Her smile vanished and the blood drained from her face. Her mouth opened a couple of times before she could find her voice. Ill be there in half an hour. I need to go home and change first.
On my way. Ill get us a table.
Punching the OFF button, she tossed the phone in the seat next to her and peeled out. Oh, God. Finally, after months of a fruitless, agonizing search for answers and a maze of dead ends, the call shed been praying for had come. And for a while longer, she had to bleed just a little more inside, not knowing whether this was the end or the beginning.
Not knowing if Micah really was dead, as the government claimed, or if he was alive somewhere, waiting to be rescued.
And if her brother was alive, what the fuck was going on?
The questions and possible answers whirled in her brain all the way to her apartment, and didnt let up as she hurriedly stripped out of her uniform and changed into jean shorts, a tank top, and tennis shoes. She couldnt stand another second of this torture now that the end was in sight. The drive to Willys had never seemed so long, yet she made it there in under fifteen. The bar and burger joint wasnt crowded this time of afternoon, so she was able to get a pretty good parking spot on the side of the building.
Jogging around to the front, she pushed inside and spotted Dean sitting in a booth near the back. He waved and she went to meet him, returning his quick hug before
sliding into the seat opposite his.
Mustering a smile, she crossed her arms on the table. You look good, my friend. He always did. Dean was in his mid-thirties, with honey blond hair, big brown eyes, and a killer smile. The whole package stopped traffic. It was a shame she felt nothing more than mild attraction for the man, and vice versa, because it had been way too long since shed had any sort of an intimate relationship.
Back atcha. Sitting back, he eyed her in speculation. I already heard through the grapevine about the shooting. How are you holding up?
Jeez, that was fast, she muttered. Im okay.
You sure?
No.
He patted her hand, his gaze softening. Thats normal. Youll be all right, trust me. Especially after I give you something else to occupy your mind. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a legal-sized white envelope and slid it across the table.
Swallowing hard, she eyed it. My tickets ?
The agent glanced around, but there was no one nearby to listen. Still, he spoke in a low voice. Read that, memorize it, then destroy it.
Turning the envelope over she glanced at her friend. Whats inside?
Directions to a place that doesnt officially exist. He paused. A compound in Wyoming, situated deep in the Shoshone National Forest. Top secret, black ops.
Unless you know the right people to squeeze.
A corner of his mouth lifted. Exactly.
Taking a deep breath, she asked the one question burning in her heart. Is my brother alive?
I dont know, he said, tapping the envelope. But those are the ones who will.
So close, but still no answer. Yet. She fought back the tears that would do neither herself nor Micah any good. You risked everything to get this information for me. I dont know how to thank you.
By not getting yourself killed. He wasnt joking.
Ill put that on the list right after finishing with IA, taking personal leave, packing, and hitting the road.
Call me when you leave town, and keep in touch.
I will, she promised.
You hungry? Im buying.
To Rowans surprise, her stomach snarled. Funny how a sliver of hope could revive a persons appetite. I could eat, but its on me. And if this lead takes me to the truth about what happened to Micah, theres a steak dinner in it for you when I return. Its the least I can do.
Only if you bring Micah with you, he said softly.
Damn it, she would not cry.
Its a deal.
Understandably, their meal was quite a bit more subdued than usual. Rowan was far too preoccupied to make a good companion, but that was the beauty of true friendship; neither of them had to say a word to be comfortable. They had each others backs.
While they ate, her thoughts drifted to this mysterious compound and what kind of operation she would find. Not to mention the reception shed receive, especially when they learned of her mission.
But she wouldnt leave there without finding out, once and for all, what had happened to her brother. She and Micah had always shared a mental connection that most people would scoff at, and certainly wouldnt understand. They werent twins, but she felt strongly that she would know in her heart if and when he died. He was alive. Had to be.
No, this wasnt the end at all, but just the beginning. Shed find her brother if it was the last thing she ever did.
And then shed make reservations for three at the finest restaurant in L.A.
With every mile that took her closer to her destination, Rowans anxiety grew by leaps and bounds. The gorgeous backdrop of the Shoshone National Forest, resplendent in full summer greenery, hardly registered as she steered her truck up the winding road.