Deadly Desire (Carrington-Hill Investigations Book 2) (18 page)

The general’s brows pulled together. The air around the table vibrated, either from Brody or
Lydia, but Briggs couldn’t tell which. The general spoke. “Where did you get it?”

Jamie lowered her lashes and clasped her hands together, entwining her fingers. She looked up and met the general’s gaze. “I’m sure it’s in my records, but I was abandoned when I was a baby and grew up in an orphanage.” She lifted the key from her chest. “The women at the orphanage said this was on a chain around my neck when I was left on the doorstep. I’ve had it ever since, and I have no idea what it unlocks.”

The general nodded and pushed from the table. “I’ll get Jonah to start researching.”

Brody stood. “When will Briggs and I be leaving?”

The general shook his head. “Lydia’s visions get altered when something changes, and if we all end up dead in her dream, then something needs to change. You aren’t going.” He turned toward Jamie. “Briggs and Jamie are. She’s the one that holds the key.”

Brody’s mouth hung open. “But, sir…”

“My decision is final.” He turned toward Lydia. “How long do we have?”

Lydia
squeezed her eyes closed as if trying to remember the vision in living color. “A month tops, I think. In my vision I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, and the weather isn’t cold enough yet. So if I had to guess, I would say maybe a month.”

The general nodded intently and walked to the door, pulling it open. “Time’s ticking, people.” He looked over his shoulder. Briggs didn’t miss the tightening in the general’s jaw. “Jamie, make sure you give Jonah the key so he can copy it and research it. He’ll give it back to you before you leave.”

The general turned toward Briggs. “You leave at oh eight hundred tomorrow.”

Briggs rose from the table and shoved his hands in his jean pockets. “I didn’t sign up for this. My mission was to keep
Lydia safe, and to be honest, I think I just need to get her the hell out of here and let you guys figure this one out.”

Jamie walked over to Briggs and placed her palm on his arm. “Rick will keep her safe and whisk her away when the weather changes, but I need your help. You were the one who said you could find anything and right now…” She raised an eyebrow as if contemplating her words. “You’re all I’ve got.”

Lydia smiled and patted his other arm as she walked by. “Don’t worry. He’s going to help.” Lydia followed the general out the door as everyone else gathered their things and left them too.

Jamie’s crystal eyes watered. She was trying to fight back a tear from escaping. The strong, kick-ass woman he’d come to admire over the last several months was counting on him. Could he really let her down; would he?