Page 91 of The Big Fix

“And he said?”

“The important part is not what he said, or how many breakable things were thrown at my head, but that we have a plan.”

“Did he get you?”

“With his aim?” Dante shook his head.

I smiled at him.

“For the love of God, Jared, let yourself find some peace. Let Ronan and Sara go. That whole thing was never on you. That entire mess had shit to do with you and everything to do with Owen’s fucked-up father.”

“Oh,” a voice said behind us.

We both turned to see Owen, showered and shaved, his wet hair combed back from his forehead, standing there in ripped jeans and a Nirvana T-shirt.

“I would love to hear this story.”

“Is it okay if we join?” Jing asked, standing in the doorway that led from the house to the deck. Arden was with her, both of them waiting.

I looked at Owen.

“We’re all family,” Owen said, lifting his arm to encompass everyone. “I think we should all hear it.”

Jing rushed over to slip under Owen’s arm, and Arden took a seat on a deck chair close to Dante. Both of them had been fussing over Owen and keeping an eye on him. All the vigilance was exhausting, and if I was tired, they had to be as well.

“I think,” Dante announced, standing up, “that I’m going to make you guys some food while Jared tells the story. Why don’t we all go to the kitchen.”

Great plan.

And as Dante cooked, I relayed what happened.

The night after my talk with Ronan, I was on my way to the condo from the embassy, where I’d gone with Darius, when my phone rang. The number wasn’t one I recognized, but only a select few had my personal cell number, so I answered.

“Jared!” Sara gasped on the other end. “Thank God you picked up.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m…I’m in a safe house in the Western District, near Sai Ying Pun station. I came here last night with Owen after Ronan told me everything.”

“Okay,” I said, not wanting her to have to recap anything for me. I’d thrown up when I got back to my hotel the night before. I didn’t need to revisit the whole thing.

“Jared…I’m in danger.”

Everything stopped. “Tell me what’s happening.”

“A black sedan is parked outside on the street. It’s been there all day. A man has been watching the apartment. They know I’m in here.”

“Why didn’t you call me before?”

“I thought Ronan would be here soon, but he’s not, and he’s not picking up his phone, and…I’m a mess.”

“I understand,” I soothed her. Questioning her was not helping. “Is the guy there now?”

There was a pause, and I assumed she was looking out the window. “The car is, but it doesn’t look like anyone is inside now. He could be walking around again.”

“Are you armed?”

“Yes.” Her voice hitched, and I knew she was terrified.