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I returned my attention to my phone, where I scrolled through the photographs taken three nights ago at the dive bar with Layana’s friends. Each of them had posted images and tagged me, implying I was an essential member of their group instead of the mere tagalong I truly was. I hadn’t offered them compensation. I hadn’t asked for their assistance.
It was loyalty to Layana that had inspired their actions.
Movement out the windshield caught my eye. Layana was approaching the car from the front of the building instead of the side, and according to the clock on my phone, she was exactly on time.
I shoved my phone in my pocket and tapped on the side window to alert Wallace.
He jumped and hurried to the front of the car to meet our guest.
Moments later, he opened the door for her. On the ground beside him were three large luggage bags. How Layana had managed to carry all of that out here herself in one trip I couldn’t fathom. Nor could I imagine why she’d packed any bags at all for a single day away.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Layana slipped into the SUV, looked around, and her eyes brightened.
My chest both tightened and felt lighter.
She gestured to the ridiculously-designed vehicle. “What in the name of Narnia is this?”
She had on leggings, an oversized sweater, and a matching knit hat. Two long braids framed her face. The blue tint that had been painted on the ends of her hair was completely gone. She looked like she was ready for snuggling up by a fire, not a day out in the snow.
From the cargo area behind me, Wallace said, “It’s a Cadillac Escalade ESV. Isn’t it glorious?”
“Glowingly glorious,” she said, beaming at me.
That was an apt description, given the space literally glowed in colorful strobing lights that belonged at a rave, not in a vehicle.
“Please tell me you brought a coat with you,” I said.
“Two, actually.”
“And real pants.”
“Thesearereal pants. Real comfortable pants, and cute too.” A devious spark flitted over her features.
“Master Stryker gave me free rein to design the interior myself,” Wallace said.
His aesthetic permeated every ridiculous detail, from the periwinkle faux-leather seats to the rhinestone encrusted cup holders.
Layana, still standing in an awkward ducking position, pinned me with a sharp look. “You make your driver call youmaster?”
“No,” I said. “I’d prefer he didn’t.”
“What a kidder,” Wallace said. “We both like it just fine, right? The alternative is I go back to your childhood nickname.”
My heart jumped into my throat.
“Master Stryker is fine,” I said in a rush. “Though I’d prefer you call me Gabriel. As we’ve discussed ad nauseam.”
Wallace closed the cargo door and circled around to the driver’s seat. The flashing rainbow lights dimmed, but didn’t go out.
Wicked glee filled Layana’s eyes. “You’ve had the same driver since you were a kid?”
“Please take a seat,” I told her.
She chose the spot across from me, perfect for setting the day’s mood. Perfect for an interrogation. This was going to be a long day.
“He must know all your secrets.” She grinned wider, her gaze dissecting.
Wallace knew plenty about me, but not for the reason she thought.
