After a blurry ride to the hospital, I was taken to the ER and put through a series of tests by a young male doctor, with a reassuring older nurse standing nearby. With each passing minute, my mind became clearer, allowing me to answer questions to the doctor's satisfaction. At the end of the exam, I was told I had a mild bump on the back of my head but no evidence of a concussion. The effects of the drug I'd inhaled would be short-lasting, and I should feel better by the morning.

As the doctor and nurse left to get my release papers ready, Inspector Greenman and Kade entered the room.

"We have to stop meeting like this," I said.

He gave me a brief, tense smile. "I agree. How are you feeling, Ms. Landry?"

"I'll feel better if you have the guy who attacked me in custody."

"We do. Thanks to Mr. Beckham. The man's name is JR Beatty. He's muscle for hire, takes assignments off a dark web app. Said he was paid two thousand dollars to try to run you over earlier today. He was then paid another five thousand to grab you tonight. He was supposed to drive you to Golden Gate Park and drop you off by the windmill. He claims he has no idea what was supposed to happen to you next."

My stomach turned over at the thought of being dumped in the park, unconscious and helpless. "Who hired him?"

"He doesn't know anything other than the name on the app, which was Jerdog27. We're getting into it."

"Did he shoot my mother, too?"

"He says no," the inspector replied. "We'll continue our interrogation when he's done getting his face stitched up."

"It feels like another dead end," I said wearily.

"No. This is a good lead. We'll find out who hired him. Did he say anything to you?"

"Not one word."

"All right. I'll be in touch when we know more. Try to stay out of trouble for at least the rest of the night."

"I will do my best."

As Inspector Greenman left, Kade moved forward, putting his hand on my arm. "How are you really feeling?" His gaze searched mine for the truth.

"Achy, tired, terrified."

"That sounds about right."

I looked back at him, noting his swollen left eye and the purple bruise on his cheek. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing. The other guy looks worse than me."

"It's not nothing. You saved my life, Kade. How did you know I was in trouble?"

"I had a bad feeling when you didn't come back after your performance. I went backstage and someone told me they saw you go outside. When I went through the door, I saw him trying to put you into a car." His lips tightened. "I'm glad I got there in time."