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we’re interfering with a state-run investigation, I’ll be in the hot seat with Washington. I don’t like being in the hot seat, Agent Collins. You won’t like me there either.”
    “ Not my intent and you know that. I just need one or two agents here to keep an eye on them; forty-eight hours, tops. That’ll give me a little time to get some sleep and make sure local uniforms are posted around the clock. No investigating. You have my word, sir.”
    “Okay, Grey. I’ll have them posted at her door within the hour.”
    “ I owe you one, boss.”
    “No, you don’t. Take care of yourself and your friends. Call me after you get some rest.”
    “Will do,” said Grey, ending the call and making his way back to Evan.
    “He hasn’t even looked at me,” said Evan.
    “Baby steps,” said Grey. “Listen, I’ll take over here. Go grab some sleep.”
    “Do you really think I can sleep right now?” asked Evan.
    “You’ll be out like a light when your head hits the pillow,” said Grey. “Trust me. You’re exhausted. You just don’t know it. Abby and Kate’s parents are going to be here in the morning. You’ve always handled them better than I have, but you’re still gonna need your strength.”
    “If anyone can shine a little light right now, it’s Kate’s sister,” said Evan. “Her parents are going to be a different story. You’re right. I’m gonna need my strength when those two get here. I’ll be at the house and I’ll leave my cell turned on if you need me.”
    “Evan, I’m a little tired so indulge me,” said Grey. “I don’t want you staying at Paul’s house tonight. I doubt this psycho is anywhere near Miami, but I’d feel better if you got a hotel room close to the hospital.”
    “This guy isn’t finished, is he?”
    “No,” said Grey. “He’s just getting started.”

I Am Grey
     
     
    EVAN ROSE AS THE sun was peeking over the horizon. Grabbing his phone off the bedside stand to see that he didn’t miss any calls, he sighed in relief that Kate had made it through the night; sighing again, knowing Kate’s parents had yet to arrive.
    He dressed with speed and returned to the hospital less than two blocks from his hotel. Evan rounded the corner in the waiting room to see Grey on his laptop and Paul in the same chair as the night before. He also noticed a man in a dark suit standing at the entrance to the OR. Another was napping a few seats away from Grey. When he walked passed, he saw the telltale clear plastic tubing emerging from his collar and ending in an earpiece.
    “How was your night?” asked Evan.
    “No news is good news at this point,” replied Grey. “The nightshift nurse came through and talked to us about an hour ago. She agrees that Kate is one tough woman. There’s no improvement, but she didn’t go backwards either.”
    “Thank God,” exhaled Evan. “I gotta tell you that you were right. I passed out as soon as I hit the bed. I woke up in that weird place of not knowing where I was or why I was here. For a second or two, I actually believed it was all a dream. When I figured out it wasn’t, it was like getting punched in the gut all over again. How is he?”
    “We talked for a little bit, but he keeps to himself over there,” answered Grey. “I figured I’d give him some space, hoping he might doze off. But I don’t think he closed his eyes even for a minute.”
    “I take it the two guys in dark suits are yours?” asked Evan.
    “Yeah, they got here thirty minutes after you left. I’m letting that one catch a nap so he can relive the other. I only have them for about another thirty-six hours. After that, I cut them loose and the locals take over protection duties.”
    “Does that include Paul?”
    “I doubt it,” replied Grey. “But that’s why you and I are here. Consider yourself deputized.”
    “Good Lord, you are tired,” said Evan. “I booked several rooms at the hotel including one for you,” he said, handing him a room key. “Go