Penumbra (Spook Squad 3)

“Why?”

“Because I don’t believe he would have placed a watch on her if she was of no use to him.”

“True.” Alain paused. “But he might have intended to cultivate her, as he had her partner.”

“No. Kazdan’s orders were to watch her, to keep her safe. That implies interest, not cultivation.”

“And yet Kazdan was trying to recruit her.”

“For himself, for his own takeover bid. Not for Sethanon.”

“You can’t be sure of that.”

Yes, they could, because that was exactly what Kazdan had told Sam. She believed it, and so did he. Still…“We can’t be sure of anything until we know for sure who she is and where she came from.”

“Is that why you won’t admit to feeling anything for her?”

Gabriel snorted softly. “No, I’m not admitting anything because there is nothing to admit.” And even if that wasn’t the entire truth—even if there was destined to be a bond between them—he’d successfully contained the link with his twin and he had every intention of doing the same with Sam. No matter how much a part of him might wish it otherwise.

The truth was, while he couldn’t deny his attraction—at least to himself—he would not break his vow to never get involved. He wouldn’t do that to someone ever again. And if, as Jessie predicted, he became a sad and lonely old man, so what? He could at least rejoice in the fact that he’d actually lived long enough to become sad and lonely. That another human being hadn’t been killed simply because he had made her a target.

“So,” Alain said thoughtfully, “that look of horror and panic on your face when she was hit by lightning had absolutely no emotional basis whatsoever?”

“None at all.” Gabriel couldn’t actually remember much about that moment, because when the lightning hit her, it had echoed through him, burning away all thought and emotion. He’d reacted instinctively, without really knowing what he was doing or saying until his hands had touched her.

But before he could actually reply further, his wristcom rang. He breathed a silent prayer of thanks for the timely intervention. No matter how he answered Alain, his brother-in-law would have twisted his words.

He retrieved his phone from his coat pocket and hit the receive button. “Agent Stern.”

“Hey, Boss.” Illie’s usually cheerful expression looked subdued. “We’ve got a problem.”

“Just one? That would be a minor miracle.” Gabriel rubbed his eyes wearily. “What’s up?”

“You remember Kathryn Douglass?”

“It was only yesterday that we visited the Foundation, Illie. I may be older than you, but I am not senile.”

His would-be partner snorted. “Yeah, well, the SIU just received a call from the State boys. It appears Kathryn Douglass has been murdered.”

“What?”

“Yeah. It happened last night, at her home. State called us because there was no entry or exit point. They’re saying there’s clear nonhuman involvement.”

Gabriel glanced at his watch. “I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes. Did you manage to interview Pegasus’s security guards?”

“Some, but they weren’t able to add anything to what we already know.”

“Have you scheduled time with the others?”

“I have. See you in fifteen.” And Illie hung up.

Gabriel looked at Alain. “I’ve been called to a murder scene. Make sure you keep out of Sam’s sight.”

Alain gave him a grin that held very little humor. “I’ve been doing this for more years than she’s been alive.”

“Yeah, but she’s a whole lot cleverer than most of our usual targets.” Gabriel drained his coffee and stood. “If anything happens, call me immediately.”

“Don’t worry. I w