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“We were told by an informant that this bank has ties to the Jameson family,” Marcelles says then, his tone calm and without accusation. “We’re just trying to follow up on a lead, Malcolm. Before a warrant is brought forth, we were hoping for your cooperation with this matter.”
“Our conversation would’ve stayed on a friendlier note…” I tilt my chin in Shawn’s direction “…had he not opened his mouth.”
“Can we have a look or not?” Shawn tries to reinsert himself into our conversation, but I don’t acknowledge him.
“How do you want to do this, Marcelles? Should I call my lawyer?”
“He will leave, and I’ll handle this myself.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“If he does, then we have a deal.” I nod, and the old man’s posture relaxes a bit. “He needs to get off my property and not come back until he learns respect and how to follow protocol.”
“It’s a deal. I’ll speak with my supervisor now and be back within the hour.”
“Director Monahan will never agree to this,” Shawn hisses through clenching teeth. “He’ll never make a deal with—”
“Luther Monahan is someone I’ve known since I was a child and would not put up with his agents being obtuse and arrogant. Watch your tone and the way you conduct yourself.” At my words, the cockiness in his stance deflates and worry seeps in. “You don’t seem to realize just who you’re dealing with here. Who I am. Look me up—learn a thing or two, and then when you’re ready to apologize for basing your judgement on idiocy, you may come back.”
“I’ll never apologize to—”
“It’s time for you to leave, agents. Follow me.” Mariah, who’s been quiet, interrupts Shawn. Our eyes lock for a second and I nod, fighting the smirk that wants to curl on my lips. “Mr. Asher has a day full of meetings, but I’ll be available to handle everything with you personally, Marcelles.”
“Agreed, and thank you.” While I know Marcelles doesn’t buy that I’m one hundred percent innocent, he still sticks to the rules. Doesn’t overstep or accuse, because thrown-around insinuations can become defamation lawsuits.
“This is not how this works. You can’t just kick me out,” Shawn tries once more, his tone with Mariah a lot less arrogant. I also don’t miss the appreciative looks he’s giving her, ones that Javier will kill him for.
“Not up for negotiations.” She walks around my desk and doesn’t stop until reaching the door. There, she waits for them with a not-so-patient look and it’s funny to watch how quickly they follow instructions. “Now, let’s get you out and let Mr. Asher get back to work. He’s a busy man and can’t entertain nonsense.”
And as they walk out and head toward the elevators, I only have one thought:
I’m going to enjoy watching the life drain from his body at Javier’s hands.
10
I FIND MYSELF standing over her bed two days later watching her sleep, the same way I’ve been coming into her home since Sunday night, using a copy of her key made with an imprint in clay, to be with her.
That very day I set a few plans in motion to protect her, the first being my entry and exit out of her home without detection. It didn’t take much work to trip Alton’s cheap system. Thirty minutes and a few Red Bulls later, my best IT guy hacked the system, putting the recording of a quiet house on loop and disabling the alarm.
No alerts. No proof of my ever being here.
To protect her while she gets some rest. Make sure that no one disturbs her.
She makes me worry. I feel protective— need to feed this uncontrollable desire to be close.
I tell myself it’s because I want to make sure she’s okay, but it’s a lie. A poor one at that.
Every minute she’s in this house, I’m restless. Worry.
Her family isn’t to be trusted; the assholes disappear at night as they plot my end. Try to find anyone willing to take me on as a job. Offering money they don’t have.
Alton doesn’t understand that I have eyes everywhere. That for the right price, people are always willing to talk and sell him out.
London turns onto her back then, the thick comforter covering her from view falling down and exposing her chest. I count each rise and fall while contemplating how much my life has changed. Just how far I’m willing to go to keep her.
It’s been five days since she walked into my private room and danced for me.
Four days since I’ve had some peace where she isn’t invading my every waking moment.
