Page 80 of The Fixer

If you’re reading this, please forgive me. I never wanted to leave you alone.

You mean everything to me, and it breaks my heart that I won’t be able to watch you grow into the strong, beautiful woman I’ve always known you were. It was my dream to walk you down the aisle at your wedding, to hold my grandchildren in my arms. To see you thrive the way I know you can.

I’ve entrusted this letter and key with one of my most worthy and trusted friends. He’s promised me he’ll be there for you when I can’t, and he’ll take care of you like you’re one of his own. Do not hesitate to reach out to him, for I know, he’ll never let you down.

Someday, I’ll see you again. Until then, stay safe. Stay strong.

I love you forever.

Dad

“Two one one four.” Through watery eyes, I saw Mateo’s face break into the biggest smile. “This has to be it. It matches the numbers on the boxes at the bank. This has to be the key.”

“And Paulo had it all along.” Where Mateo’s happiness shone like sunshine, Jet’s face was hidden behind the darkest storm clouds. He clapped a hand to Mateo’s shoulder. “Come on, brother. We’ve got work to do.”

* * *

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Jet asked me, pulling into an empty space near the bank and turning to me. His hands cupped my face, his forehead lowered to my own.

Nodding, I swallowed and tried to smile. “I think so. I just…” I covered one of his hands with mine and I nudged my cheek into the warmth of his skin. “Do I dare hope? All Mom’s jewelry? All the things I thought I lost? What if… What if Dad had them stored here all along?”

“Then we’ll find out when we open the box.”

“You’ll come with me?” Desperation filled my voice, but I didn’t care. I needed his support. Needed to know someone had my back, no matter the contents of the box. “Do you think we’re safe?”

“You’re safe with me,” he told me, his voice gruff as it scraped up his throat. His mouth descended on mine, lips wet and wonderful as they slanted across my own.

Did I imagine it? The way his tongue slipped out and prodded at the side of his mouth before he kissed me?

Discomfort wound, twisting my guts.

He hadn’t told me what happened last night. What became of the motorbike gang he and Mateo had gone chasing down? From listening to his father the night before, I knew there were some things we could never discuss. But this?

It affected me, too.

A heavy sigh issued from the back seat, but before I could turn, Jet muttered, “Shut it, Medina. You don’t think I got sick of seeing you and Queenie since she came home?”

Mateo sighed again. “No, no. This isn’t about your little tongue-fuck fest. Honestly, I know I deserve every dreadful, awful, uncomfortable minute of this. It’s just…” The man tugged on his ear. “I feel so all alone.”

A smirk tugged at Jet’s lips. “Ahh, your friend too busy to play?”

“Got called in on another job. Which is total and utter bullshit. How dare Shaw leave me hanging in a moment like this? After all our hard work, and just BOOM! Dip and run.”

“I’m sure you can schedule a playdate later,” Jet said, gripping my neck and pulling my temple to his mouth. “Shall we go?”

I let out my own little sigh. “Yes. Let’s get this over with.” I was ready to be back in the safety of his home. Of his arms.

Perhaps even in his bed.

Heat flamed across my chest and up my cheeks, but neither of them saw it as they opened their doors to get out. Jet rushed around to my side of the car, taking my hand and looking up at the steel structure wrapped in glass. The sun glinted off the tower, illuminating the mirrored images of the surrounding buildings, spraying blue rainbows of color through the air.

“You got the will?”

“Right here,” Mateo said, patting his laptop bag as he looked up and down the street.

Caution in every glance.

“Come on,” Jet murmured, giving my hand a squeeze. He led me across the sidewalk and up the stone stairs, ushering Mateo in ahead of me.