“Please,” I hiss. “She told me what you have done for her. I know you would bury that information.”
“You’re right. Four years ago, they dug around, but the people they asked didn’t want to be on my bad side. They didn’t find anything about her, and as far as I know, they stopped.”
“Send me what you have.” I glance toward the door, hearing the murmur of their voices, but they aren’t paying attention to me.
“I looked into you,” he mentions lightly.
“I knew you would.”
“You’re a ghost.”
“I’m glad my safety measures are working,” I say dryly.
“You’ve protected your family. They aren’t tied to you in any way.”
“I would never put the people I love at risk. My job is dangerous. If someone loves the people I kill, they wouldn’t listen to the reasons why.”
“Has that happened before?”
“Yes, though, they didn’t get very far. I’m a ghost for a reason.”
“Smart. Admirable.”
“I don’t want admiration,” I grumble.
“I don’t want to like you,” he hums.
“I understand.” I roll my shoulders, my rage on simmer. “I have that effect on people.”
“Rylee is important to me, and it’s difficult to allow someone else to protect her.”
“I’m not taking her away. This is her home. She needs her family close.” I move to the chair in the corner and sit.
“Fuck, you're saying the right things,” he says. “What about your job?”
“I’m not stopping. Rylee has an interest in helping me, and I think it will help her.” I prop my elbows on my knees.
“Won’t that put her in danger?”
“I will take precautions, but she’s strong. I won’t treat her as if she is broken. You should know she can hold her own in a fight.”
“Yeah,” he says.
“Do you have Sally’s number?” I ask.
“Yes. Why?”
“I think I need her to organize a gathering.” It was a rough morning, and Rylee could benefit from being around her family.
“I’ll message it with Rylee’s parents' information.” He pauses. “Take care of her.”
“I will.” He hangs up, and my message alert goes off.
I have to force my rage down and find my calm. Channeling it in a different direction usually helps, but knowing the torment she went through makes it almost impossible. Two people know the danger of my losing control.
It’s time to call Issy and get them here. First, I’ll ask a rabbit for a favor.
I ignore the files Heath sent me and scroll to Sally’s number. Taking a breath, I call her. It rings once before she picks up.
