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“I do. I never in a million years would have guessed that you gave a shit about your workers, but you just went feral to protect them. It means you’re not the callous bitch I thought you were.”
“People change, McKenna.”
She laughs and guides me down a dimly lit hall before pushing open a heavy door that leads to a bedroom that looks like a fancy hotel room. It has a queen size bed, a beautiful nightstand, and even a desk with a chrome lamp. “Yes, they do. I’ve changed a lot.”
“You have,” I confirm. “It’s surprising. And refreshing.” It means maybe Lucky is right, after all. Maybe I can decide what my life is going to be now. “Thanks for helping me.”
She shrugs. “It’s what we do around here, Aria. If one of us is in trouble, we’re all in trouble.”
“That sounds nice, but I’m not one of you.” I absently rub Coco’s head.
“I’m not so sure about that, Aria, and if you think so, I think you might be losing your touch.” Her smile isn’t vicious as I remember. Instead, it’s more amused.
I shake my head. “I don’t belong anywhere, McKenna, and right now, I don’t have the mental energy to go through it all with you. Can we just call Frannie and make arrangements?”
McKenna doesn’t fight me. She lets out a sympathetic sigh, which I kind of hate. “Sure, Aria.”
“I’m not sure I can do this.”
“Call your house?”
I shake my head. “No, how do I tell them that I’ve been keeping them in the dark about the shitstorm coming down the pike, and now they’re all in danger? They’re going to hate me.”
It’s not less than I deserve, but these are the only people who care about me, even if they are paid to do so.
“Aria,” McKenna sighs. “They work for you, and even if you care about them or love them, they know that your business isn’t really their business. They will appreciate you getting them the hell out of danger. I promise.”
I nod and make the call. “Hello?”
Thankfully, it’s Frannie because she’s the easiest to talk to.
“Frannie, it’s Aria.”
“Do you know what time it is?” Frannie says in a daze, and to be honest, I have no idea.
“No. Sorry.”
“It’s after midnight. Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I inhale and let the whole story of someone breaking into the house, shooting at us, and leaving with one or maybe two carefully aimed bullet holes in him.
“I’m sorry I can’t tell you more right now, but you all need to leave the mansion. I’ll have rooms reserved for you at the Regency until further notice.”
Frannie is suddenly wide awake. “You can’t do that, Aria,” she says. “It’s too much.”
“It’s not,” I insist. “You will all be safer there than at some budget place. The Regency has armed security. Please, Frannie, don’t argue with me. Just pack quickly and get everyone out of the house. Can you do that?”
There’s a long pause on the other end of the call, and I know Frannie wants to push, but she doesn’t.
“Yeah, I can do that, but just tell me you’re all right, Aria?”
Stupidly, I nod as though she can see me. “I’m fine. Lucky is here, and he promises I’ll be safe. Right now, I’m choosing to believe I will be. I’ll explain everything…later.”
Frannie lets loose a reluctant sigh. “Well, all right then. I’ll get everyone packed and out of here. Can I call you?”
“My phone is still at the house, but you can call me on this number if you need to.” I glance at McKenna for confirmation. “Be careful, Frannie, and don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know, okay?”
“Sounds serious, but yes, Aria, I’ll be careful. You do the same, and I’ll talk to you soon.”
