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Silence descends and ten minutes later we’re pulling up outside of the Centre. Hunter silences the engine and staring at the huge structure before us, says, “Apparently, he thinks I’m too involved because of what he did to Gia.” He looks to me. “I agree with him, but I disagree with his thoughts of me going off and screwing it all up. He knows me better than that, and that’s what is pissing me the fuck off. He doesn’t want me here. My gut tells me that there’s something else going on because right up until I spoke to him about this place being a target, he was one hundred percent behind me going forward.”
There is only one reason that I can think of as to Colin’s change in attitude. “Can he be bought?”
Closing his eyes, Hunter rubs harshly at his brow. “I’ve known him for years, and I’ve always trusted him to have my back…apart from now. God, if they have gotten to him it will hurt Gia. He’s Jarrod’s best friend.”
“And you,” I add, watching him carefully.
Shaking off his thoughts, he turns to me. “I’ll be disappointed and angry, but my biggest fear is that I’ll want to kill him for putting Gia in harm’s way.”
Climbing from the truck, I move around to join him at the front. “Before we do anything, I think we need to check this place out and see what repercussions surface from this visit…and once back at the house we talk to Jarrod. He’s known him the longest and might be able to get a feel for what’s going on. He might just be stressed and getting shit from the higher ups.”
“I really hope that’s the case.” Hunter sighs heavily.
We both glance around the back of the Centre, which is a huge modern structure, with a seating capacity of close to three thousand. Small for some standards, but from what Gia told Hunter it has more of a relaxed atmosphere than the larger stadiums.
“Let’s get this over with.” I push away from the truck, heading toward the back entrance that accepts deliveries. “You have your ID ready?”
Hunter nods. “I’m going to give Gia a call before we head inside. I’m still feeling unsettled after leaving them.”
I pause and watch him grab his cell, just as mine starts vibrating in my back pocket.
Parker.
My heart sinks. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” she quickly reassures. “We need to go and get Ivy. She just called Gia. She was really upset, Julian. We haven’t told Jarrod yet because, well, Gia isn’t sure what he’ll do.”
“I think Gia’s on to Hunter right now. Don’t do anything and we’ll go and pick her up.”
“Can you remember where she lives?”
“Yeah, we have it covered.” I sigh and meet Hunter’s gaze as he frowns.
“What’s wrong with Gia?” I ask Parker, wondering what the heck Gia is saying to cause that look on her husbands face.
“Gia is asking Hunter if you both can swing by here to pick us up,” Parker fills me in, and then continues, “and, Julian, I think it’s a good idea.”
I hear some arguing in the background on Parker’s end, and watch as Hunter moves the phone away from his ear.
“Crap, Jarrod’s on to us,” Parker mumbles.
28
Parker
While I’m trying to talk to Julian, Jarrod strides into his office with a furious expression on his face. Gia says something and he snaps back before taking a deep breath, his hands on his hips. In the next minute, he asks for the phone and with reluctance it seems, Gia hands it over.
“Can you hear the conversation?” I ask Julian.
“Yeah, as long as you’re okay, I’m going to hang up now.”
“Don’t worry about me… Be careful, okay?” I whisper.
“I will.” He hangs up the phone.
I shove my cell into my back pocket and move closer to Gia and her father, having missed most of the conversation. I do hear a loud curse as Jarrod hangs up the phone.
He closes his eyes before he visibly calms and looks at the both of us.
