Chapter 15

15

Brooklyn stared out the rear window of Colin’s SUV at they pulled into the Veritas Center parking lot. Colin sat in the back with her, Dev behind the wheel, and Reid rode shotgun. She had no idea what to expect, but she never thought the building would be beautiful and look nothing like a laboratory. Two glass towers rose into the sky and were glowing under spotlights shining down on them. A building connected them on the ground level, and a skybridge at the top level, the glass walls illuminated from inside.

“Doesn’t look anything like a lab, does it?” She looked across the seat at Colin.

“I thought the same thing when I first came here.” Dev glanced back in the mirror.

“Me too,” Colin said.

“Same,” Reid said. “But then I was told the place was built by Maya’s grandfather for mixed use, and he left it to her when he passed away. She’s the toxicology expert here. So she took on several partners, built out the east tower as labs that were supposed to be offices, and the right tower was and is condos where some of the partners still live.”

“Talk about living close to work.” She laughed and reveled in the good feeling when life had been so tense for so very long.

She was glad Colin was able to bring her here. She felt happier each time they left the cabin, and she was actively involved in doing something to find Kane. She thought Colin understood that. When a problem presented itself he didn’t seem to be a do-nothing kind of guy.

“Pull into the parking garage, Dev,” Colin instructed.

He got a roll of the eyes from his brother in return. Not surprising. They’d drilled this trip several times today before leaving, and Dev had to know his role. So, protocol would say that he would follow their security plan without deviating unless a problem presented itself, and Colin didn’t need to give him directions at all. But clearly he felt the need to say it, so he did. That was, between his big visual sweeps of the property and his hand drifting to the butt of his gun.

“I’ll need the passcode to get in,” Dev said.

Colin rattled off the number he got from Blake Jenkins, the former sheriff who was married to Emory, the DNA expert. Blake took charge of all criminal investigations and would be waiting at the door to let them in.

Dev ramped up the lot until they reached the top floor and parked near the entrance. The door opened, and a dark-haired man, who obviously worked out and carried himself with authority, stepped out to hold the door open.

“That’s Blake.” Colin looked at her. “Dev and Reid will go first just as we planned, then you and me. Got it?”

She, too, wanted to roll her eyes, but Colin was just being extra careful for her safety, so she nodded instead.

She followed directions and quickly got inside the building, where Blake handed out security passes for each person. “You’ll need to wear these badges whenever you’re out of your condos and will have to be escorted by a staff member at all times too.”

“You take your security seriously,” Brooklyn said, very impressed.

Blake’s sharp nod fit his demeanor. “We’re aware of law enforcement’s skepticism in our ability to secure our evidence. Of course, we have better security measures than they often do, and we aim to take it even one step higher.”

“Which is one of the reasons your lab is world-renowned,” Colin said.

Blake flashed a short smile. “I wish I could take credit for that, but all these procedures were in place before I came to work here. I just make sure to abide by them and that our visitors do too.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Colin said. “You have a strong reputation both in law enforcement and in your work here.”

He waved a hand. “If you want to step out to get your luggage, I’ll get you settled into your condos for the night.”

Reid circled an arm around Dev’s shoulders. “C’mon. We can handle all of it.”

Blake had to enter a code for the door to open. Even from the inside. Even more impressive to her.

They exited, whisking quickly through the door, but Brooklyn’s mind wasn’t on them. It was on the living arrangements. Blake said condos , which meant they would be staying in more than one. Would she be alone or would Colin be with her? Or Dev? Reid?

Could she trust herself to be alone with Colin and not let their conversation travel to the personal realm? She could stay in her room, she supposed.

“You mentioned condos as in plural,” Colin said. “Any way we can all bunk in one?”

Was he thinking the same thing?

Blake locked gazes with him. “You worried about security for Brooklyn and want everyone in one place for added measure?”

Colin didn’t respond right away but then nodded. “It would be safer.”

“All our condos have only two bedrooms so it would be more comfortable to have two units. Plus, this place is locked down tight with security cameras and alarms. We also have an armed guard on duty all night.” Blake rested against the wall. “Pete’s on duty tonight. He’s a former law enforcement officer and quite capable. I assure you that Brooklyn will be safe here.”

“We’ll go ahead and take one unit anyway.” Colin didn’t consult Brooklyn and kept his focus on Blake as if he didn’t care what she thought. “Brooklyn can have one of the bedrooms. I’ll be bunking on the couch, giving Dev and Reid the other one to share.”

Blake eyed Colin. “I don’t think that’s really necessary.”

Colin firmed his stance, looking on the verge of turning combative if needed. “I do.”

Blake let out a breath. “Then one condo it is.”

Colin relaxed his shoulders. “I know it seems like overkill, but put yourself in my shoes. You’d do the same thing.”

“You’re probably right.” Blake gave a wry smile.

Reid and Dev returned carrying suitcases and duffle bags. Blake tapped a code in the keypad to open the door, and the guys filed in.

Reid held up a plastic bag. “Can I give these gas samples to you so the lab can start work on them as soon as possible?”

“I’ll drop them off at Sierra’s lab as soon as I get you settled in the condo.” Blake took the bag.

Colin took his bag from Dev to shoulder it and her overnight suitcase, which he set down to pull up the handle.

“Follow me,” Blake said. “We’ll cross over the skybridge to the condo tower.”

Reid shifted his bag and stepped ahead. “I heard the Veritas partners lived in the condos.”

“Most of us did at one time,” Blake said. “Until we got married and started families, then needed more room. I like having a house for our family, but I have to say I miss the convenience of being so close for when nighttime duties call.”

“Sorry about keeping you here so late,” Brooklyn said as she stepped onto the glass-enclosed bridge.

“No worries. That’s my job.” He cast her a smile over his shoulder and stopped. “You’ll want to take a look at the view. On clear nights like tonight, the stars are spectacular.”

Blake went to a switch at the end of the bridge and dimmed the lights.

She turned to look outside, then bent back to look at the glass roof overhead. Stars glittered above, filling the dark sky and setting a peaceful tone and a very romantic view. One she could see sharing with Colin later. Alone. But not only was that a bad idea, it wasn’t possible as they would need someone to accompany them. It wouldn’t be very romantic with a chaperone.

He eased close to her, the wheels of her suitcase swishing over the smooth tile floor. Was he having the same thoughts? Thinking about her as a woman, not someone he had to protect? His breath tickled her neck. She held her breath to wait for him to say something romantic.

“As much as I would like to keep stargazing, this location is within rifle shot,” he said. “Should Tarver have taken up weapons, you’d be exposed.”

Right. Way to be romantic, buddy.

Her good mood evaporated, and she started across the bridge, picking up her pace to move away from him. He caught up, and she felt his penetrating gaze on her face. She wanted to tell him to back off, but he was just doing his job. Problem was, she didn’t want to be his job anymore. She wanted him to be here because he wanted to be with her.

Oh wow, when had that changed?

She should only be thinking about staying alive. But then, why stay alive only to live as she’d been doing for the past few years? It wasn’t even called living. More like existing. Surely not what God wanted for her in life. He wanted the best for His believers, and she hadn’t been living her best life. Far from it. But what could she do about it until Kane was found and incarcerated?

Maybe it was time she started taking some risks. Letting Kane find her online so she could open a dialogue with him. Maybe there was something she could do to get him to leave her alone. She’d never asked. Just run and run and run.

She could use the center’s Wi-Fi as she knew Nick had set the security at a level that would take superhuman efforts to track transmissions and hack it. She would wait to see if Sierra and Kelsey had located any solid leads first. But if not, she would put herself out there for Kane to discover.

They stopped in front of a condo, and Blake reached for another device by the door, this one a fingerprint reader.

“What are you so deep in thought about?” Colin asked. “Are you worried because I’m taking extra security measures? Because, as Blake said, it’s probably overkill.”

“I know you’ll protect me, and I’m fine,” she said. She was far from fine regarding these new feelings for him, but she was fine about his security measures.

She entered the condo first, and the others trailed behind her down a short hallway that led to a wide open space. The open kitchen with walnut cabinets faced a great room holding a large beige sectional. A stone fireplace with a big TV mounted above took up a full wall. A plush white rug covered the dark wood floor on that end of the room, and a large modern dining table and chairs sat on the other end.

“Make yourselves at home,” Blake said. “Both bedrooms have attached bathrooms and there’s a powder room down the hall to the main bedroom.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the end of the space holding the dining furniture.

Colin looked at Brooklyn. “You take the main bedroom.”

“Okay.” She didn’t bother to argue as there was no point when she knew he would insist.

He gave a firm nod of acknowledgment and turned to his teammates. “You have the other room.”

“Sounds good,” Reid said, not seeming in the least bit interested in arguing about the decision to stay in one condo.

“The cabinets and fridge are stocked with food for snacks and breakfast,” Blake said. “We’ll do lunch as a group tomorrow, but if there’s anything special you want, let me know and I’ll get it for you.”

“I’m sure what you’ve provided will be great.” Brooklyn smiled at Blake. “Thank you for taking such good care of us.”

“Glad to do it, but don’t tell the other partners that I did so well, or they might assign me all guest duty.” He laughed. “I’ll be here to get you at eight a.m., and we’ll head to the labs.”

“Including the firearms lab?” Dev asked.

“Sure, yeah, if Grady asks to see you,” Blake said. “But if not, I can do a tour for you if you want one.”

“Want one?” Dev’s eyes sparkled. “I need one.”

“So you’re a weapons guy.” Blake arched a dark eyebrow. “You’ll probably want to check out our firing range, too, then. I’m sure there are at least a few unique weapons in Grady’s collection that he’ll let you shoot.”

“Count me in.” Dev lifted up on his toes, then back down only to lift up again.

Brooklyn was surprised that he could wait until tomorrow and didn’t ask to go to the firing range right now.

“See you tomorrow. Call if you need anything.” Still holding the gasoline samples, Blake strode away.

Colin followed, and soon a deadbolt snicked into place.

He returned, going straight to his brother. “Let the firing range dream go now. I’ll make sure we don’t leave without you getting a crack at it, but I don’t want your head in the wrong place tonight.”

Dev lowered his heels to the floor. “Do you purposefully look for ways to ruin the fun or does it just come naturally to you? ’Cause let me say, you’re a master at it.”

Colin frowned.

“Since it looks like you’ll be up for a while, does anyone want coffee?” Brooklyn asked to stop them from further brotherly sparring. “I’m sure there will be some in the cupboard, and I can make a pot.”

“Sounds good to me,” Reid said. “I’ll just go drop my bag in our room and give Megan a quick call to let her know I got here fine. Don’t want her to worry.” he pivoted to leave.

“I’ll text Mom,” Dev said.

She watched Colin stare after Reid, a longing in his gaze. Was he wishing he had a wife to call? A family? Or was she just wishing that was what he wanted?

His mother seemed to think he wanted kids, but did she know her son’s desires? She could very well be pinning her own desires on him.

“Brooklyn,” he said. “Is there something wrong?”

“Wrong?”

“You’re staring at me.”

Facepalm. “Oh, right. Sorry. Did you want coffee?”

“Please.”

“Let me drop off my suitcase, and then I’ll get it started.” She reached for the handle.

“I can take your bag to your room.” He slipped his hand under hers, brushing against her.

His touch sent a tingle across her skin. She could hardly think straight. How embarrassing. She was acting like a teenager. She had to stop. Get away from him. Take a beat.

“Oh, okay. Sure. Thanks.” She bolted for the kitchen and started ripping through the cabinets until she located a canister of coffee and filters that fit the pricey-looking coffee maker on the counter.

“I need a snack with my coffee.” Dev came into the kitchen and jerked open the pantry door, putting the open door between them.

Good. He couldn’t see her. She fanned her face and took several deep breaths.

“You okay?” Dev poked his head around the door. “You’re not worried about Tarver finding you here, are you? Because even if he did—and he won’t—he couldn’t get into the building, much less past Colin on the couch.”

“I’m fine.” She lowered her hand. “Really.”

“And then there’s Colin.” He pursed his lips, then turned to stare into the pantry. “I’ve never seen him this cautious and worked up. Me thinks it’s personal. Like he has a thing for you, but as usual, he’s not going to admit it. Not when he’s so busy playing the good son.”

“I don’t understand.”

“He thinks because Mom needs us right now that means his life has to end, and he has to focus everything on her care.” He pulled out a bag of chocolate chip cookies. “He’s always been like that. He attacks everything full-on. No halfway with him.”

Guess that explained his intensity and drive to take care of her. Not that he was interested in her.

She inserted the filter and spooned coffee into it in a quantity she thought would work.

“Let me fill that for you.” Colin returned and reached around her for the pot.

She almost argued but then just stepped back before they accidentally touched again, and watchful Dev saw her feelings too. She went to sit with Dev at the counter. He’d opened the cookie package and was chowing down on one.

“Mind sharing?” she asked.

He slid the container toward her, taking another one out before releasing it. “Thought these would go good with the coffee. If I don’t wolf them all down before it brews.”

She laughed. She loved Dev’s fun personality. He continued to prove it was a contrast to Colin’s serious intensity, but if she had to choose a life mate it would be the serious brother. Why, she didn’t know, but she’d always been attracted to the more serious and brooding kind of guy. Like Kane. He fit that description. The crushed idealism Colin seemed to be fighting after his time as an agent drew her even more to him as he seemed to want to buck the system now.

He pressed the start button on the machine and leaned back against the counter. The pot kicked in, the dripping the only sound in the room.

“What’s bugging you?” Dev asked his brother.

“Nothing, why?”

“You’re kind of in a funk.”

“Sorry if I’m not cracking jokes like you.” He coated his words liberally with sarcasm. “Just trying to keep my mind on keeping Brooklyn safe.”

“You can do both, you know? It’s not all or nothing. You can do your job and have a life too. Take care of Mom and have a life too.”

Colin’s eyebrow shot up, and he watched Dev. “Says the little brother who had a pass when Dad died.”

“Pass?” Dev clapped his hands on the stone countertop. “He was my dad too, and I still miss him every day. No passing on that.”

Colin’s eyes creased as he ran a hand over his face. “That’s not what I mean. As the oldest I had to step up. You got to keep on keeping on. Live your life.”

Dev came to his feet and for the first time, Brooklyn saw a deep anguish in the guy. “That’s not fair. I stepped up too. At home. With Mom. When you went to college. But you weren’t there to see it.”

Colin pushed off the counter as the pot beeped its completion behind him. “I came home almost every weekend.”

“Yeah, rushing in and acting as if we couldn’t survive without you. So we let you. It was easier for everyone just to let you take over.”

Colin sucked in a breath. “Sounds like we need to talk about this, but not here. Not now.”

“Agreed,” Dev said and went to the cupboard to retrieve mugs. He held one out to Brooklyn, who felt like a fifth wheel and wished she could slink away.

Dev looked at her. “Oh, man, if you could see your face. This little argument is nothing for us. If you’re going to be around us, you’ll have to get used to it. We always kiss and make up in the end.” He slugged his brother in the arm.

Colin grabbed him around the shoulder and knuckled his head, but he was grinning now.

She’d always wondered what it would be like to have a sibling, and she was learning quickly that it was a good thing. As good as a significant other? Maybe. At least that was all she could possibly experience, and she knew for sure she wanted to look into experiencing it with the brother who was now grinning at her and sending her heartbeat in a crazy rhythm.

The night ticked by like a slow clock struggling to keep time and nagging at Colin. Not that this place had such a clock. Everything was digital, and the equipment state of the art. Still, his brain heard the tick, tick, tick as he sat on the sofa, gun on his knees, foot tapping against the wood floor.

Movement to his right caught his attention, and he spun. Rubbing her neck, Brooklyn came into the room, her eyes tight.

He lurched to his feet and holstered his weapon. “You okay?”

“Headache.” She winced. “Came in search of water and some aspirin.”

“I saw a first aid kit in the cupboard. Bound to be something in there.” He stepped into the kitchen and went straight to the upper cabinet, where he retrieved the plastic box from the top shelf. He located a packet of aspirin, handed it to her, and got a glass to fill with water.

“Thanks.” She dumped the pills into her mouth and swallowed, then started rolling her neck.

“I’m pretty good at tension massages. At least my mom says it helps. If that’s your problem, that is.”

“It is, but I’ll be okay once the aspirin kicks in.”

“Why wait?” he said, a bit disappointed that she rejected his help again. “Allow me.”

“Okay,” she said, but with great reluctance.

He moved behind her and warned himself to be gentle at first then gauge how much pressure to apply. She leaned forward and planted her hands on the island.

She’d clipped her hair up and her bare neck tempted him to plant a kiss there, not his hands.

Focus.

He gently began to massage, deepening it.

She groaned.

He paused. “Sorry, did I hurt you?”

“Sort of, but it’s that pain that feels good because you know it’s doing something to help alleviate your problem.”

He continued on, finding the tight muscle and pressing his thumb into it. Her neck continued to scream out for a kiss. Or maybe his hands screamed to turn her to face him and tell her that he’d developed more than just a few feelings for her.

“Thank you,” she said while his mind was busy waffling.

She turned, her back against the island, her face not more than two feet from his. A section of hair had escaped the clip, and he tucked it back in. She took in a sharp breath.

He locked gazes with her. “You don’t like me touching you, do you?”

“It’s just the opposite. I like it, but know it’s not a good time for either one of us to get involved.”

“Yeah, I have my mom to think about.”

“Dev said you’d be thinking something like that.”

He took a step back. “You and Dev were talking about me.”

“Actually, Dev was telling me about you, and I was listening.”

“I can only imagine what he said.” He had to fight frowning and letting her know how much this impacted him. “We’re kind of opposites, and he wouldn’t just be standing here. He’d probably be kissing you right now.”

“He has a fun personality, no doubt, but it’s you I’m interested in.” She took his hand. “Even if it’s not a good idea, could you be more like Dev for just a minute and be kissing me right now?”

Surprised, it took him a moment to respond. Before he could, she’d reached up to touch the side of his face, setting off a sharp laser of emotions, firing off all the nerve endings in his skin.

He reached for her hand to stop her, but she slid it up to his face and behind his head, lowering it as she rose up on tiptoes. He tried to back away, but only in his brain. He wrapped an arm around her slender waist and drew her closer, tight against him, and crushed his lips onto hers, the shock of contact taking his breath.

He could hardly think. But one thought made it through his daze. If kissing her was wrong, he never wanted to be right.