Chapter Forty

“How’s she holding up?” Thorne asked as soon as Angel was out of hearing range.

Colton could tell the query was out of concern rather than questioning her sanity. “She’s sound. She’s not sleeping, but I don’t think that’s anything new.”

“No. It’s been a very long time since she’s slept through the night.”

How would this man know, except if—

“The two of you…?” Colton’s eyes went wide. Thorne was old enough to be her father. Though, he did have all his hair. He also had that distinguished look about him that some women liked.

“God, no.” Thorne shook his head. “Her father was like a brother to me before I joined the Agency and then moved to the Marshals. When he was killed, I tried to look out for her when I could.”

“Bringing her into Task Force Phoenix?” Colton asked.

The man’s head snapped up. “She told you about that?”

“Yes. And I know what happened with her parents, too,” Colton added.

Thorne snorted in what sounded like surprise.

“She didn’t have much choice but to tell me. Markel showed up here with photos. He told me she had killed them, and was pretty damn convincing about it, too. Obviously trying to get me to give her up.”

Colton was embarrassed that he’d even considered the story to be true. While he wouldn’t have given her up, he had been more than nervous when she’d turned up in his bed.

“Weasely little rat,” Thorne said in disgust.

“I get that he’d want to have his name attached to solving this case, but he made it seem…personal.”

“I started Task Force Phoenix for people who needed a fresh start or were starting over. Angel was twenty-one and in jail for identity theft. Markel had gotten dismissed from a police department for forgetting where evidence was supposed to go. He thought I should take him on, but I passed him over for Angel. I guess he’s bitter about my choice. I’ve never regretted my decision. I guess he’s trying to take both of us down in one fell swoop.”

“You think he killed Heath Zeller?” Colton’s hand instinctively fisted. Markel had been so close.

“No. He wouldn’t have been able to get past Angel.”

“She’s very thorough.” And yet, someone had gotten past her.

“She’s the best at her job. And—”

“God damn! Son of a bitch! Mother fucker!” Dane yelled from the bathroom, making Thorne wince before he finished his sentence.

“—at causing a lot of pain.”

Colton couldn’t argue with that. He knew when she left it would cause a lot of pain for him.