Page 51 of Storm Warning

Had he really just asked that question? “Which part exactly?”

“Meeting your doctor like this? I’ve never seen a doctor, a specialist like a neurologist, neuropsychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, whatever she is—or let’s even throw in a gastroenterologist—meet a patient at a restaurant.”

“Given she said that I’m in danger, itisweird and yet not surprising. It feels about right.”

“Fair point.”

The wind blew cold and hard, and Remi tugged her hood up and over her head until they got into the building. Once inside, they walked by shops selling T-shirts, rocks and shells, ice cream, and taffy on their way to the restaurant.

“We’re here.” He stood next to her and stared up at the sign.

Remi glanced at her watch. “And right on time.”

She had to prepare her thoughts. What would she say? Everything was scrambling together in her mind, and she was going to sound completely incoherent if she didn’t think this through. She should have written it all out ahead of time.

She started forward, but Hawk suddenly ushered her into an alcove.

“Let’s wait a few moments,” he whispered. “Watch. Make sure it’s safe.”

“She wouldn’t lead me into a trap, and now you’re making us late.”

“You don’t know that this isn’t a ruse.”

“I think if she wanted to trap us, she would have met me at her office.” Remi hadn’t left the Hidden Bay area since the last time she’d gone to Seattle to see Dr. Holcomb, and then, with no progress in recovering those missing days, she found excuses to stop going. Still, she’d spoken to her at times over videoconferencing.

“Come on, let’s go find your doctor.”

“It’s safe?” She frowned up at him. “How can you tell?”

“I can’t, but I think it’s best to get this over with.”

She led him into the restaurant, where a hostess met them at the foyer.

“We’re meeting someone,” Remi said.

“You’re welcome to look around.”

Remi led Hawk through the packed restaurant, conversations buzzing and waitstaff shuffling about. After searching the restaurant and coming up empty, her heart rate kicked up, as if she wasn’t already on edge.

“I don’t understand,” she said. “We’re not that late. We should try to get a table and wait for her.”

“No,” he said. “I don’t like this.”

“I’m hungry again.”

“Already?”

“I worked up an appetite trying to survive that helicopter ride. Let’s sit here and eat. This is as safe as any place, and I don’t want to miss seeing Dr. Holcomb.”

Hawk’s features were granite. “We’ll get food somewhere else and watch for her.”

This man was infuriating. “Fine. After this, I want to hear everything about your brother. You owe me an explanation.” She knew that his assassin brother, Cole Mercer, was a sensitive topic, and she wanted that conversation to be at the right time in the right way. But she should have demanded answers the moment she’d learned the truth.

A brief scowl flashed on his face and then it was gone. He led them out the side door of the restaurant.

A flash across the parking lot caught her attention. Remi slowed ... and stared.What in the world?

Hawk continued to walk ahead, but he turned to find she hadn’t followed. “What’s wrong?”

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