Page 22 of Drowning in Darkness

“No.”

“James, I will fight you every step of the way. Take me back now.”

She’s eerily calm and put together for someone being kidnapped.

“Happy to sedate you again if that helps.”

She pinches the bridge of her nose. “You know this behavior isn’t acceptable, right?”

“Neither is what he’s planning on doing with you, Stephanie. Now call Honor and your brother and let them know I have you and you are safe.”

“Am I, though?”

That question hurts, but it’s not unreasonable. “Safer than you were. Agent Sinclair is an excellent and capable woman. You’ll like her.”

She frowns. “I’m not going with you?”

Is that disappointment I hear in her voice? “No. As you said, it would be too dangerous.”

Although I have a place if needed. But having her in close quarters day in, day out is not healthy for either of us.

“Then why didn’t the FBI collect me?”

She may have been sheltered these past years, but she is perceptive and also dangerous.

“Because they were waiting for Christopher to get even closer.”

“So this isn’t sanctioned?”

“No.”

“But you already stated you trusted the agent and her decisions.”

Remind me never to pick an argument with this woman. “I do, but I think they’re underestimating how much he wants you.”

“Because of my link to your sister?”

Fuck me. “Yes.”

She turns to look at the back seat. “You packed my bag?”

“Only the essentials. You can buy anything you need at the safe house.”

“Did you go through my underwear drawer?”

I snap my gaze to her, finding a smile playing on her lips and her eyes lit up with amusement.

“Those would be essentials, so yes.”

“Curious what you picked.”

“I just grabbed a handful and shoved them inside the bag.” I may have stolen a pair like a freak while I was in there.

“Do we have snacks?”

“What?”

“Snacks for the road trip. Do we have them?”