Shadows to Light (Shadows of Justice 5) by Regan Black

took a deep breath, and imagined the satisfaction of stomping the communication panel to dust.
    He could never do it. That sort of emotional outburst would draw too much attention. So he funneled his fury into the scene in his head and felt a small measure of relief.
    He wished a pox on the woman and her notoriously problematic father. He wanted order, had created order, had pulled this community back from the very brink of extinction. Yet they had no appreciation, no concern for the greater good.
    Luther and his daughter seemed determined to expose the order's every secret, leaving the healers unprotected against the violent and volatile opinions of the masses. He would not tolerate it, would in fact, apply his considerable power to squashing them and their outdated, provincial beliefs.
    What good did anyone gain by helping people who didn't understand the healer's true sacrifice?
    He brought the communication panel back online, grateful his reason and control had overruled a petty and destructive tantrum. Tapping in another contact, he waited for his call to be received.
    "Montalbano."
    He took in the ruddy cheeks, mussed hair and loose tie and felt a moment's panic. Was the man drinking because he'd also suffered a recent blow from the Luthers? "My sources tell me there was an altercation near your facility."
    "Yeah, I heard about that." Montalbano scrubbed at his face. " My 'sources' confirm there's no problem. They ran a full security check and walked the whole place."
    "So your team is still at work."
    "For all the good it's doing, yeah." Montalbano glared into the monitor. "Dr. Luther isn't making such speedy progress."
    "It is delicate work." He cleared his throat. "I'm sure a bullet impedes one's concentration."
    "Whatever. I have a deadline."
    Don't we all. He could care less about Montalbano's next big contract, as long as he kept Dr. Luther under lock and key. Really, the good doctor should be thanking him for the opportunity to apply his expertise to the challenging nature of Montalbano's project.
    "I may have a way to expedite matters."
    "No kidding?"
    He thought of Luther's daughter, of her being neither dead nor stripped of her gift. "An assistant might be just the right tool." He suspected Luther would find his daughter's well-being far more motivating than any personal pain.
    "Whatever you've got, I'll take it. There's a –"
    "Deadline, yes. So you've said. I'll be in touch."
    Once more he disconnected, but this time he felt better. Calmer.
    He sent Mira Luther's picture to Montalbano, letting him know she was in the city and suggesting how to apply the leverage with Dr. Luther.
    He inhaled deeply. Much better. Having a clear direction steadied him.
    He called back his team and gave them new orders.

Chapter 5
     
    As hiding places went, this was the most luxurious Jameson had ever seen. Callahan had left them with another cell card, uniforms for cover, and instructions that someone would be in touch.
    Mira didn't seem nearly as impressed or relaxed when they entered the apartment in the Dakota tower in the Financial District.
    "What's wrong?"
    She was looking around. "Isn't it odd for a couple of Soldiers to be living together in a place like this?"
    "Consider it the high end of temporary quarters." He shot her a grin, but she frowned. "Besides, they didn't think so downstairs. Callahan's good with background and set up. It's just a cover, Mira. Temporary. They probably rent out this suite all the time." He kept his tone neutral. "We'll get more details for how to proceed soon." Personally, he hoped the details got lost in transit. He'd like to take some time and get to know the woman behind that amazing talent for healing. And kissing.
    Before he'd met her he considered himself an adrenaline junkie, always ready for the next assignment, the next challenge. But she made him feel alive in a way he didn't know existed. He wondered if his reactions were tied to her being a healer, or if it came from something