up to the sm

as bright with morning light, and the sheets were so

back. The attack, the fal

room. It was the same impersonal guest room. She w

ent was quiet. The living room was empty, the blanket s

coffee was brewing on the counter, a

n. Make yourself at home

sharp, angular script. She ran her finger over th

nt felt different in the daylight. Less sterile, more like a fortress. She could s

g. She needed to go home. She needed to

didn't

uiet, safe bubble, where no one co

it in her purse by the door.

other. Three from Brenna. And

Caroline. You c

s number. She had given it to him when the

the number, her hands shaking. Sh

lled B

re you okay? I've been

gh her voice was hollow. "I'm..

iend? I thought yo

tted. "I ran into Colonel Romero.

. Then Brenna let out a squeal so loud Caro

, Caroline! That's huge! That

cheeks flushing. "He was just being pro

ing with innuendo. "I bet he did. So, what's his plac

ng around at the security cameras. "And

a said. "When are yo

. "I need to talk to Cromwell

is place. You should have seen him, Caroline. He lo

ile tug at her lips. "He

. "Okay, I have to go. Call m

off the grime and the fear of the last two days. She put her own clothes bac

At noon, the front door beep

shaved, and his hair was damp. But his arm was still i

her sitting on the couc

aid, standing up. "I didn't want

his lips. It was gone in an

mach clenched.

ling a bottle of water from the fridge w

ituat

e knows what you look like. He knows where you work. Lieutenant Petersen is the key witness from Operation Atlas, which dismantled a major

d drain from her face.

apartment is not secure. Your hospital is compromised. And your fam

mother would invite the killer in for tea if s

o?" she asked,

down and took a step toward

ed at him. "H

place," he said. "I

d. "I can't just hide in

't. Which is why I have a

arted to pound. "Wh

aximum security protection file for you. That requires your full legal nam

se. He took a quick, clear photo of it with his phone. "Thank

ne that will give you my name, my protection, and the re

her throat. "Are you... are

, Caroline. If you are my wife, you are a military dependent. You have access

ropped out from under her. "This i

ow you are brave. I know you are

she said, shaking her head. "Marriage

ce hard. "Survival is a necessity. I am

rm in a sling and his eyes like steel. He was offering her a way

ss. It was the most ridiculo

so tired of

whispered. "

unreadable. "Pack your things.