“Sorry.” One side of the computer tech’s mouth rose. “You’re on your own with that one.”

“Scroll down.” Colin motioned to the screen. “We can worry about who Al is later.”

Brent complied . . . but sucked in a breath when Jackson’s name popped up.

“I see it too.” Creases scored Colin’s brow. “Another link between Olivia and Eve. Your theory about a third party slipping in on Jackson’s coattails just got legs.”

Brent’s heart missed a beat as he zipped through the exchange from September 7. “Look at the reference to next weekend . . . and making ER history. That has to refer to today’s event—and Eve.” He continued to scroll through the texts.

“Stop.” Colin leaned closer. “Another reference on September 1, to ER being gone in two weeks.”

“Al must be the hit man.”

Meaning he was at today’s event, preparing to carry out his assignment.

“Forget later. We have to identify this guy now.” Colin’s tone was grim.

Brent handed him the cell. “You work on that—and call Sarge. I want Eve out of that park ASAP. If they can make it happen before I arrive, fine. But with sirens and lights, I can be on site in ten minutes—and if she’s still there, I’ll light a fire under whoever’s in charge.”

“Go for it.”

He took the stairs two at a time, pulled out his cell, and raced through the house. Sarge would be all over this—but Eve needed to hear about the danger from him.

And that danger had just increased exponentially.

Jackson may have threatened to silence Eve, but it was questionable whether the man would ever have followed through.

Olivia and the guy named Al, however, were deadly serious in their intent to silence her.

They wouldn’t succeed today—not if he could help it—nor would they in the future. From the prognosis Sarge had relayed, Olivia was out of the picture. Since she appeared to be calling the shots, that should eliminate the threat.

Once they found Al.

And they would. Whatever it took.

Because keeping Eve safe was his top priority.

For her sake—and his.

At the sudden vibration in her hand as she paced the confined area within the tent, Eve jolted to a stop. Fumbled the cell. Grabbed it as it plummeted toward the ground.

Mercy.

Between the armed guards surrounding her and learning that her kindhearted neighbor was involved with a radical anarchist group, every nerve in her body was vibrating. If this kept up, she’d be a basket case before the day was over.

Thank goodness Brent was calling with an update, as he’d promised.

Instead of returning her greeting, he got straight to business. “Are the guards sticking close?”

“Yes.”

“Stay near them. We think you’re being targeted at this event.”

Her stomach bottomed out. “Targeted how?”

“Unknown. But the intent is deadly.”