Evidence of Passion (Shadow Agents 7)

“Hurting her is a definite possibility.”

The woman was shredding him.

“But he won’t kill her. I don’t think that he can.”

He had to swallow twice before he could talk. “So he’s just going to torture her for hours. Then what? Let her go?”

Noelle shook her head. “You already know that won’t happen.”

“What will he do?” She was the one who was supposed to know. She had to tell him.

“He took Rachel because he wants her with him. I don’t think he ever intends to let her go.”

No. No. No! “It was supposed to be me.” That had been the whole point. The reason he’d moved heaven and earth to get her off the case. Rachel should’ve been safe. Jack was supposed to come after him.

“I don’t think Jack is done with you. Not yet. He’s just made sure that you can’t be with Rachel.”

But he needed to be with her. Dylan clenched his hands into fists because his fingers were trembling. He couldn’t afford to show any weakness, not then. He didn’t know who might be close.

There’d been no sign of a struggle in the alley. Rachel had simply appeared to vanish.

But I know that didn’t happen.

His phone began to ring then. He yanked it from his pocket, wondering if the EOD had news—

Blocked Number.

He stilled.

“What is it?” Noelle asked him softly.

“Personal call. Excuse me.” He turned from her and took a few more steps away from the scene. Dylan didn’t know why he was hiding the truth from her. He only knew—

I need Rachel back.

“Dylan Foxx.” He answered the call when he was sure no one else could overhear him.

“You’re not very good at following orders...”

That chilling rasp filled Dylan’s ears.

“I think I told you to come alone last time, but you just had to drag my Rachel with you.”

She’s not yours.

“She’s bleeding now. She’s hurting. And it’s all your fault, Agent Foxx.”

No. The thunder of Dylan’s heartbeat filled his ears. “I’m going to kill you.”

Laughter. Low. Insidious. “Is that the way a government agent should talk? Shouldn’t you be interested in bringing me in? Containing me?”

“Put Rachel on the line.” His grip was about to shatter his phone.

“No. I’m afraid that just can’t happen.”

“Then you don’t have her.” Or she’s dead. No. He wouldn’t go there. “Unless I hear her voice, we’re done talking—”

“I have her. You can’t track her. Oh, I bet you tried, didn’t you? Using those EOD connections of yours. But Rachel’s’ tracking system is...off-line now.”