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“We’re not going anywhere until I’m satisfied she’s safe.” Mark’s arms are crossed, and his jaw is set.
His face is clean and a butterfly bandage holds the sides of the cut above his left brow closed. I’m relieved his dizziness seems to have passed.
Roland leans against the back of the couch, an unlit cigarette between his fingers. “The house alarm has motion sensors, broken glass sensors. No one is getting in here tonight. Or any other night it’s activated… which will be every night until I’m convinced this threat is over.”
“He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try and get to you here.” The anger in Mark’s voice makes my heart beat faster. “He’ll wait until you go out, jump you in a fucking alley on your way to work or while you’re walking home.”
Jilly jerks around to face me, and I kiss her little head.
Armand’s smooth voice injects a much-needed level of calm. “Which is why my personal security will escort both of them everywhere.”
Mark’s eyes narrow at him. “Remind me what you do again. Why you need personal security.”
“It’s best if we don’t dig too deeply into the whys of my situation. Just trust that I won’t let anything happen to Jillian.”
“Sorry.” Mark shakes his head. “That’s not good enough. You’re going to have to give me something.”
Armand’s lips curl in that knowing smile. “I can assure you all my personal business dealings are legitimate. Unfortunately, my family—my father, uncle, brother—they’re still involved with less transparent enterprises. Which means I’m always careful. I don’t take chances with my valuables.”
Evie returns to the room quickly, and Armand’s eyes meet hers just before he sits in the leather chair beside the couch. “Nothing will happen to your daughter while you’re away,” he finishes.
“You know I’ll never let anyone hurt her.” Roland’s eyes are on my little girl.
I hug Jilly closer against my chest, and Mark’s gaze meets mine. His is stormy with concern, but I’m inclined to trust our friends, especially after the way they helped us tonight.
“Armand’s men are so nice,” Evie says, sitting beside me on the couch. “They’re always close, but you never feel crowded or in danger.”
“Would it be better if she stays with Evie?” My eyes move quickly from Roland to Evie to Armand. “If that’s not a problem, I mean.”
Armand watches as Evie rubs Jilly’s little back. “She’s welcome to stay with us if it makes you feel more secure.”
“Oh, I’d love that!” Evie’s face brightens with her smile, and she reaches for the baby, taking her out of my arms. “Would you like to stay with Aunt Evie? Yes? Yes?”
Jillian smiles and pats her cheek, making one of her sweet baby noises. My heart is so twisted, I don’t know what to do.
Mark paces the room, shoving his hands in his hair and exhaling a soft growl. “If we didn’t need those files, I’d say fuck it. But not having that thumb drive, not knowing if Landry is dead or alive … It’s our only chance of ensuring Lara’s safety.”
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nbsp; I go to him and put my arms around his waist, placing my cheek against his firm chest. His heart beats steadily, calming my fears.
“It’s a terrible place to be… but I trust Evie and Roland.” Blinking up, I smile at Armand. “And Armand.”
He smiles at me from where he sits in the chair. I’ve never known him well. Phillip has always been the more social of Evie’s boyfriends. Their situation is so unorthodox, but I do know I can trust her.
Roland tosses the unlit cigarette on the top of his piano. “I don’t want her out of my house. I’d step in front of a bullet for her.”
“I’d rather it didn’t come to that,” Mark says, still holding me close. “I’m not happy leaving… but we have to do it for Lara. We can’t wait for Gavin to learn what we’re doing and destroy everything. It could already be too late.”
Stepping back, I catch his eye. “Should we call Molly now? Ask her to start searching tonight?”
He puts his hands on my shoulders. “I already did. I didn’t want to share too much information in case anyone is listening. I basically asked her to search for things from the past.” He passes a hand over his mouth. “I don’t know if that’s enough or if we’ll be starting from the beginning when we get there.”
Armand uncrosses his legs and stands. “If you feel well enough tonight, we’re taking off. It’s almost four.”
“I’m so sorry. It doesn’t feel so late…” Jilly has fallen asleep on Evie’s shoulder, and my friend’s eyes are drooping as well, her head resting on a pillow.
“Adrenaline,” Roland says. “You could spend the night here if you’d like.”
