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Logan
My eyes spring open, and I sit straight up in the bed. Despite the overcast skies, I can tell I’ve overslept. I had intended to be back at Kass’s apartment before ten. Grabbing the white plastic clock off my nightstand, I see it’s after eleven.
Dropping the device, I jerk back the covers so hard, my sheet rips at the corner. I hustle to the shower, spinning the dials and stepping to the toilet to take care of my morning wood as the water starts to warm. I make quick work of cleaning up, using my hands and not even bothering with a washcloth.
All told, I’m out of my apartment, on my bike and headed to Kass’s place in less than twenty minutes. Mist hangs in the air, and I’m glad I didn’t waste time with the blow drier. My hair is already hanging in damp waves around my face when I reach my destination.
Pulling straight up to the front, I decide I’m going to level with her. I’ll tell her I’m keeping an eye on her and ask her straight out what she knows. She’s got to start trusting me at some point, and I feel more confident than ever today is the day. She can’t get her brother back without help, and I’m the man to help her.
Swinging off my bike, I stride up to her door and hit the buzzer. Several moments pass as I wait for her voice to crackle through the ancient speaker. I study the building’s façade. Ironic how colorful it is, considering she isn’t able to see it. The thought sends an ache through my arms. I miss holding her. I want to lift her against my body and carry her into the sea, let the salt-water wash away our past then make love to her. I press the buzzer again a bit longer this time.
More time passes, and still no response. A hint of worry nudges my insides. “Where are you?” I say, stepping to the side and looking around.
She doesn’t drive, so I can’t use a car to let me know she’s here. Taking out my phone, I pull up the app Freddie installed and look for the dots. Only the yellow one lights up, and it’s nowhere near here. It’s east of the city in what looks like the cliffs. My brow lines, and I’m about to punch up Freddie’s number when the metal door scrapes open. It’s the old man.
I take two steps toward him, and he glares at me. He’s dressed in a different tweed suit this time, but his wool driver’s hat is the same. His short-legged dog is wearing a small Burberry blanket on his back.
“It’s you,” he snarls through a thick French accent. I’m happy to speak French to him, but I never get the chance. “I know you from the papers. You work for the king.”
“Oui,” I say, offering our native tongue.
He doesn’t take. “The other one she let in is bad. She’s going to get us both killed.”
Ice is in my chest. “What other one?”
“His eyes are dead. His heart is dead. I lock my doors. All the locks.”
My jaw clenches along with my fists. “When did he come to her?”
“Her first night. Then again…” His face is lined like a tree trunk. “I was hard with her. I shouted and told her not to let any man in. I let you in, but she doesn’t listen.”
And to think I discredited this guy. “Did he come last night?”
“You were here last night.” He tosses his thumb over his shoulder. “Out back, watching.”
“I’m trying to keep her safe.” It’s as much as I can give him at this point.
“The queen was here this morning. They left together.”
I waste no time contacting Freddie now. “Thank you, sir,” I say, but he’s not finished.
“She cries too much.” I pass my hand over my mouth, unable to answer him. Still, he continues. “Get her to where she doesn’t cry so much.” He takes a step away then pauses. “Henri would like that.”
“Henri?” I glance around.
“Allons, Henri!” He gives the leash a little flick, and his dog perks up, happily following his owner as the old man shuffles up the street in the direction of the café.
For a moment, I’m lost in thought. I had completely misjudged this old man, believing he jeopardized Kass’s safety with his carelessness. Now I realize he’s seen everything. He’s had his eye on her from the beginning.
I can’t lose time
on this. For now, I have to reach Freddie. My finger slams down on the green dot to place the call.
“Logan!” Freddie’s voice is breathless when he answers. “I lost her.” He’s shaken for the first time since I’ve known him. “Them. I lost them both.”
I’m on my bike, switching the phone to Bluetooth and inserting a headphone in my ear as I kick the motorcycle awake. “Tell me what happened.”
“They left together… on Ava’s Vespa—”
