Page 89 of Proof

Luna began to cry. It was a waterfall of grief and relief.

“Oh, sweetie, they said it was non-life-threatening injuries. So take some comfort in knowing he’s not dead.”

Luna wiped her nose and face with a napkin. “I don’t think I’ve cried this much in years.”

“Old memories. Shock. Plus, you know your relationship with Chris is going to morph into something else, and not knowing what that is can bring on a lot of anxiety.” Gail got up to grab a box of tissues and put a kettle on. “Tea. The Brits think it’s a cure-all for everything.”

Luna laughed. “That’s exactly what Ellie said when I told her about Brendan’s death notice.”

“Tea and Brendan. Is he a Brit, by any chance?” Gail was making an effort to lighten the mood.

“Irish.”

Gail laughed. “Well then, I’ll make some Irish breakfast tea.”

“Maybe a shot of Irish whiskey, too!” Luna joked.

“Don’t tempt me. It’s not even noon!” Gail laughed as she lit the gas stove. “How about we take a ride to Oak Creek Canyon, where you can walk along the river and on the river rocks. I don’t think we did that the last time you were here.”

“Sounds refreshing.”

Gail served up the tea, and they watched the TV intently for any more updates on the mysterious accident. Convinced there was nothing more to be learned, they piled into the Jeep with Max in the back.

The rhythm of the briskly moving river was indeed comforting. It matched the fluid lines of the canyon rocks. Opposite in material but equal in beauty. Luna was surrounded by the nurturing layers of Mother Nature. Everyone should have this kind of experience, Luna thought. But despite her newfound sense of calm, she had to admit that Boyd—or whoever the heck he was—had rattled her to the bone.

Chapter Seventeen

Federal Law Enforcement Center

Glynco, Georgia

Six Hours Later

Marsha Christopher Gaines was finishing up his training for WITSEC when he got a call from his home office. “Chris, Frank here.”

“Hey, Frank. I was just packing my stuff. Training went well. I’m excited about this new situation.”

“Yes, I heard you did a bang-up job,” Frank replied. “Listen, we have a situation. I figured it would be a good opportunity for you to get your feet wet.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“The deputy director wants you to stop by his office.”

“Everything alright?”

“We’re not sure yet, but he has something he wants you to look into.”

“Sure, boss. I’ll head over right away.”

Chris grabbed his gear and returned to the main office. He showed the security guard his identification.

The gate opened, and Chris drove to the visitor’s parking area. It was the closest to the front of the building. By the sound of Frank’s voice, it seemed to be an urgent matter.

Gaines walked down the hall to the deputy director’s office. The director was standing outside, speaking to several other marshals.

“Gaines. Glad we caught you.”

“Sir. What’s going on?”