Page 61 of Hollow Trace

“I appreciate the thought. But the simple truth is, she needs to go someplace that isn’t a constant reminder of everything she endured. Someplace that has windows, fresh air…” He nudged Darwin. “No hint of a medical bay or laboratory in sight.”

Gus nodded. “And this guy you’ve got as her bodyguard? Do you trust him?”

Quinn chuckled. “Ken Miller’s former SAS. Got recruited a few years ago and joined VPD’s Emergency Response Team. He was injured recently. Not enough that it’s slowed him down, but he’s taking some down time. He can be at Brea’s side twenty-four seven. And he’s got a heavily fortified, off-grid cabin a few hours from here. Close enough I can check in on them, but far enough she won’t be on Finch’s radar — assuming he even knows about her. Gideon seemed to think Pryce only transferred the patch data to him, not her own personal experiments.”

“Still, the man’s ruthless. If he ever got wind of this…”

Brea’s life would hang in the balance.

Quinn glanced at Brea again. Just knowing she was moving above ground had changed her disposition. Revived the spark in her eyes. “It’s a risk I think’s worth taking. Especially if it means she might start healing.”

Scout grinned. “The fact that she’s had a crush on Ken for the past year doesn’t hurt. And the guy’s massive. Like Hackett-big, minus the psychopathic personality. If he can’t keep her safe, no one can.”

Gus nodded, still looking less than convinced. “We’ll try it your way. But if we get even a whiff that Finch is aware of her, of Pryce’s trials…”

Quinn gestured to the room. “I’ll have her ass back here in a heartbeat.”

Gus pushed out a heavy breath, clapping Quinn on the back before ambling toward the fresh brewed coffee on the counter.

Scout snagged Quinn’s hand. “She’ll be fine. Gideon’s searched ORACLE with Zadie several times. If he can’t find any evidence that Pryce shared her ideas with Finch, they simply aren’t there. And Brea’s got a burner cell and us on speed dial. If she even thinks something’s off, we’ll be there.”

Quinn gathered her in his arms when she stepped against him. “I know it’s the right thing to do. That she can’t go on like this.”

“But you worry.”

“Already faced the worst possible situation. I don’t want to face another.”

Scout eased back. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Other than with me to drop her off at the old spur.”

“Other than that.”

Brea made her way over, following Quinn and Scout out to Quinn’s new truck. She jumped in, and they drove in relative silence, the miles ticking away as gravel crunched beneath the tires.

Ken slid out of his truck when Quinn pulled up, the two men shaking hands, patting each other on the back. Quinn ran over the rules, thanking Ken when he promised to guard Brea with his life.

Brea hugged Scout. “Take care of my jackass brother. He’s not nearly as tough as he makes out to be.”

Scout grinned. “I will. Promise.”

Brea turned to Quinn next. “Thanks for the save, big brother. I owe you.”

Quinn crossed his arms. “You can repay me by not being a brat for Ken and following the rules.”

“I got kidnapped by some psycho bitch. I’m not going to break any rules.”

“Guess there’s a first time for everything.”

“Jerk.” She backed up. “I love you.”

“Love you, too. Remember. This isn’t forever. Just until I know it’s safe.” He hugged her, holding on a bit longer than usual. “Don’t forget to charge that phone, and for god’s sake, call if Ken’s being an ass.”

Ken flipped him off, helping Brea into his truck before turning around. His truck bounced down the logging road, disappearing around a bend in a cloud of dust. Quinn stared after the vehicle, a sense of relief washing over him. For the first time since he’d gotten that call about Scout’s death, he finally felt free.

Scout shouldered up to him. “You okay?”

He wrapped his arm around her waist. “I think I am. Did you see how much lighter she seemed? Though, Ken’s gonna have his hands full.”