Page 111 of Only the Hunter

My stomach sinks.

Me

Are you monitoring my location?

Dad

Your travel agent works for me, Evie. Of course I know.

Right. Of course he does. It’s not a big deal.

Me

I needed to clear my head.

Dad

Alone?

I glance across the aisle at Gabe. He’s still monitoring passengers, expression neutral.

Me

Not alone.

Three dots. They disappear. Reappear.

Dad

Who did you go with?

Me

A friend.

Dad

What friend?

Like his travel agent hasn’t already told him.

Me

Dad, I’m 30 years old. I don’t need to report my travel companions.

Dad

You do when you’re on leave from a federal position investigating dangerous criminals. You do when your car was just in an accident under suspicious circumstances. You do when I’m your father and I’m worried about you.

My jaw tightens. He’s not wrong—about the danger, at least. But that doesn’t mean I owe him an explanation. Although, it’s sounding like he doesn’t know who I’m with. Maybe Dad didn’t think to ask until now—or he didn’t ask because he assumed he wouldn’t be familiar with my companion.

Me

I’ll call you when I land. We’re about to take off.

Dad

Evie, if you’re in trouble, I can help.