A Necessary Risk. Kathleen Long

      He sat on a battered leather recliner, elbows on knees, face in palms. On occasion, he stole a glance at Jessica, furrowed his brows then returned his stare to the hardwood floor.

      A knot of fury hung at the back of his throat, having lodged there the moment he watched McLaughlin get mowed down and eliminated as if he’d never existed.

      Guilt assaulted Zach’s every sense. McLaughlin had been at the diner because of his investigation, because of Jessica’s phone call. Had whoever hit McLaughlin followed the man to the restaurant? Or had his killer known he’d be there based on watching—or listening to—Jessica?

      Zach refused to let his brain so much as consider the possibility the hit-and-run had been an accident. He’d been around too long to be that naive. He knew a hit when he saw one.

      Scott McLaughlin’s death had been murder—a purposeful, well-executed murder.

      Someone had wanted the man silenced before he could provide additional information on HC0815. There was no doubt in Zach’s mind.

      Zach lifted his gaze once more to watch Jessica. The flush that had colored her cheeks as they’d fled the diner had faded. Her pale complexion and huge blue eyes served as stark reminders of the horror she’d just witnessed.