The shockof losing Fred and the ambush against the ALPHA team had morphed into a fury that engulfed Simone. Just one day after learning of the massacre, she was a woman with a purpose. When her own team had died, she’d been devastated and overwhelmed with grief, survivor guilt, and fear.
This time, she felt only hatred and a desire to avenge her friend. A sense of loyalty rose from the depths of her being andshe had stayed up scouring the dark web until she fell asleep on Carrera and Slash’s family room sofa after four in the morning.
She’d found nothing.
At six, Elsa padded into the kitchen to make coffee. When Simone pushed off the sofa, Elsa’s startled scream woke Slash and Carrera. The excitement was the perfect way for Simone to jumpstart her day. No caffeine needed.
At a little past noon, she arrived at Liv Savage’s beautiful McLean estate she shared with her husband, Jericho Savage, their three children, and Jericho’s grandmother.
She rang the doorbell.
“Simone, come in,” Liv said through the intercom.
She entered their home, made her way through the grand foyer. Unsure where Liv was, she stopped.
Liv walked out of the kitchen, a warm smile on her pretty face. After embracing Simone in a hug that filled her with love, Liv invited her into the kitchen.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Liv said.
Simone eyed the take-out food from her husband’s popular restaurant, Jericho Road. “That’s a lot of food.”
“The kids will love this when they get home from preschool,” Liv explained. “Even though it’s from Jericho Road, it’s more of a treat then a staple.”
Simone smiled. “I’m guessing you feed them vegetables.”
“As many as I can sneak into their tiny tummies.” Liv pulled out two sparkling waters.
In addition to racks of ribs and burgers, there were more French fries than Simone had ever seen in her life, along with coleslaw and baked beans.
After plating their food, they sat at the kitchen table.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Liv said. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” Simone said after nibbling on a fry.
“This isn’t a professional visit,” Liv said. “I cleared you to return to work months ago. This is two friends having lunch.”
Liv was the therapist who’d helped Simone navigate through her PTSD after The Bomb Maker had eviscerated her life.
“I know,” Simone said, “but Ialsoknow your schedule is booked solid weeks ahead.”
“I appreciate your saying that. I did juggle a few things, but it’s all good. I’m working tonight and Jericho has the kids.” She smiled. “Those three little ones will be completely exhausted when I get home. Jericho is such a great dad.”
Seeing the love in Liv’s eyes reminded her that there was good in the world.
“Are you still a watcher?” Simone asked.
“No, when Z left, I resigned. I started seeing patients again, so I’m enjoying that.” Liv bit into the burger.
“So, Dr. Blackstone,” Simone said, “I’m going to ask you to put on your professional hat for a minute.”
Liv nodded.
“After my team and I got ambushed, I was a mess. This time, I’m filled with rage. I want revenge. I spent hours on the dark web searching for The Bomb Maker. I’m consumed with hatred.”
“I’m not surprised,” Liv said.
“I don’t want this feeling to go away. I want to use my anger to hunt him down.”
