Page 50 of Unexpected Complication

Cian

Skylar stared at me from across the table, her hands caught up in the long sleeves of the sweatshirt she was wearing.

My sweatshirt. I liked seeing it on her.

I shifted in my chair, unsure where to begin.

“I’m not what you think I am.”

“Oh? So, your name isn’t Cian? Or Tony?”

“No, my real name is Cian, but I’m not…I’m not a murderer for hire, Skylar.”

“Does the guy you killed the other day know that?”

“I didn’t kill anyone that night.”

“I saw you! You shot him—he was dead!”

I shook my head, leaning forward. “You saw exactly what I needed to be seen. The illusion of Harper being shot.”

“Harper?” she asked.

“Harper was working with me. Just like Sean is.”

“But the blood…”

I shrugged. “The blood from his leg was real. His chest, no. It was all a setup. I had blanks in the gun, as well as live ammo. It was all staged carefully.”

“Why?”

“To make Orson Valenti believe I had flushed the mole out of his organization and killed him to send a message we were onto the Feds. That I was on his side. It’s part of an operation I’ve been involved with for two years.”

She frowned at me. “The blond guy isn’t dead?”

“No.”

“But you shot him in the leg—for real.”

“I had to. He knew it was going to happen. I shot him where it did the least damage.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he was grateful.”

I snickered. “Grateful might not be the right word.”

“But you told Sean to dump the body!”

“Rex is Orson’s right hand, Skylar. He was there watching on Orson’s behalf. I had to make it look good—authentic.”

“You beat him up. He was covered in blood.”

“Most of that was staged as well. Sean made sure they got delayed getting to the warehouse. He saw a few hits.” I shook my head. “Harper’s tough, Skylar. He’s fine.”

“Where is he?”

“Safe.” I drew in a deep breath. “That’s all I can tell you about him. You can ask Sean when he wakes up—he’ll confirm it.”

She frowned at me. “I’m confused.”