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We walk the short distance to her room and go inside. It’s immaculately clean, with her clothes arranged by type and color in her suitcase. Her dresses are hung neatly in the closet, and her toiletries are aligned in rows with morning items on the left and evening on the right.
She whisper-shouts as soon as the door closes. “Why are they here?”
“I told you—”
“They’re going to ruin everything. It’s already tricky enough with you here, and now them?”
I don’t know what to say. “I didn’t ask them to come.”
“So tell them to go and take that baby with them!” She’s pacing the room, arms crossed, silver hair fanning around her.
“You mean my daughter?” I’ve done my best to be patient with her version of sibling rivalry, but I’ve sacrificed a lot for this girl.
She spins on her high heel and faces me. “We have a meeting in thirty minutes with Joshua. He has Candi, a runaway teen who works as one of Gavin’s hookers. She’s willing to talk to us.”
My brow lowers. “About what?”
“To prove to you he hasn’t changed. He only changed locations, but he’s doing the same thing here he always did there.”
Pressing my lips together, I sit on the edge of her bed, holding the robe closed at my chest. “It’s not exactly the same if she works for him willingly. It’s not legal, but if he’s her pimp, it mean he protects her.”
“Until Guy shows up!” Her eyes flash to mine, and I swallow the nerves tightening my throat. She hasn’t said that name in years. Where is this coming from?
“Guy is dead. I told you—”
“But you never saw his body. No one did, and then the theater conveniently burned to the ground.”
My eyes are fixed on my trembling fingers. Only two people know what really happened to Guy, and neither of us has ever spoken of it. It could be very bad. For both of us.
“He’s not going to show up again,” I say a little sterner, my insides tight.
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll be ready when he does.” She’s pacing again, her jaw clenched. “I’m searching for him, and I will find him.”
Standing fast, I tighten the belt on my robe. “What time are we meeting this Candi?”
“Half hour at the Redwood Bar.”
I glance at the clock on her bedside table, tension hot in my chest. “I’ll meet you in the lobby at four forty-five.”
I have to knock on my door, and when Mark opens it, my fears magically subside. He leans on one arm over my head, causing the muscles in his bare torso to flex so attractively. I don’t even enter the room, I lean against the doorjamb in front of him.
“Did I mention how happy I am you’re here?”
A sexy grin curls his lips. “Even if it spoils your plans?”
“I’ll tell you a secret,” I say, leaning closer. “We didn’t have a plan. We never really do.”
His face tightens. “Maybe you don’t have a plan, but after what happened to Esterhaus, I’m pretty sure Molly does.”
I know he’s right, and the happy feelings provoked by the sight of him begin to wilt. “Where’s Jilly?” I ask, passing him to enter the room.
The door closes quietly, and I glance back to see him easing it shut. Turning to the bed, I see my tiny baby sleeping peacefully, surrounded by large pillows. Everything about this has demolished any hope for me keeping him out.
Standing at the edge of the bed, I look down at her. He stands behind me again, placing his hands on the tops of my shoulders.
“She’s like this perfect, magical little thing,” I whisper watching her sleep, then my jaw clenches. “I’ll never let anything bad happen to her as long as I live.”
“You’re not alone this time.” He circles my waist with his arms, his chin on my shoulder. “If you think I’m ever letting the two of you out of my sight again, you’ve got another thing coming.”
