Armed and Dangerous (9 page)

Or maybe grieving the man who'd been his best friend. Alone.

With a deep breath, she got out, approached, climbed the steps, and knocked. In moments, the door swung open to reveal Shane's surprised face.

“Hey,” he said, clearly at a loss. “What are you doing here?”

The simple inquiry hurt, even though it was a normal thing to ask. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Looking puzzled, he held open the door and waited for her to come inside. After he shut it again, he followed her into the big living room. “What's wrong? You look like somebody drowned your kittens.”

His attempt at levity fell flat as she turned to face him. Their gazes held, and the half-smile that had been forming on his lips vanished.

“You haven't turned on the news.” It wasn't a question.

“No, I haven't. What is it?” He closed the distance between them, brows knitting in concern.

“Shane . . .” Swallowing hard, she gripped both of his big hands in hers. Very gently, she said, “Honey, it's about Brad Cooper.”

He stared at her, uncomprehending. “Brad? What about him? Did he get another speeding ticket? Or did they arrest him this time? Damn, his manager is going to have a fit—”

“No, that's not it.” She shook her head.

Sucking in a breath, he said, “Daisy, you're scaring me.”

“They said on the news that Brad is dead,” she whispered. “God, I'm so, so sorry.”

And as he slowly processed what she'd told him, Daisy watched the man she loved shatter into a million pieces.