Alpha One (Shadow Agents 1)

She’d made sure of it. She’d taken those papers, hidden them, then brought them back when the agents backed off.

I knew I could use them.

Another rap. “You need to hurry, Ms. Walker. A car’s waiting downstairs for you.”

Her jaw ached, and she forced her teeth to unclench. She’d recognized the other man downstairs. He’d changed over the years, yes, but she’d still remembered him.

His eyes were the same.

She pulled out the papers from the safe. Flipped open the file.

Logan Quinn’s eyes stared back at her.

Once upon a time, Senator Aaron James had wanted Logan Quinn eliminated from his daughter’s life.

Susan had taken the necessary steps for that elimination. She’d been the one to do the research. To destroy the budding romance.

She knew all about Logan’s secrets. It was time for Juliana to learn about them, too.

You think you’re safe, don’t you? Her gaze darted back to the paintings. You think he’ll keep you safe. But what happens when you learn about all of his lies?

Susan left the safe open just a few inches, and she left the manila file pushing out.

Juliana would find it soon enough.

Then she’d be vulnerable.

And Juliana wouldn’t survive the next attack on her life.

Susan exhaled slowly and made her way back to the door. She flipped the lock and opened it carefully. “I’m sorry...” A quaver entered her voice. “It’s been a...rough few days.”

He nodded. “I understand, and the move—it’s just for your safety.”

She looked at him from beneath her lashes. Not her usual type. Too rough. She’d felt the calluses on the man’s fingertips, but...

Sometimes it wasn’t about what you liked.

It was about what you could use.

Susan rested her fingers on his chest. “I’ll be able to come home again soon, right?”

He glanced at her hand, then back up to her face. The guy’s expression hadn’t thawed any. “When it’s clear.”

It would be clear, just as soon as Juliana was rotting in the ground.

* * *

JULIANA WAS STANDING at the foot of the stairs when Susan came down. Gunner was just a few steps behind, carrying her suitcase in his hand.

It looked as if Susan had been crying.

Great. Juliana shifted her body and blocked the bottom of the stairs. “It’s just temporary, Susan.”

Susan’s eyes were red. She had been crying. “It’s not going to be my home. You and I both know...in the will, he left everything to you.” Anger thinned her lips. “You couldn’t be bothered to see him, but it all still goes to you.”

“I don’t...” Want it. “This isn’t my home any longer. As soon as Logan and his team stop the man who’s hunting me...”

Susan’s gaze flickered to Logan. “I remember you.”