When the Heart Lies by Christina North

could tell she didn’t want to get involved. What the hell was he asking for anyway? Losing his professional distance was becoming far too frequent. “I’d like to find out who I’m working for. Please, Rayne.”
    “I’m not sure. All I’ve ever done is take pictures for you. Besides, don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit? Olivia’s never given you any reason to think she would lie to you. Maybe you need to step back and think about this.”
    He nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” Like hell he’d step back. His eyes roamed the room, avoiding Scar’s; he knew she had a knack for knowing when he wasn’t being completely truthful. “I’m meeting with Kinsley tonight. When we talk maybe I’ll gain more insight.” He sat on the bed next to her with his hands held between his open legs. For a short time, neither spoke. He felt connected to Kinsley in far too many ways. Now, not only was he watching over her, but he had to start spying. She’d never be able to trust him after this. Once the case was over, he’d be the last man she’d want to get involved with. He let out a breath, and his shaking head dropped in disappointment. “Things are getting complicated.”
    “Be careful, Jackson. I know you like Kinsley, but don’t get too involved.”
    “I’m trying not to. It’s late; I better go to her, or she’ll think I’m not coming.”
    It was past ten. The night nurse had already passed out meds and done rounds. He headed to Kinsley’s room and sucked in a breath as he stood in front of the door, reminding himself this was work. He tapped and entered without waiting for an invitation.
    Startled by his unauthorized entrance, she jumped up, looked at him, and grimaced as her eyes cut an invisible path to the door, and her hands landed on her hips. “You’re awfully bold.”
    “We need to hurry. Hector, a friend of mine, is at the back entrance waiting for us.” He turned his back to her and threw a pair of scrubs over his shoulder toward her. “Put these on.”
    “Why?”
    He peered back over his shoulder. “Easier to go unnoticed.”
    With a wave of her hand, she signaled for him to turn around. She hesitated at first, but then hurried out of her clothes and into the scrubs. Before heading out, she stuffed some pillows under her blankets. “I’m ready.”
    After checking the hall, he gave her the all clear with a nod to the side, instructing her to follow. Cautiously, they proceeded through the corridors toward the back entrance. They approached Hector. He unlocked the door and let them through.
    “I’ll cover for you both at midnight rounds. I’ll be outside these entrances on a smoke break from one-thirty to quarter of two. Be sure you’re here.” Hector looked to him for confirmation.
    He grasped Hector’s shoulder from the side in gratitude and gave him a nod. Hector was taking a chance bending the rules for them. Guests, as the staff at Lakeside referred to patients, were not allowed on the grounds after ten o’clock at night.
    “Where are we going?” she whispered.
    “To the boathouse. We need to hurry past the open space up ahead. The area is visible to the south side of the facility. After we clear the lake, we can get on the path we took earlier.” He took her hand, and they hurried past the lake and headed to the boathouse. The moon cast a sliver of light across the lake to guide their way, with the sounds of night adding to the adventure.
    Once safe inside, he turned on the small lamp.
    “How can you just wander around this place?” she asked.
    “Other than traveling for school and work, I’ve been here my entire life. I have a lot of connections.” He walked to the old fridge and pulled the long metal handle that made a popping sound as it released the opening mechanism. He squatted down and pulled out two bottles of wine. When he stood, he held the bottles in the air. “Merlot or Riesling?”
    She widened her eyes and tilted her head playfully, lingering