Pastor said no more, dropping back into a deep sleep.

“He’ll do that for a few more days,” the nurse murmured from her chair. “The painkillers are strong because his body needs rest to heal. All perfectly normal.”

DJ pulled his chair until he and the nurse were side by side again. “Is there a pad of paper in this room?”

“Desk drawer.”

“Thanks.” He got the paper and a pen and sat down to write. I know what you did. If you don’t want your management to know, walk with me to the parking lot, where you can explain.

He placed the notepad atop her electronic tablet. He knew when she’d read it, because her body stiffened. She glanced up, eyes full of fear. Excellent. DJ pulled his jacket back enough for her to see the gun in his shoulder holster. She inhaled sharply, her nostrils flaring.

He tilted his head toward the door, secretly relieved when she stood up.

Kowalski, then. If it had been the facility owners, she wouldn’t have been afraid for them to know.

He left the bugs in place. He’d deal with them once he learned the extent of this treachery.

When they got to the living room, DJ leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You’re giving me a tour if anyone asks. Got it?”

She nodded, her body trembling.

“And if you fuck it up,” he added silkily, “I will kill you and anyone who has the misfortune to stop us. Nod if you understand.”

She swallowed hard and nodded.

He put the damn mask back on. “Hands where I can see them,” he murmured as they left Pastor’s suite and began the walk to the back door. No one stopped them. No one even passed them. The halls were so quiet, it was creepy. DJ didn’t breathe until they were outside.

He pointed at the lot. “Which car is yours?”

“The Audi.”

“Fancy. Let’s get in it so that we can talk.”

The woman was shaking so hard she could barely walk, but she made it to the car. DJ stopped her, making it look like he was opening the passenger door for her. Instead he patted her down, hissing when he found a wire.

A fucking wire. Bugs weren’t enough? Kowalski had to wire her as well?

He yanked it off her and tossed it on the asphalt, where he crushed it with his shoe. He then opened the door and showed her his gun again.

She got in and immediately began to cry. It was good that women’s tears had no effect on him. He took her keys and got behind the wheel.

“Don’t kill me,” she begged. “This is the first time I’ve done anything like this. I swear.”

I don’t care. He pulled the mask down, giving her his kindest smile. “I won’t kill you if you cooperate.” He totally would, regardless. “How much is Kowalski paying you?”

She frowned in confusion. “I didn’t talk to him.”