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He had said he had some calls to make, some things to arrange, and that he’d be here at nine in the morning to regroup and figure out a plan of action.
I hate staying cooped up, but it makes the most sense at the moment. It’s safer here, since Franklin clearly doesn’t know where we are.
We can’t risk exposing ourselves—not yet.
The only upper hand we have is that Franklin hasn’t figured out my location. He made that clear when he tried to torture it out of Claire last night.
“Are you hungry?” Claire walks over to the kitchen and opens up the fridge. “I can make you breakfast.”
It’s then that I see her, truly see her. The kindness of her pouring out. The concern she has for me when she’s been through hell herself. Not for a second has she shown weakness, despite terrible things happening to her. She almost died, and she’s trying to make sure I eat.
What did I ever do to score such a beautiful soul?
“Come here.” I hold out my arms and go over to her, pulling her in and nudging the refrigerator door shut with my hip. “I should be taking care of you. Not the other way around.” I plant my lips on the top of her head, savoring her sweet scent.
She opens her mouth to respond but a knock thuds against the door.
I lower my hands to her shoulders and hold her at an arm’s length, peering into her eyes. “It should be Luciano, but if it’s not, you remember the plan?”
Claire swallows and nods, grabbing a butcher knife from the block and backing herself toward the window with our fire escape access.
It’s something we practiced a few times at each of our new homes, just in case someone came for us. And now that the threat seems very real, so does the need to use our exit strategy.
I glide across the room, making sure not to make a sound on my way to the front door. I hold my breath and peer through the peephole, relief washing over me when I see Luciano nonchalantly picking at the cuticle on his middle finger. I scan the hallway, my heart picking up its pace when I see Josey is leaning against the wall.
Luciano didn’t mention Josey coming with him. And from what Claire mentioned, Franklin had him followed. Surely Luciano wouldn’t be dumb enough to expose me like this, would he?
He might be my biological father, but he owes me no loyalty. He could easily throw me under the bus and go on with his life like nothing happened at all.
But I know Josey. I trust him. And he wouldn’t do me like that…I don’t think.
I crack open the door without sliding off the chain and keep my foot firmly in place. It’s not much, but it would be enough to give Claire the chance to escape if they forced entry.
“Were you tailed?” I say through the small opening.
Luciano rolls his eyes. “You think this is my first rodeo?”
How am I supposed to know? I just met this dude.
I narrow my gaze, not appreciative of his condescending tone.
He sighs, and Josey pops around to step in front of him.
“That’s what took us so long. Lucy picked me up, and we had to drive around like idiots making sure we were good. Took the service entrance, no cameras, no eyes. I wouldn’t do you dirty, kid.” Josey grabs a large duffel bag from the floor and slings it over his shoulder, then picks up a drink carrier with what I assume is Claire’s kryptonite.
I sigh and shove the door shut to unlock it then swing it wide.
Luciano barrels in, acting like he owns the place. I guess in his case, he does.
“These apartments could definitely use some remodeling.” He glances around.
“Let’s worry about that another day.” Josey hands me the drinks and a paper bag I didn’t realize he was holding, then walks over to the couch, dropping the massive duffel with a clunk.
Claire comes around to my side, still clutching the butcher knife in her hand. She puts her arm around me but stays firm in place, a reminder of how strong she is in the face of evil.
“Damn, girl, you’ve seen better days.” Josey scrunches up his face at Claire. “You okay?”
She nods stiffly. “You should see the other guy.”
