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Right?
7
Jo splashed her face with cold water.
God, her hands were shaking. She took a breath. She’d been too abrupt with Griff, probably rude, but she couldn’t let him see how close to the edge she was because then they wouldn’t take her on and she didn’t know if she could do this alone anymore. These men had to believe her.
She stared at the mirror. Dark shadows haunted under her eyes. Her hair was unruly. She wasn’t sure she’d trust herself. She gripped the sink, the cold porcelain grounding her, and exhaled. They would help her. They had to. She dried her hands and face, did her best to tidy her hair, pulling her fingers through it and tying it back into a loose ponytail. It would have to do.
Back downstairs, Griff was speaking to Leo, their heads close together as they studied Zak’s computer screen. It was impossible to see what they were looking at. Leo raised his head at the sound of her steps on the stair, his intense face splitting into a warm smile. The tightness in her chest eased a little. That had to be good, right?
“We’ve confirmed the drone activity. Something is certainly going on there. We’ll know more once we’re at the site,” he said.
“You’re going to help?” Jo tried to swallow, but her mouth was too dry. Elation surged through her, leaving her lightheaded. Coming here had been a risk. They could have laughed at her crazy story, but they were taking her on.
“Yes.” Griff, his rugged face unreadable. She couldn’t tell if he looked pissed off or pleased. Probably pissed off, after the way she had spoken to him minutes ago. Damn.
Leo glanced over at Griff, the corner of his lips twitching into a smile.
“Great.” Jo released a shaky breath. They would help her. She wasn’t doing this on her own.
“Griff will run this op with Abe.” Leo tipped his head at each of his two operatives.
Griff’s head snapped up. “Leo—”
Leo shot Griff a sideways glance. “I don’t remember saying this was up for discussion.”
Griff’s jaw firmed, but he remained silent. Did she annoy him that much?
“Thank you.” Jo kept her expression neutral, but her stomach flipped. Abe and Griff. Even if Griff would clearly rather be somewhere else.
Abe pushed up from his seat and rubbed his hands together. “I’ll have the jet prepped. We can leave first thing tomorrow.”
Alina bustled back into the room from the kitchen. “Jo. Do you need to go collect things from where you’re staying?”
A shake of her head. “I already have everything with me. In my car.” Jo tightened her damp hands on her backpack straps. The past two weeks were a blur of the flight from London, hotels, crashing on friends’ floors and broken sleep.
“Do you have somewhere to stay?” A dent of concern appeared between Alina’s eyes.
“I…well...”
“You can stay with us.” Alina’s reply was instant. Her easy generosity made Jo’s eyes prick.
“That’s so kind, but I’ve already booked a hotel.”
“Fine. You can come with me. I need to swing by my place, grab a change of clothes, prep for tomorrow. I’ll drop you off at your hotel.” Griff’s voice was a resonant rumble.
“Um. What about my car?” Things were moving, which was what she wanted, but still trepidation nibbled at her confidence.
“I’ll take care of it. It’s better you’re not alone right now.” Abe crossed the room and squeezed her upper arm. Warm brown eyes winked at her.
Alina hugged her. “Believe me when I say you’re in the safest hands. And if you change your mind, this big bear knows where we live.” She patted Griff’s arm. Despite her tiredness, Jo envied their comfortable camaraderie. She’d always been a loner, but recent weeks had shifted to something more extreme. Maybe that wasn’t good for her.
“I’ll keep digging. If I find anything, I’ll let you know.” Zak’s smile was reassuring.
“Thank you.” She cast her glance around the room. “All of you. I mean it.”
“Okay. Let’s get this show on the road.” Griff laid a light hand on the small of her back after some quick goodbyes and steered her to the front door. Jo collected her small suitcase from her car. She swung her attention to Griff, who’d popped the trunk on his beaten Taurus. She headed over to where he was waiting. He took the suitcase from her and slammed the trunk shut. Dents peppered the bodywork. It looked like dirt held it together.
