The Hero She Deserves - Page 79

“And this is Siv Pedersen,” Vander finished.

The tall, fit woman nodded. “Hello.” Her voice held a touch of an accent.

“Let’s move,” Vander said. “We don’t want Hollis out in the open.”

They were ushered into the back of an SUV, and she found herself sandwiched between Sawyer and Park. It took them twenty minutes to arrive at a renovated warehouse on the edge of the city that housed the Norcross Security office. They drove into the lower level, the garage doors sliding closed behind them. More black X6s sat parked in a row.

“Nice digs,” Park said.

“Down here is parking, the gym, and some holding rooms,” Vander said. “Main offices are upstairs.”

When Hollis stepped onto the main level, she took a second to take it all in. The industrial warehouse had been completely renovated. It was a huge open space with metal and glass, and a polished concrete floor. Original wooden beams and metal duct work crossed overhead.

Vander led her down the hall and into an office. The walls were a dark blue, and a glossy, black desk was topped with a laptop and a metal lamp. It was all sleek and sparse, so she couldn’t read much from it. She guessed Vander Norcross only shared details about himself when he wanted to.

“Take a seat,” Vander said.

Sawyer nudged her into one of the chairs in front of Vander’s desk, then sat in the one beside her. Park leaned against the wall, while Vander leaned back against his desk and crossed his ankles.

“Hollis, this is Ace Oliveira.”

She turned her head and saw a good-looking man standing in the doorway. He had a charming smile and his dark hair up in a messy man bun. He also had a baby girl strapped to his chest. She wore a pink, striped onesie, and a cute little hat on her head.

Hollis blinked. Did men know how seeing them with a cute baby added to their hotness factor?

Ace nodded at Park and Sawyer. “Hi, guys.” Then he looked at Hollis. “Hi, Hollis. I’m a big fan. I loved your work inFatal Impact.”

“Thanks. And thanks for all the work you’ve done…to keep me breathing.”

Ace rubbed the top of his baby’s head. “I think Sawyer has done most of the hard work.”

She looked at the man beside her. “He has. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

His face softened, and he gently gripped the back of her neck.

“I’m pretty sure I turned his quiet life upside down from the moment I set my coffee machine on fire,” she said.

Ace’s smile widened. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“It’s been worth it,” Sawyer said. “Every second.”

His words seeped into her and took hold.

“Right.” Vander sat behind his desk. “I know it’s been a difficult and stressful few days.”

Try terrifying few days.

“The FBI are planning to raid Reuben’s house this morning, and take him into custody. They will tear his businesses apart, and put a stop to the flow of our weapons and technology to Russia.”

Hollis blew out a breath. “Good.”

“Once I get an update from my contact, I’ll let you know. After lunch, we’re going to take you to a secure apartment in Rincon Hill. It’s not far from here. We use it when we have guests and clients here in the city. It’s in a secure building, on the thirtieth floor. It’s well appointed, and the kitchen is well-stocked. You’ll be safe there until we can confirm that the contract on Hollis’s life is void.”

“It’s almost over,” she whispered.

Sawyer squeezed her hand. “You just have to hold on a little longer, gorgeous. I’ll be with you every minute until then.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN