"You're talented, too. But you're also guarded. You didn't show me who you were until you played."

He was right. "It's where I feel the safest." I drew in a breath. "But then the music stops, and there's no more safety, especially now."

"Did you talk to the police about what happened?"

"Yes. Inspector Greenman came to the hospital. They found the car. It had been stolen and abandoned, so I doubt they can trace it to anyone. It feels like another dead end. Whoever is doing this is smart."

Kade put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes. "You're sounding hopeless, Brynn."

"I feel that way," I whispered. "Inspector Greenman found my father's hotel room. He wasn't there, but his clothes were. My dad is definitely in San Francisco. But he's not calling me back, and that can't be good." I ran a hand through my hair as I drew in a ragged breath. "I'm sorry. You need to get back to work, and I need to…I don't know—do something else."

"Let's go," he said.

"Where?" I asked in surprise.

"Out of here."

"You have to work."

"Like I said, I could use a break. Come on."

As Kade led me to the back door, I said, "My car is out front."

"Let's take my bike."

"Really? A motorcycle?" I asked doubtfully.

"It will be fun. You could use some wind in your face. It will help you clear your head." He led me into the back alley and then handed me a helmet. "You'll be safe, Brynn."

I wasn't sure about that but being with Kade felt better than being alone. "Where are we going?"

"Wherever the road takes us."

"That's all you're going to tell me?"

His smile was his only answer, and it sent butterflies through my stomach. I was probably making a mistake, but I wanted to escape, and he was offering me a ride. How could I say no?

* * *

The road took us across the Golden Gate Bridge and up through the North Bay cities of Sausalito, Mill Valley, and San Rafael. I had never ridden on the back of a motorcycle, and it took me about twenty minutes to loosen my death grip on Kade, but gradually I began to relax, especially as the traffic thinned out.