“She doesn’t let people talk. When they’re in custody, they’re dead,” Nina said.
“We know,” Lorelei agreed. “We have agents with him. He won’t be alone.”
“That doesn’t mean he’s not going to die.”
Lorelei nodded. “We’re expecting something. We don’t know what, but we know it’s likely. No matter what, we’re not going to let him get away with what he did to you.”
“Thank you,” Nina whispered.
Lorelei reached across the table, offering her hand to Nina. Nina put her free hand into Lorelei’s. “I’m sorry we asked you to do this. I know this was not easy. But your help was invaluable. Even if we don’t get more out of him, we know she’s watching. We just have to figure out how and find her.”
“I hope you do.”
Lorelei nodded. “I’m not giving up until we do.”
“Good.”
Lorelei thanked all of them, then said they were free to go if they wanted to get out of there. She promised to keep them updated if they learned anything from Robert, and asked again if they wanted to be in protective custody.
“No,” Nina said. “Zeke and Monty are the best protection I could have.”
Lorelei nodded. “Be safe. All of you.”
As soon asthey got to Zeke’s house, Nina went to shower. She felt dirty after talking to Robert, or whatever his name was, and she needed to escape. To separate herself from Zeke and Monty.
Zeke watched her as she made her way up the stairs, his gaze on her back burning a hole in her. She turned back when she made it to his bedroom door, and she smiled at him.
He nodded once, but the look on his face said he wanted to be there with her.
She wanted the same.
A meow at her feet drew her gaze to where Gene wound himself through her legs. He nudged her leg, then went into the bedroom.
“Did he send you up here to guard me?” Nina asked the cat.
Gene jumped up on the bed and meowed at her.
Nina chuckled. “I guess he did. Well, let’s go then.”
She took off her clothes, tossing everything in the laundry basket before turning the shower on and getting in.
A meow had her eyes flipping open as she tipped her head back. Gene was on the toilet, watching her intently.
“I’ll be out in a minute. You probably don’t want to be soaked.”
He jumped down and pawed at the door.
Nina raised an eyebrow. “It’s wet in here.”
He cried again.
“Suit yourself.” She opened the door, waiting for the cat to yell at her.
Nope. The crazy thing stepped into the shower and sat down at the far edge, mostly outside the spray but still in the shower.
Nina chuckled. “You’re an odd cat.”
He meowed once, then licked his paw and stared at her.
