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“Does the name Andy ring a bell?” he spat. “Jesus, you’re insufferable at times. You act like a spoiled brat.”
I turned and faced him in the park. We were close to the road and visible, yet there were lots of trees around us. Not knowing if we were being watched, listened to, or both, we made sure to keep our voices low, not wanting to attract unwanted attention. The last thing we needed was someone to come over and interrupt us.
“I act like a spoiled brat?” I repeated. “I’m living in reality. You’re running around acting like you’re James Bond. You run a security firm, Damien. Ex-cops who are too old to do much good but drink coffee, and mall security guards high on their own power. You’re not that big a deal. And I think you’re making the situation worse.”
His eyebrows shot up at my remark. I could tell he was trying to stay in the moment and not laugh at my description of Elite. We both knew it was anything but mall security guards.
He leaned closer, dropping his voice to a furious pitch. “Why don’t you show a little gratitude instead of attitude, Raven? You have completely lost touch with reality. You think you can keep yourself safe, little girl? You can do better on your own than with me? Be my guest.”
I crossed my arms. “You are just as bad as he is. You want to take over my life.”
“So you’ve said before. You want your life back to what it was before you ran to me for help? Go for it. I’m sick of being your knight.”
I scoffed. “I never thought of you as a knight, Damien. Maybe the court jester.”
“You ungrateful little…” He trailed off.
“Bitch?” I finished for him. “You keep calling me that. I’m tired of your orders, your overbearing attitude, and your scowling face. I’m done.”
“Meaning?”
I glanced around, hoping I looked surprised and pleased to see the taxi idling at the curb not far from us.
“Like I said,” I snapped. “I’m done. Leave me alone.”
I turned, and he reached out, grabbing at my bag. The bunny tore off in his hand, and I half ran to the cab, bending at the window. “Are you available?”
“Yep,” she replied.
I slid into the back seat, but before I could shut the door, Damien was there.
“Don’t do this, Raven.”
I grabbed the door handle. “Leave me alone, Damien. I’ll send for my things.”
I slammed the door, looking back to see him throw down the bunny and stomp on it in his rage.
I sighed and leaned against the back seat.
“Address?” The “driver” prompted. I was surprised to see it was a woman. We had agreed to pretend until I was in my apartment, even though Damien’s person knew exactly where I was going.
“Ah,” I said, worried. But she winked and touched the rim of her glasses, a signal Damien had told me meant I could trust the person.
I gave it to her and shut my eyes.
I already missed Damien.
* * *
My apartment smelled musty. The window had been repaired, and there was dust everywhere. All the blinds were shut tight. Egan relaxed on my sofa, a cup of coffee in his hand.
“How’d it go?” he asked.
“Fine.” I sighed. “I hated every minute of it.”
He shook his head. “Don’t worry. It was needed. You both know it’s not true.” He stood. “But for the record, I have never been a mall cop.” He glared at me. “That was low.”
I began to laugh, and he grinned.
