Page 102 of Long Past Deadly

Who would he go for?

A knock on the door startled her.

She turned to Whit. “You ready for company?”

“Sure, as long as it’s not that medic guy again poking me.”

She’d opted for jeans and a simple gray t-shirt tucked in with her black work boots this morning in anticipation of some maneuvers in the building next door. She rose and adjusted her weapon. She wasn’t going anywhere without it until this was over – except to bed with Quaid who had his bedroom locked and loaded with weapons anyway. And Niles. Whew. The man had a serious arsenal dispersed around the house even with the security present.

She opened the door and found Quaid on the other side. “I’ve got updates.”

“Found him?”

“Nope, not yet.”

“Come in.”

He eased past her and went to Whit. “Glad you are out of the hospital. Welcome to QM.”

“Thanks for the hospitality.”

“We take care of family around here.” He turned to Alanna. “You want the update?”

“Sightings?”

“No. But FBI brought in Border Patrol, DEA, and ATF. Frank notified the San Diego Port Authority.”

“A rat in a maze,” Whit muttered.

Quaid glanced from her to Whit. “Time to get the trigger in place.”

“Whit and I were talking the idea through. I’ve updated the plan.”

His eyes blanked. He wasn’t thrilled. “Do tell.”

Alanna wanted to reassure because she knew his concerns, but she couldn’t do this without him, and that demanded honesty. “We’re going to up the ante on the message.”

“To?”

“You keep missing. Let’s end this game. Face-to-face. We’re waiting for you.”

Quaid’s surprise was obvious in the set of his face. “Is that wise?”

She took his arm, needing to touch, needing to check if he’d pull away. He didn’t. “Necessary.”

“How?” The question irked a bit, but he slipped an arm around her, pulling her close. As an act, he put all of himself on the table.

She carefully chose her words, staying close even though Whit was eyeing their positions with a whole bunch of questions in his eyes. “He came here first for Whit. Came after me when he couldn’t find him. We’re both unfinished business. We leave Whit vulnerable to draw Mercer in, then snap the trap shut behind him.”

Quaid frowned at Whit. “This is a dangerous maneuver. I’ve worked closely with Alanna. She can take care of herself. You’re an unknown to all of us.”

“Understood. But it’s a guarantee he’ll come for me.”

“Why?”

“He hates me. I tried to destroy him, destroy his career, destroy his way to keep killing. It’s the last opportunity to get to me before she gets to him.”

Quaid turned her in his arms. “You haven’t talked to your boss about this. He might have a thing or two to say.”