Page 53 of Storm Warning

“I gathered,” Hawk said.

Hanging around long enough to talk to Hank would benice, but she didn’t have time, and she started back through the crowd, heading for the opposite side. Remi whirled around so fast that Hawk almost ran into her, catching her against him when she lost her footing. She would have tumbled backward and landed on her rear if he hadn’t prevented it. And suddenly she was close. So close.

He stared down at her, his face mere inches away. Something electric flashed in his gaze. She looked into his eyes longer than necessary, while he seemed equally unable to disentangle from her. Being here, up close and personal, felt good and right, and she wanted to press into him, trust him with everything, including her heart.

“Remi...” Her name came out breathless on his lips.

Even in this noisy place, she heard it. Felt it. No ... not good. Despite what her heart said, right now she refused to trust anyone that much. Not even Hawk Beckett.

“I—” What had she been going to say?

Then she stepped out of his grip. “She could have seen you with me. That must be why she left the restaurant. I didn’t give her forewarning. You’re the reason she ran. You have to leave. I’ll find her alone.”

“What? No,” he growled. “You said it yourself. She didn’t help much before. Is it worth the danger, the risk to your life, to talk to her?”

“Yes.”I hope so.“Just pray. Okay? Pray I find her and she helps me.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll pray.”

His words surprised her. She hadn’t even known if he was a believer—in God, that is—but the fact that he agreed to pray gave her hope she hadn’t known she wanted when it came to Hawk.

Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of blond hair, a blue jacket, and gray slacks. Remi rushed in the direction the woman had gone. A quick glance over her shoulder toldher that Hawk stayed behind at a distance, but she knew he wouldn’t let her get too far. She wished she had her phone so she could call the psychologist or text her that Hawk was safe.

Remi weaved her way through a group of rowdy teenagers and spotted Dr. Holcomb entering the restroom. She had to beat a group of women heading that way and dashed past them, heard their shouts of protest as she made it to the door. Then hit it, pushing her way through. And ran into her neuropsychologist.

“I found you!” Remi gasped.

“Shh. Keep your voice down.” Dr. Holcomb tugged her into the handicap stall. “Lindie. Please, just call me Lindie,” she whispered.

“Why didn’t you meet us at the restaurant?”

The doctor was shaking. Her eyes filled with unshed tears. Not the professional woman Remi had seen in the past.

You’re scaring me, and I was already scared.

“I’m so sorry,” Lindie said.

Oblivious to their conversation, a steady stream of females entered and left the restroom.

“Let’s find another place to talk,” Lindie whispered.

Remi opened the door and held on to the woman as they fled into the hallway, then Lindie led her toward the exit. Before exiting, Remi pulled her down a side hallway.

“I’ve remembered a few things, and I need to tell you. You insisted I meet you. That it was important. I’m here now. Please, I need your help.”

“You don’t understand.” Lindie steepled her hands in front of her mouth, then dropped them. “I was paid to keep tabs on you. Threatened. If you remembered anything, I was supposed to contact someone. But please know that I didn’t call them. I didn’t notify them. I was wrong to insiston seeing you. That was before I knew that they were listening when you left a message. Now they want you dead. And I’m afraid that I’m a target too.”

Lindie gulped air between her words, her gaze intense, filled with fear that drilled down into Remi’s soul.

“You wh—”I can’t believe this is happening.

Anger built in her chest until she couldn’t breathe. Then the air punched from her. “Then you owe it to me to hear what I know, what I remember, and you can help me with the rest before it’s too late.”

The doctor shook her head. “Please don’t tell me.”

“Look, you’re already on the run, and you know nothing.”

“Exactly.”

---