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“The books,” said Quinn. “You’re taking over as head of finance and accounting. The money that you showed in the accounts made my holiday!” Jean smiled, nodding at him.
“I’m glad I could help.” The stare of a Robicheaux was something that made all men cringe, but for some reason, Jean’s stare cut through men. He was never the operative that the others were, yet he was bigger than most, stronger, more intense, and the quiet concentration of thought made him appear immovable. Tonight, it was making Quinn uncomfortable.
“Well, alright then. Have a great time.” Quinn started to touch his arm, then pulled back, walking toward another group of guests.
“You might want to lighten up, or you’re going to make the little man piss his pants,” said Tobias.
“I’m going to make him do a lot more than piss his pants. Listen,” said Jean, cocking his head to the left.
“Mom, I don’t want to be here. Please, let me leave,” said the young woman.
“Listen to me. You are going to do this for your father and me. We’ve given you a great life, and if you want to continue with that life, then you have to be here. Quinn isn’t going to touch you tonight.”
“No, but these other letches are,” she frowned. “I’ve done my duty, Mom. This is my fourth party of his, and I’m done. I have a boyfriend now, and I do not want to tell him about this.”
“You’ll tell no one,” said her mother, gripping her upper arm.
Out of nowhere, a tall, dark-haired man with caramel skin wove through the crowd. Jean almost opened his mouth but thought wiser of it, watching him. He took the young woman’s hand, pulling her away from her mother.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I thought the young lady might like to see the tree in the library.”
“Oh. Oh, yes,” smiled her mother. The girl teared up but nodded, taking the man’s hand. As they left the main living area, Tobias followed them. Entering the library, he closed the doors then readied for the person coming behind them.
“Hello, Nate,” grinned Tobias.
“Fucking asshole. You scared the shit out of me. I thought I’d have to kill you, too.”
“Please, please don’t hurt me,” pleaded the girl.
“Sweet girl, I’m not going to hurt you. My car is right out that door,” he said, pointing to the side door. “White Mercedes with tan interior. License plate is on the keys. You take the car and get as far from here as you can. There’s an envelope in the armrest with ten thousand in it. It will get you away from your family. Once you find a place where you can leave the car, send a text to this number.” He handed her a white card with a number, and she stared at him.
“Wait. You’re not going to t-touch me. To use me?” she asked.
“No, sweetie. I’m not into sex with children.”
“As much as I’m relieved by your statement. I’m twenty-four,” she said. “Why are you doing this? Quinn will have your head.”
“Not before I have his,” said Nate.
“We need to get back out there,” nodded Tobias, peering out the door. “Take care of yourself.”
“Go. Do as I said,” said Nate. “You’ll be okay now.” He turned to leave, but she called after him.
“Hey, watch your back. The people who work for him are vicious and don’t mind stabbing anyone in the back. Or anywhere else.”
“Thanks for the tip, but I think I’m good.”
“What’s your name? Can I at least know that?” she asked.
“Nate. What’s yours?”
“Harlow. Thank you, Nate. I won’t forget you.” Nate stared at the beautiful dark-haired woman as she left the library, running through the snow toward his car. As he sauntered back into the party, her mother looked at him with a pained smile.
“She’s gonna be a while,” he said. “Leave her alone.” The woman only nodded, turning and walking into another room.
“Nate, what the fuck are you here for,” said Tobias. “I’m not aware of Delta taking on this kind of shit.”
“I’m not here for this kind of shit,” he said. “I’m here for that kind of shit.” He nodded toward the doorway, where a big man dressed in a gray suit stood. He had silver hair and piercing blue eyes.
