Page 28 of The Desperate Warrior

They stared each other down for several tense moments before Dad finally acquiesced. “Okay, we’ll need a different cover story.” He turned to Brock. “What do you think?”

Brock pursed his lips. “I could pose as her cousin.”

Dad’s face lit up. “Cousin—great idea!”

Jules grimaced. “Seriously? My cousin?”

Amusement zinged through Brock’s eyes. “Well, if not boyfriend, then what do you suggest?”

She huffed. “Fine. Cousin it is.”

“Great,” Dad said. “Now we need a way to get Brock inside the surgical center so he can start questioning your coworkers. You can’t be the only one that Steve’s targeting. Has anyone else mentioned having any run-ins with him?”

Jules hesitated, not sure how much she wanted to divulge.

“What is it you’re not telling us?” Brock asked, reading her easily.

She narrowed her eyes. “What makes you think I’m not being forthcoming?”

“Because I know you,” he said with a hint of a grin. “You get this certain look whenever you’re holding something back.”

“I do not,” she snipped.

Dad was amused. “You do, sweetheart.”

She huffed. “Fine. Mindy—my coworker—called me the other day and said she thought she was being followed.”

Dad made a face. “And you’re just now telling me this?”

“Mindy’s paranoid,” Jules explained. “She always thinks someone’s out to get her. I can’t count the number of times she’s come to work claiming that she was being stalked by an admirer. Of course, nothing ever came of it because it didn’t actually happen.”

“Well, paranoid or not, we have to treat every threat seriously. Brock needs to start asking questions.” Dad drummed his hands on his thighs before he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. You’re going back to work Monday. Take Brock with you.”

“What?” Jules balked. “I’m not taking him to work with me.”

Brock’s mouth twitched. “You don’t think I can play nurse?”

“No, you don’t exactly have the best bedside manner.”

He bit his lip, fighting a laugh.

“Okay, okay.” Dad scratched his head. “Wait—I’ve got it. Jules, you were in the hospital on your birthday. So ... let’s have a birthday party.”

“Awhat?” Dad was trying to help, but he was driving her crazy.

“A party. You’ll invite your coworkers. Brock will come as your cousin. It’s the perfect cover.”

“I don’t have the energy to plan a party.”

“Nikki can do it.”

Jules sighed. “I’m sure Nikki wouldlovethat.”

“Nikki?” Brock asked. “Who’s that?”

“My cousin,” Jules answered. “Therealone. She’s staying with me.”

“Great,” Dad said. “It’s settled. We’ll throw a birthday party.”

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