Take (Fury Brothers #4)

“Thank you.” Her tone was warm. “I worry about him.”

“He can look after himself, Frankie. He saved my ass more than a few times.”

“And I’m sure you’ve returned the favor. I think he’s envious of the life you have here with your brothers. Jack feels like he needs to prove himself. Our dad’s to blame for that. He was always teasing Jack about being too soft. Not good enough on the football field, too quiet, too weak. Our father wasn’t a bad guy, but he was a tough cop who lived and breathed his job. Jack idolized him, and it shattered him when our dad died.”

The conversation was getting a little deep and dark. “I promise Jack will be all right. I’ll talk to him next time he’s in town.” I decided to change the subject. “Your lab all set up?”

“Yes.” Excitement filled her voice. “I can’t wait to get to work on my project.”

“What is your project?”

“I’m using bacteria to generate medicine. It has the possibility to impact healthcare in so many ways.”

“Sounds useful.”

She laughed. “You sound like you’re bored, and you’re hoping I don’t go into too much detail. I do tend to go on about it.”

“Never apologize for being passionate about something, Frankie.” I paused. “I should let you go.”

“Okay. Thanks for checking in.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d appreciate it.”

“You’re not the kind of man to let that put you off. I doubt you let anything put you off when you want something. Good night, Reath.”

“Good night, Frankie.”

8

FRANKIE

Ifinished making up several new bacteria cultures. I set the petri dishes on the counter, then checked my test tubes. In my head, I went through the mental checklist of things I needed to do.

Around me, my lab sparkled. It made me happy.

Carefully, I put my specimens in the glass-fronted storage refrigerators. As I spun back to the workbench, my temporary lab pass flapped against my lab coat.

Annoyance hit me. I’d realized this morning that my lab pass was missing. I’d reported it, but I was annoyed at myself. I was sure it had been safely tucked in my handbag. When that asshole attacked me yesterday, I must have dropped it.

The university said they’d cancel it, but it was Saturday, so it wouldn’t get done until Monday. For now, I had a temporary one.

As I moved through the lab, my thoughts turned to Reath. The way he’d raced in to help me. The way he’d made me feel safe.

I shook my head. That wasn’t something I needed. I could make myself feel safe. When my dad had died, it had been so hard for my mom. But she’d found her feet—become strong and independent. She was a great role model.

I moved into the storage room, stared at all the boxes, and pulled a face. I still had some unpacking to do. I wanted everything set up right.

I opened the first box and started pulling out gear.

A noise in the lab caught my ear. I paused and cocked my head. Nothing.

I shook my head. It must’ve been someone in the hall.

Then I heard the noise again.

“Frankie?”

I popped my head out of the storage room. “Over here.”