Chapter 88: Quitting cold turkey is a good idea.

Mason finished drying the last dish and set it on the counter. He didn't know how much sleep Hannah had gotten, but it couldn't have been much. He'd lain awake, watching her for most of the night, and for a good while she'd been awake, too. Exhaustion had won out after a time, and they'd both crashed at least.

The bathroom door opened and she stepped out, her clothing looking a little better after some spot washing.

"Heard from Zain again?" She crossed to the counter and leaned her elbows on the surface.

"He sent me a text earlier, said he was looking into the cell phone data." The rest of what the message said wasn't for Hannah's ears.

Things were bad.

"You're making a face," she said.

"I am?"

"It's bad, isn't it?"

"What face are you talking about?"

"Mason."

He straightened and leaned against the sink, facing her.

"It's not good," he replied.

"So, what is it?"

"Zain poked around, asked some questions. The local cops are more likely to help Cruz than protect us."