–Me: I’m planning a surprise.
–Emmett: Joey might know. But then you’d have to talk to Joey.
Ugh, not Joey of a Thousand Filters. On the other hand, I’ll put up with him if it means seeing Noah and making sure he’s okay.
–Nicholas: Don’t bother. When my mom asked because she wanted to invite Nora to a trip to Berlin last year, he said he didn’t know.
–Grant: Then how does he send her invites to Dad’s parties?
–Nicholas: He emails Noah. Bobbi, do you have to involve Nora? She’s rarely available.
–Me: Probably not. Thanks.
I put my phone down and let out a frustrated breath. I should’ve asked for Nora’s number even though she annoyed me with her cold attitude! I kick the bare floor of the kitchen and curse. It doesn’t make me feel better.
The door bursts open, making me jump. My heart settles when I realize it’s TJ barging in, his shoulders bunched. From the wild look in his eyes, it’s shocking he’s not frothing at the mouth.
“I go out of town with Tony for a couple of days and come back tothis?What the fuck happened?” he shouts, face twisting as he takes in my bruises. “Victor said you got hurt, but he didn’t tell me you had a fight with a semi!”
“Yeah, but you should see the semi.” I shoot him a cheeky grin. “How they hangin,’ cuz?”
He lifts a thick finger and wags it in my face. “Don’t.”
He’s about to blow. Time to defuse the situation. “TJ, I’m fine. It was just an accident.”
“And the car fucked up your face?” He is shouting again. “You can lie to your little assistant, but not to me.”
I sigh. “Looks worse than it is. And seriously, you should’ve seen the other guy. Before, you know, I shot him.” I look away briefly, hoping I sound convincing. It’s difficult to take credit for killing Trey Underhill, but to protect Noah’s secret...
I don’t know what strings his mom pulled, but the detective—the real cop, not the fake ones who did the detailed questioning after I was doped up in the hospital—in charge of investigating this case agreed that I was right to defend myself and called Trey’s death “justifiable.” The entire interview lasted all of five minutes, and the case was wrapped up so fast, I wondered if Nora’s people had pre-written police reports they hand out for occasions like this.
“Come on. Let’s sit.” I gesture at the sofa and take a seat.
TJ parks himself next to me, jaw flexing. Hopefully he doesn’t grind his teeth too hard. Dentists are expensive.
“I told you we should’ve put landmines around your house!” His voice shakes with fury and regret. “Then none of this would’ve happened.”
“I don’t know,” I say vaguely. “The other guy was really motivated.” Trey was also devious, claiming to be a veteran with a cat to get my guard down. He would’ve found a way around the landmines. But I keep my mouth shut about it; TJ would only come up with some even more outlandish way to keep me safe.
“Who was it? A stalker?”
“No. Someone who had a beef with Dad’s work. Apparently he blamed Dad for some treaty that didn’t get ratified or something. I wasn’t sure what he was talking about to be honest. Most of Dad’s work was classified, so…” I shrug.
“So what happened? My buddies at the precinct can’t find a report or anything.”
That explains why he didn’t buy my initial lie about an accident. Again, I wonder just how much influence Noah’s mom has. “We got into a physical fight, obviously. He pulled out a gun, but I was faster with the Glock.”
TJ stares at me but then nods slightly. His fury starts to cool. “So… You okay? Maybe you should see a shrink about the whole thing. Talk about the trauma.”
“I’m fine.” After all, I’m not the one who shot Trey.Is Noah unavailable because he’s seeing a therapist?I assume people like him don’t need to because they’re used to death in their profession. James Bond never lay on a therapist’s couch. But this isn’t a movie.
“You sure?” TJ puts a gentle hand on my shoulder, as though he’s afraid of breaking me. “Bobbi, I know you’re strong, but you can lean on others for help, too. Cassie, Josie and I are here for you.”
“I know. Thanks.” I smile wanly as Trey’s revelation floats on my mind. He said I wasn’t my father’s child. Not that I think he was being entirely truthful, but what if I’m not related to TJ? Would it matter to him? I could pretend like Trey never said anything, but I keep thinking about it. Besides, what he said explained my mother’s behavior so well. “Hey, TJ.”
“Yeah?”
“Would it change anything if you knew I’m not really your cousin?”
