Solomon's Lexus, which was probably just as well. I clasped my hands together to stop them shaking. I didn't trust myself to drive anywhere.

On the way up, I called my mother for an update on Solomon's condition, holding my breath until she gave me the answer of, "No change."

"Did you get everything you needed?" Mom asked.

"Yes, and I'm stopping by the agency to brief everyone there. I'll return soon. Are Dad and Anastasia back yet?"

"Not yet. Dad just got to the airport and says they'll be here as fast as they can."

"Did the doctor run more tests?"

"Yes, but there wasn't anything he could tell me apart from ‘all stable’."

"Did he seem worried?"

"Not at all. We've already arranged a schedule for the whole family to look after Solomon; so anytime you need to step out, we have him covered."

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