Kane (Arizona Vengeance 8)

She didn’t say “I love you” before hanging up, and I’m glad. It would have come off as her being worried rather than feeling the confidence she wore like a badge of honor all day.

Instead, she merely said, “See you soon,” in such a light tone that it almost seemed like she was just off to take a walk in the park.

She’d given me a lesson in tenacity and persistence, so I’m going to do as she asked and prepare for the game.

A hand comes down on my shoulder. Startled, I jerk away, having been too lost in my thoughts to notice anyone.

It’s Bain with Jett and Jim behind him. Most surprising is Riggs, standing shoulder to shoulder with them. He regards me without an ounce of his usual standoffishness, but rather with something that feels distinctly like a brotherhood.

My second linemates.

“We wanted to take a moment with you,” Bain begins by way of explanation. They know what’s going on—the entire team does. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to say a prayer.”

I’m not religious by any means—never attended church, not even while growing up—but I have a spiritual side. I will never turn down a prayer, nor will I ever push these guys aside to try to handle this on my own.

With a dip of my head, I indicate it’s fine as I rise from the bench. My teammates and I gather in a loose circle, standing side by side with our shoulders barely touching.

We don’t hold hands or loop our arms around each other; we merely bow our heads as Bain begins his prayer.

Dear Lord,

We ask you today for your heavenly grace. Please protect Mollie as she faces great adversity in the coming hours, and instill in our brother, Kane, the virtues we already know he possesses, but that probably could use a little boost.

Jett snickers, and I smile.

These virtues are found in you, Lord—strength, hope, and resolve, and an expectation that very soon, everything will be alright.

In our Lord’s name, we pray…

We all resoundingly respond, “Amen.”

Raising my head, I slowly scan the circle, taking in my linemates. Each one meets my eyes with confidence the day will be won on all counts. Mollie will help take down that son of a bitch, and we’ll step out on that ice tonight and whip some Rebels’ ass.

“Thanks, guys,” I say.

I get shoulder slaps of camaraderie as they break apart to move to their cubbies. Jett slaps me on the ass, and I roll my eyes at the sting.

Chatter instantly fills the locker room as the other players start arriving to get dressed.

I glance at my watch.

4:56.

I should hear something soon.

Determined not to stall but to push forward with the same bravery Mollie’s been showing, I turn to my cubby and start to get prepared for the game.CHAPTER 23MollieI follow a waitress to the table in the outdoor seating area, which had been designated for Matthew and me to sit at. It’s impressive how Jameson has coordinated everything between the restaurant and the local police in such a short time.

I wipe my hands, which feel like they are dripping with sweat, on my jeans. I’m scared the tape holding the wire to the skin on my back will peel off, because yes… I’m wired so our entire conversation will be recorded.

Frantically, I run through the last-minute pieces of advice Kynan gave before I got in the Uber slotted to drive me to the restaurant. Jameson Security decided I would go alone in case Matthew became suspicious that I would bring someone—probably Kane. Cruce and Saint were in place and set up before I even left the condo.

What had Kynan said again?

Oh, yeah.

Speak calmly.

Ask him why he did what he did, but do so in a curious way without any visible anger. That should get him to open up about the attack.

Ask him if he still intends to harm you. Appear frightened of him.

Ask what his intentions are. Again, do so curiously. Let him do the talking.

Kynan said the more I could get him to talk—keeping the focus on him and not what I’d done to piss him off in the first place—would go a long way to preventing an escalation.

I spot Saint at a table, blissfully ignoring me while reading a newspaper of all things. As he was at the condo earlier, he’s wearing his snazzy business suit and appearing every bit the dapper businessman. As we were hanging around, killing time before I left, Cruce told me that Saint was once a world-class thief. I found the idea fascinating. God, I’d love to bend his ear about his travels and adventures someday.

Saint has a full water glass and a half-empty wineglass before him, as well as an appetizer he’s clearly been munching on. I’m sure the items are mostly for show, meant to mark him as a diner who has been here for a bit.