Deadly Games - Cate Noble [28]
Gena staggered as if off balance, but just as quickly recovered. “You’re saying Lupe died … not because of her past but because of mine? Because someone is after you? How is that even possible? I haven’t seen you in … in—”
“Four years,” Rocco supplied.
“But we’re nothing to each other. I’m not even sure we ever were anything to each other. Besides strangers.”
Her words drew blood like a knife plunged between two ribs.
“I don’t know how the connection between us was uncovered,” Rocco said. “But in light of the timing and other recent events, it can’t be a coincidence.”
“The woman who was abducted, is she someone you’re involved with?”
“She works for the Agency. An analyst.” As soon as he said it, he realized his nonanswer was a mistake. He hadn’t lied to Gena, but it was damn obvious that he was holding back. Just like old times.
“A lot of people work for the Agency,” she snapped. “Are they all at risk or only the ones you’ve slept with?”
“She’s a friend. Yes, we dated. Broke it off when it became apparent we weren’t cut out to be lovers. Happy now?”
Gena shook her head. “My remark was uncalled for. I just … can’t believe all this.”
Rocco scanned the surrounding area, noting the police, sheriff, fire, and Border Patrol vehicles parked along the curb.
“Look, I know you’ve been asked a hundred questions but I need to go over it with you, as well. And I promise I’ll fill you in on everything during the flight back to D.C.”
“What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes, you are. To a safe house. It’s for your own protection. Whoever did this is still out there and may come after you again.”
“Good,” she said. “We can trap him. I’m sure the local police will work with you to set up a stakeout. And— Why are you shaking your head?”
“No cops. At least for now. What I’ve told you doesn’t go beyond you and me.”
“Like hell! Lupe’s killer is running around scot-free while the police are wasting time chasing after an innocent man.”
“Do you mean Lupe’s ex-husband?” Rocco had read the dossier Catalina had provided. “Border Patrol has their own reasons for going after him. The man forces illegal minors to run drugs across the border. Hardly an innocent victim.”
“But what about the other blameless victims, Rocco? The man who died when the fire spread to another building? The people who suffered burns and smoke inhalation? The families who lost everything they owned? And the shelter we were building—” Her voice cracked. “It’s gone.”
“It’s tragic, Gena. And I agree it’s totally unfair. But the best I can do right now is to minimize the opportunity for more damage by removing the target.”
“By target, you mean me? And if I refuse to go along with you?”
“Don’t,” he replied, then added, “please.”I’ll force you to go if I have to.
She looked away for long seconds before speaking again. “If I agree, do you swear to tell me everything?”
“Everything.”
Gena nodded. “I need a little time to wrap things up here. Lupe’s … remains. Come back in an hour.”
Rocco moved to follow her back inside. “Thirty minutes. Lead the way.”
She didn’t move. “It’ll go much faster if I handle things alone.”
“A few more minutes won’t matter. Your safety does.”
“Don’t you get it? If it weren’t for you, none of this would have happened, Rocco. So if I want a little time alone to say good-bye to a friend, to make her final arrangements, you had better get on board with it. I’ll meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes.”
Without a backward glance, Gena stalked through the hospital doors. Rocco knew that if he went after her right then, he’d have one hell of a fight on his hands.
Out of nowhere came the urge to run after her anyway, to beg her forgiveness for long-ago sins.
Except where to start? Their past was tangled, checkered. She wasn’t happy to see him, but then he hadn’t expected her to be.
Liar.
Fine. So part of him had hoped she’d seem glad to see him after four years, two months, and twelve days.
His ability to recall the exact