Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86629 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86629 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“Anything I should be worried about?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. When you told me about the ex-boyfriend and his girl, I did some digging on them. Had my guy break into their apartment, logged into their laptop—“
“That’s above and beyond.”
“We’re at war, brother. Here’s the thing. Our good friend Brad’s bank account was open and there were three money transfers totaling five grand.”
I look out into the darkness, at the men patrolling through the trees. “Someone paid them.”
“Damn right someone paid them. I don’t think that whole business was about blackmailing her at all. I bet the cash was only the first step.”
“Or they got greedy.” I rub the heel of my palm into my eye. “Figure out who sent that money.”
“Already working on it.”
“Good job, Marcus.”
“Now can I get that Nadia girl’s number?”
I hang up.
Whatever joy I felt fades into the evening. The mansion’s doors loom wide. My wife’s waiting for me upstairs. My sister is home safe. My family is protected.
But death’s coming. It always does, and my life is spent holding it at bay for as long as I can.
24
ANGIE
Itake a long, hot shower the next morning to make sure I wash all the blood out. When I emerge smelling fresh and feeling good, I find a black gift box waiting on my pillow, and Connor nowhere in sight. Last night, we slept side by side together, not having sex, but curled against each other like an actual couple.
And it felt nice. Safe, in a weird way. Even though nothing about that man is remotely safe.
I untie a black ribbon, lift the black lid, and find a black glass rectangle looking back at me.
“My phone?!” I turn it over in surprise, but it’s definitely mine. There’s a scuff down the side where I dropped it on the pavement a few months back.
I find a note tucked underneath. It’s in Connor’s handwriting, cramped and narrow. Angel, this one doesn’t have any tracking software at all. You wanted trust? We can try this again. Love, your husband.
I smile to myself as it powers on. I hold the note against my chest, breathing the paper. Why’d he sign it love? Why does it even matter?
Messages fill my inbox. I have a surprising number of emails and texts. I shoot one to Nadia real fast letting her know everything’s okay, and she replies instantly.
Nadia: Glad to hear you’re still alive. Tbh, didn’t know if that was a given, considering how mad Big Boss looked.
Angelina: We’re all good. I just learned not to do stupid stuff anymore.
Nadia: HA! How long will that lesson hold?
Angelina: Long enough, hopefully.
Nadia: Seriously, you’re OK? You haven’t been at work. Rick’s worried sick.
I smile to myself. That’s very sweet. He usually pretends like he can’t stand the pair of us, but I always knew he had a soft spot for me.
Angelina: Tell Rick I’m fine. Honestly, you saw me last night. Proof of life!
Nadia: Proof of Big Boss too.
Nadia: Speaking of which…………
Nadia: Who’s that Marcus guy, anyway?
Angelina: Dude are you kidding me?
Nadia: WHAT?!
Angelina: Unacceptable!
Nadia: Put in a good word for me, pls.
I toss my phone aside, shaking my head.
Damn that girl is thirsty.
I call down to Lisa from the house phone and ask for breakfast before checking on my mother. She’s awake and watching Judge Judy reruns on YouTube, only somewhat high, several cups of tea scattered around her. She seems happy to see me, and we chat for a few minutes until my food arrives. I meet Lisa in the hallway to take it into my room.
“You know, I got word earlier.” Lisa turns a sly smile on me. “There’s been a change in your freedoms.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Apparently, Colm doesn’t have to guard your door anymore.” Lisa jerks a thumb over her shoulder. “You got space to wander now.”
It takes a moment to realize there’s no guard posted outside. “Oh, wow. This feels weird.”
“Good weird?”
“I kind of miss Colm.”
“Liar.” Lisa beams at me. “There’s a massive sunroom downstairs. I’ve been putting plants and stuff near the windows. Want to have breakfast there?”
“I’d love that.”
The space is gorgeous. Lisa sets me up at a table with a view of the grounds. Morning sunlight streams in casting long shadows of all the various planters she has set up. Some big leafy greens in pots, a few that look like tiny trees, and more that I can’t begin to name. It’s warm, comfortable, and beautiful. I eat quietly, legs tucked under me, feeling content for the first time since I came here. I can almost ignore the guards wandering between the trees and lurking in the hallways. At least they aren’t keeping me trapped anymore.
“Nice, isn’t it?” I look up as Rowan slips into the room. I’m amazed at how skinny she is all over again.
“Amazing. Beautiful, honestly. I had no clue.”