Savage Peril - Emily Jane Trent Page 0,42

son was smart and capable. Gunner was proud of him. He couldn’t envision Daniel in the military, as his interests were science and biology. Whatever Daniel did, Gunner would support him. If only he could see his son more often than every few years.

A text arrived from Daniel, which brightened Gunner’s day. Thank you for remembering. That was all it said. Gunner had struggled to come up with an appropriate gift. It hadn’t been easy, since he wasn’t around Daniel much.

Clothes weren’t an option, since Gunner wasn’t sure of Daniel’s size. And he didn’t want to send gift cards or cash. He wanted a gift that showed he had put some thought into it. Tessa bailed Gunner out, seeming to have a sixth sense about what young people wanted.

Gunner sent a high-quality portable charger, so that Daniel’s phone or laptop wouldn’t run out of charge. He didn’t want his son stranded with nowhere to charge the devices. He wasn’t sure the gift was personal enough to show that he cared, but Tessa had assured him that it was a gift any college student would appreciate.

It made Gunner feel good that Daniel had responded. Maybe Lori was right that there was still hope. Maybe his son wasn’t confident about reaching out any more than Gunner was. Gunner decided to communicate more, even see Daniel if possible, and do his best to be a good father.

For a while, Gunner was immersed in investigative work. Later that afternoon, Lori texted that she was leaving the clinic early, so Gunner ended his tasks and went to pick her up. It was fine with him that she could get away earlier in the day. He would be able to see her that much sooner.

When Gunner found Lori in her office, he didn’t like the look on her face. She frowned and touched a white bandage on her neck.

“What happened?”

“Let’s go and I’ll tell you on the way,” Lori said.

While walking to the car, Gunner stuck close. He was anxious to hear how Lori had been injured.

When he started the engine, Lori said, “How about coffee? I could use a double espresso.”

There was a coffee roaster not far from the clinic. The place had a covered patio, a good place to drink and talk. Gunner was impatient to hear about Lori’s trauma. The barista filled their drink orders, then they found a table outside.

Lori took a sip of her drink. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad to be away from the clinic.”

Gunner held his coffee, waiting for her to tell him why.

“Matt got rough.” Lori told him the sordid tale of the encounter in the supply room. She assured him that her injury was minor, and that wasn’t what concerned her.

“Matt has crossed the line,” Gunner said.

“It’s heartbreaking, really,” Lori said. “How could I have been involved with a man like that? And he has a major role in running the clinic. I have enough on my hands. I can’t do his job, too. Plus, I’ll need to find someone qualified to take his place.”

Gunner knew one thing for sure: he had to keep Matt away from Lori. “I’m just glad it wasn’t worse. A guy with pent-up rage like that is dangerous. When you are in the clinic, ensure that you aren’t alone. Have Adam nearby, or at least a nurse.”

While drinking coffee, Gunner tried to reassure Lori. He hated the idea of some idiot pushing her around, or worse, harming her. He was furious but kept his emotions under wraps. The best thing was to calm Lori down and make sure that she was okay.

Gunner was supposed to protect Lori. He hadn’t foreseen the threat from Matt, but that didn’t excuse anything. “Until you’re safe, I should stay at your place…as your bodyguard, of course.”

Lori appeared to think that over. “You’re a friend. Of course you can stay with me, as long as you don’t lurk in the hallways in a black uniform.”

Gunner smiled.

“You can stay with me as my guest,” Lori said.

Gunner was relieved that she didn’t fight him on that. As an extra precaution, he would ask Travis to have her home security system upgraded. Stealth had a company they used for that.

After coffee, they went to Gunner’s house so he could pack what he would need for a week or so. They hung around there for a bit and talked about everything except the danger Lori was in. It was great to see Lori feeling better. Her look