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“We didn’t do that, Ember. My hands are clean. You are so close to being through with this, don’t fuck it up now.”
“Why can’t I hand you the envelope and walk away?”
“Because I wanted to meet you.” Dade’s voice fills the small alley.
He stands in the doorway of the warehouse with two large men behind him. My breath hitches when our eyes meet. He is nothing like I expected. The man is extremely attractive, at least six-feet tall with dark hair and eyes. The light blue suit, which was obviously tailored to his body, sets off his tan skin. He’s not scary or sinister in any way. If I saw him on the street, I’d think he was cute.
“Sweet cheeks, you may want to shut your mouth.” Bart chuckles.
I snap my jaw shut.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Ember. Come on in. My office is inside.”
“Umm, do I need to go to your office? Can’t I give this here?” I pull the two-thousand dollars out of my purse. “It’s all here. Bart can count it.”
“I trust you, but I’d still like to talk inside.” His tone is clipped, and Bart grabs my elbow.
“Are you going to kill me?” I blurt out.
His eyes grow wide, and he throws his head back, roaring in laughter. The sound bounces off the buildings around us, causing my heart to race.
“No, Ember, very much the opposite. I only want to talk. In five minutes, you can be on your way.”
Bart gives me a gentle shove, and I’m forced to follow Dade into the warehouse. When we get to his office, the two guys with him stand to the side, eyeing me. My over reactive mind races with possibilities of what he wants to talk about.
“Dade, I’m sure you don’t care, but I’m extremely uncomfortable and really want to go home. Here’s your money.” I put it on his desk.
“I wanted to tell you, you’re done. Completely free of Natalie forever.”
A lump forms in my throat, wondering what exactly he means.
“I did some digging, which I should have done to begin with. One thing about me is that I don’t like to be fucked with. Natalie fucked with me when she sent me to you. My guys found out what happened to you and your family because of her antics. If I’d known, you never would have been in this position. She isn’t my type of client, and Trey now knows to stay away from her going forward.”
The guy to his right grunts loudly. The sound makes me jump. He’s one of the scariest men I’ve ever seen. Ugly tattoos cover his body, his expression unreadable. He looks at me briefly then focuses his eyes on the wall.
“There’s a good chance she’ll do this again, but you will never be her scapegoat. I’ll put the word on the street she’s bad news, but if you ever need me, call me.” He hands me a business card. “That number will come directly to me.”
I take it, wondering what the hell is happening. “Um, I’m sure this is going to sound really crazy, but what’s happening here? Are you trying to be my friend?”
He opens his mouth to answer but never gets the chance. I hear the words “Freeze!” right before I’m pushed to ground and gunshots ring out. Chaos ensues.
30 minutes earlier
Robbie
I climb into the car and hand Max his drink. He puts down the binoculars and sighs.
“This shit is boring. I forgot how much surveillance sucks. I’d much rather be with your dad right about now.”
“No shit. I just talked to him, and they’re ready to move. ATF and NPD are certain the shipment today is coke. Dade Lewis finally fucked up. They’re moving in now. Our job is to watch for Lewis’ crew and any activity around that warehouse. Once they secure it, we’re done.”
My phone rings, showing Thad’s name flashing across the screen.
“What’s up?” I greet him.
“Robbie, where’s Ember?”
“She’s off today, so my guess is she’s with Chloe, making dresses. Abbi’s begging her to finish, and with Raven pregnant, they had to make adjustments. She’s planning to go to the movies tonight. Why?”
