She couldn’t believe Grey had actually bought the theater. It was even more beautiful than she had dreamed. When they had talked about buying the place, it had been her idea, not his. He had wanted to purchase an old Victorian mansion a half-dozen blocks away and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t afford both, but that wasn’t the point. For the last few years, before things went topsy-turvy on them, they had worked on a project each year together. One year, it had been a small park and playground. Another year, they’d purchased a run-down diner and turned it into an old-fashioned ice cream shop. It had been a hobby of sorts, and she had enjoyed every moment.

Grey had been surprisingly and vehemently against buying the old theater, pointing out structural issues, along with a possible mold problem. She had wanted it because of its romanticism and history, but had finally seen the wisdom in not throwing money into a losing venture. They had been on the verge of purchasing the Victorian mansion when things went sour.

So why had he purchased the theater? And when had he bought it? She hadn’t seen anything about its renovation online and had, in fact, assumed someone had purchased the property and demolished the building.

She would have to wait until later to get those answers. She was here for one purpose only and might already be too late.

No, she couldn’t let herself think that. Yes, the event was apparently already over. A few people were slowly exiting the building. There were no police vehicles or any appearance of excitement, and she was taking that as a good sign. The assassin hadn’t tried to strike yet.

On the way to the theater, she’d chanced a call to Grey. It had gone straight to voice mail, which didn’t surprise her. Leaving a voice mail had been pointless. He wouldn’t check for messages until this was over. And she didn’t want him distracted anyway. She would have to fix this on her own.

If the assassin hadn’t tried yet, he would likely see this as his best chance to strike. There would be a slight amount of chaos as theatergoers walked out of the theater. People laughing, not paying attention. She had experienced the same kind of training as the killer. They’d had the same teacher.

Oh God, why hadn’t she known? Why hadn’t she seen it?

She shook her head. She couldn’t think about that now. She had to get into the killer’s head. What was he thinking? Why had he waited? Where would he strike?

Wait for the right moment. Patience wins the prize, my dear.

How many times had she heard those words?

She crossed the street. She would mingle with the small crowd standing at the open theater door and then just slip inside, with any luck, unnoticed. She had tied her long hair back, and the black clothing hid that she was soaking wet. Hopefully, she didn’t look too much like a drowned rat. If anyone did spot her, she would be recognized. Kennedy had told her only GJG operatives were attending. No one would think it strange for her to be there. No one would try to stop her. Grey would not have shared their problems with anyone, even his closest advisers.

“Irelyn? Is that you?”

That didn’t take long.

Irelyn turned to Eli Slater, who was standing beside a stunning woman with auburn hair and the most amazing aquamarine eyes. Though she had never met Eli’s wife, she knew Kathleen was a Grey Justice operative. She wasn’t surprised they were both in attendance. Eli might look like a suave businessman, but she knew for a fact that he could handle himself as well as any operative.

“Hello, Eli. It’s good to see you.”

Instead of a warm greeting, Eli said, “Grey didn’t tell me you were coming.”

The words were innocuous, but his tone was guarded. Irelyn ignored the little stab of hurt. At one time, she and Eli had worked well together, but now he was looking at her with a wariness he’d never exhibited before. She knew she had only herself to blame. Her activities these past two years had been beyond questionable. He would know whom she’d aligned herself with, and he would wonder.

“I flew in just today. I didn’t know about this little soirée until Kennedy mentioned it.”

Both were truths, which she had learned was the easiest way to avoid trouble. Lying about the small things could cause major problems with the bigger things later on.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes. Much too long.” Wanting to get past the awkwardness and suspicion, she turned to Eli’s wife. “You must be Kathleen. It’s lovely to meet you at last.”

Flashing her a beautiful smile, Kathleen didn’t seem to have the same concerns as her husband. “It’s wonderful to meet you, too. I’ve heard so much about you from Kennedy and Lacey.”

“Maybe we can have lunch soon. Get better acquainted.” She glanced around at the small crowd. “I’m looking for Grey. Have you seen him?”

“Do you know the reason behind this event?” Eli’s voice held a tinge of suspicion.

“Yes. And I’m here to help.”

“I believe Grey’s got this covered.”

That was what he thought, but he had no idea there was more to this than met the eye.

“I’m sure he does, but—”

“Irelyn, what the hell are you doing here?”

Bracing herself for his anger, she turned to see Grey standing in the lobby with that look on his face that could melt her like nothing else. Only Grey Justice could do furious and sexy with such elegance.

“I came to help.”

He reached for her hand and pulled her close. “If you’ll excuse us, Irelyn and I need to talk.”

He gave her no time to do more than nod before he pulled her into a small, private corner.

“What are you doing here? You should be in bed.”

“I couldn’t stay there. And don’t get me started on how furious I am with you. Dammit, Justice, you drugged me.”

“I sure as hell did,” he growled, “and I’d do it again if I had to.”

“You had no right.”

Grabbing her shoulders, he shook her gently. “Irelyn, only a few hours ago, you passed out in my arms, and then you threatened to leave. What was I supposed to do?”

“Trust me?”

“Trust you? You’re asking a lot considering what you’ve been doing for the past two years.”

Irelyn closed her eyes in frustration. They’d gotten completely off the topic. “We can talk about that later. I know why you’re here. Kennedy told me what you have planned. I need to tell you—”

“Wait.” He pressed his fingers to his ear, indicating he had an earbud and was listening to someone.

“You’re sure?” he asked.

While she listened to Grey’s one-sided conversation, her eyes swept the lobby behind them. While one part of her mind was taking in the beautiful interior, she was looking for a killer. There were about a dozen or more people in the lobby, and all were GJG employees. The assassin wouldn’t strike here. Too many people to get in the way. He would want a more private place where he could do the job and then slip out without being noticed.

“I’ve got to go,” Grey said. “They’ve caught him.”

Relief made her already weak knees turn to jelly. She hadn’t dared believe it could be that easy. “I need to go with you. I need to talk to—”

“No. What you need to do is go home and go back to bed. I can’t believe you came here. You’ve got to be as weak as a kitten.”

She didn’t tell him that she was properly motivated. Ensuring he stayed safe would always come before her health. And this time, there was an additional reason she’d needed to be here.

“Grey, you don’t understand. I need—”

“Irelyn, please.” Surprising her, he leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “Do this one thing for me. I promise that when I get home, we’ll sort it all out.”

“Okay,” she whispered. As she watched him stride away, she huffed out a sigh. Arguing was pointless and would only delay him. She had come here for a purpose. It was imperative that she be there when they interviewed the assassin.

Watching him go up a small staircase, she followed Grey at a distance. When he walked out onto the stage, she was only a few steps behind. From what she could remember, there were offices on the other side. This was probably where they were holding the assassin.

A noise, softer than a whisper, sounded. The blood-red curtain covering the screen fluttered, and the muzzle of a gun appeared.

“Grey!” she screamed.

Pop. Pop. Pop.

Irelyn watched in horror as her worst nightmare came true. Grey fell forward as three bullets hit him in the back.

Please be wearing a vest…please, please, please be wearing a vest.

The assassin emerged from behind the curtain. His face devoid of all emotion, he ignored her as he walked to his prey. She knew the drill. He would take a headshot to ensure success.

Gun in hand, she called out “Kevin!”

The man jerked, as if surprised she knew his name. Recognition and something like amusement gleamed in his eyes. A small smile stretched his mouth into a smirk. The gun in his hand switched directions and was now pointing at her.

“Hello, Irelyn. Long time no see.”

She lowered her own weapon and spoke softly, gently, “Kevin. You don’t want to do this.”

“Oh, but I do.”

They froze like that for a moment. She searched for the right words, anything that would break through the years of training and abuse she knew he had endured. Familiar gray eyes stared into her own, and she swore she had made a connection. She gave him the only words she could come up with. “I’m so sorry, Kevin.”

His head tilted, and confusion flickered on his face. Had she reached him? Would he—

As if he realized he’d shown a weakness, his face went blank once more.

Every instinct in her body told her to raise her own weapon. Instead, she stood frozen, watching as he steadied the weapon in his hand and aimed it, center-mass, at her.

“Irelyn!”

Grey’s voice sent relief through her bloodstream. Thank you, God. He was all right.

Anger and something like betrayal flickered in Kevin’s eyes. He whirled back around to Grey again.

“Kevin! No!”

“Stop!” several voices shouted at once.

The shooter looked around, saw five elegantly dressed people all pointing weapons at him. Shrugging, he held up his hands.

“Drop your weapon!” Nick shouted.

He dropped his gun.

“Now, put your hands behind your head, get on your knees.”

He bent his knees, getting ready to kneel. In a flash, another gun appeared in his hand, and he shot at Grey.

“No!” Irelyn screamed as she fired her weapon. She didn’t wait to see the man fall as she ran to Grey. Her eyes quickly roamed over him, searching for signs that he’d been hit.

Wrapping his hands around her waist, Grey whirled her around, putting her behind him. “I’m fine. I’m wearing a vest. He missed the second time.”

Shivering in reaction, she peered over Grey’s shoulder. Nick, Jonah, and Kathleen stood over the fallen man. She didn’t need to ask if he was dead. She was a killer. She knew how to get the job done.

If she’d had more time, perhaps she could have winged him. Would that have made a difference? Assassins were taught to ignore pain, to do whatever it took to accomplish their mission. With his last breath, he would have taken another shot. But still her mind reviewed her choices. Would winging him have worked? She would never know. Her only thought had been to protect Grey.

“He’s dead,” Jonah said.

The man she had never known but had known all the same. Another person she should have been able to save and couldn’t. Sadness as she hadn’t felt in years swept through her.

Grey turned to her then, hiding her from everyone’s eyes. “You’re okay?”

“Yes.”

He shook her shoulders slightly. “What were you thinking? He could have killed you.”

She shook her head, unable to explain what had been going on in her mind. To describe the numbness that was spreading through her body.

“Irelyn?” His hand gently cupped her chin, tilting her head up. “You called him Kevin. You knew him?”

She nodded slowly.

“Who was he?”

“My brother,” she whispered. “He was my brother.”