Page 27 of Viper

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She shook her head, but the turned-down corners of her mouth spoke a different story. She must have realized he wasn’t falling for her denial, because she sighed and dragged her fingertip over the edge of the table. “I just can’t stop thinking about Craig. I-I try to put it out of my mind. Talking to you helps. But to think he’s still walking around? I can’t handle the thought.”

She pressed her knuckles to her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut, but not before he saw the tears.

He reached for her free hand and gently squeezed her fingers. “I’m going to find him, Paige. Don’t you worry.” He didn’t even try to hide the bite in his voice.

As she’d alluded to, it was easy to put things on pause when he had her as a distraction. However, he’d already sent a group text to his team members—Striker, Havoc, Rogue, Wraith, and Reaper—letting them know he might need backup.

She peeked out from under her fingers. “What are you talking about, Troy?”

He slid his gaze to the table nearest them. Satisfied they weren’t listening, he said, “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“The police are looking for him. What more can you do?”

He snorted. “Find him before they do and deliver justice.”

“What was the point of reporting him then?”

“Because the victim’s family needs answers. We gave the cops the name, and I’m sure they’ll investigate and match DNA and all that shit. But if I’ve got a say in things, he won’t sit in a jail cell.”

“I can’t let you just . . . go hunting.”

“That’s what I do for a living, baby.”

“Not murderers,” she said in an angry whisper.

He lifted her knuckles and kissed her hand. “Murderers, terrorists, warlords. Whatever. Same shit.”

“I’m quite sure he’s a sociopathic serial killer.”

“Nothing a bullet won’t solve.”

She shook her head with exasperation. “I’m not having this conversation right now. May I use your phone? I’d like to call Chantal.”

“Sure.” He slid his device across the table then took out his wallet and laid bills next to the slip.

Paige might not want to know how he’d handle Craig, and that was fine by him.

Some things were better left unsaid.

“Paige!” Sand kicked up behind her friend as Chantal raced across the beach and threw her arms around her, nearly taking her to the ground.

At over five foot seven, her best friend had a few inches on her. Chantal was also a gym rat and had the defined arms and legs that many strived for. She wore a sporty two-piece and filled it out far more than Paige would have.

“Oh my god, who’s the hunk?” Chantal asked, pulling away.

Paige glanced behind her as Troy approached, meandering over the sand like a walking action figure. His gaze swung from Paige to Chantal then back to her. For a flicker of an instant, a dagger of jealousy hit Paige.

“Uh. This is my friend, Troy,” she said, aiming for a casualness she didn’t feel. “Troy, this is my bestie, Chantal.”

Chantal held out her hand. “Nice to meet you. How convenient you were in Florida right when Paige needed you.”

“Pleasure’s mine.” Troy shifted his snorkeling gear and shook her hand. “Paige thought it’d be amusing to embarrass me today.”

Chantal let out a loud laugh and swooped her long dark locks into a ponytail. “Don’t worry. The spot we’re going to today is on the beginner’s snorkel list, but it’s one of the best gems I’ve found.”

“Sounds good,” he said.