Nari stiffened, waking right up. “We called it in, and the HDD descended. The word is out that a public official, one who works in Homeland Security in computer research, was shot by an angry ex-lover. The cover story is good, and all the local news outlets have already run with it.” It was both impressive and frightening how quickly HDD had put out the false story.

“You had better hope so,” Quan snapped. “I haven’t worked my entire life to build this career only to have you ruin it by sleeping around with the wrong men.”

Oh, he did not. Nari rose, standing nearly eye to eye with him. “Wait a minute, Father. You’re the one who doesn’t seem to be able to keep it in his pants.”

Quan’s nostrils flared. “My choices don’t adversely impact other people.”

The hurt, after all this time, was surprising. She took the emotional blow and settled herself. “Really? What about forcing me to work with a jerk who just wanted to get me out of the HDD? Or is that what you want, too? I’d say that was an adverse result.” Didn’t she mean anything to him? “By the way, the shooter was after me when Opal got injured. Any concern, father of the year?”

He inhaled sharply, faltering for the first time ever. “I’m glad you are unharmed.”

“Do you even care about her?” Nari gestured to the woman on the bed. “Or is she all about your career, too?”

“I’d like to know the answer to that question as well,” Opal said sleepily.

“Opal.” Nari’s father moved to her and took her hand, concern darkening his features. “I’m so sorry you were harmed. How are you feeling?”

Nari focused on the woman in the bed. “Hi, Opal. The doctor said you did great in surgery and that they took out the bullet. Your arm will be fine, even though you have some stitches and might need to take it easy for a little while.”

“I don’t take it easy.” Opal smiled, looking from Nari to Quan and back. “It seems I missed something here. Quan? Are you being a dick to your daughter?”

Nari coughed out a laugh. “Yes.”

Quan shook his head. “It’s Angus Force’s fault you’re in this bed, Opal.”

Opal rolled her eyes. “It’s the fault of the crazy bastard who charged into our nice lunch and shot me. Did you even ask how she’s doing?”

Quan looked at Nari, thoughts scattering across his face. “No. I’m sorry. How are you?”

Nari’s mouth nearly dropped open. Maybe Opal was a good influence on her emotionally distant father. Did she care any longer? She wasn’t sure. “I’m fine. Opal was pretty tough, hitting the guy with a vase.” Even though Nari had told the administrator to run, she’d stayed and fought after being shot.