Chapter 15
True to his word, Levi didn't leave my apartment while I napped. He was sitting on the couch, reading a book. I grinned when I saw the title. "That'll get you hot under the collar."
His eyes shot to mine, and he winked. "It's quite a sultry read."
I chuckled and turned my head from side to side to work out the kinks. Pen sat in the other armchair and gazed between us. "How are the two of you friends now?"
"He's not the jerk I thought he was."
Levi burst out laughing. "I'm glad you no longer want to punch me."
"She has a wicked left hook," Pen said quietly. "There's no sign of Aiden." Her eyes drifted to Levi, and she looked...guilty.
"What have I missed?"
"Aiden called and told Pen he was coming for her and the money."
"What the heck!" I jumped to my feet and Levi steadied me. "When did this happen?"
Pen narrowed her gaze between Levi and me. "What just happened there?" She waved a hand between us. "No one spoke." Her eyes suddenly widened. "Are you two speaking to each other in your heads? You are, right?"
"Look, I'll tell you everything you've missed. I promise. But right now, we need a plan to keep you away from that freak of nature!"
"You can curse, Tallulah. The name you were thinking of is 'bastard.'"
"Oh, shut up!"
"Stop it!" Pen hissed. "That's rude."
"You need to hide out at the hotel, Pen. Carlisle and Jessop will make sure no harm comes to you."
"No way!" She shook her head vehemently. "I'm not staying at the hotel."
"Too right you're not," said Jessop as he strode into the room.
I frowned because I hadn't heard anyone on the stairs. "Where'd you come from?"
"Through the window."
"What?!"
He rolled his eyes. “The stairs, Tallulah." He fixed his gaze on Pen, who took a step back. "You're coming with me."
"No."
"Penelope Bailey, you better get your sweet butt downstairs and into my truck. Otherwise, I'll carry you. Either way, you're coming with me."
"Well, I—" She didn't get to finish her sentence because Jessop stepped forward, wrapped his hand around the back of her head, and pulled her toward him. He planted a firm kiss on Pen that lasted and lasted.
My jaw dropped as Jessop, grinning, broke the kiss. He took Penelope's hand and led her toward the stairs. "Wait?" I finally snapped out of it. "Where are you taking her?"
"Somewhere safe." He paused and glanced back at me over his shoulder. "What Carlisle is doing isn't what it seems. Remember that."
Pen left with him without putting up a fight.
I shook my head and glanced at Levi. "What's going on?"
"I think I'd better explain, on the condition that you keep your nose out of it. I mean it, Tallulah. You can't say or do anything about what I'm about to tell you."
I sat back in the armchair. "I'll be a good girl. Now spill it, Detective Riley."
He winced. "I'm on your side. You should know that by now."
"I do. I'm sorry. I promise not to shoot the messenger. Now, tell me."
The End
There are lots of answers and naughty shenanigans in the holiday book Dead and a Mistletoe Kiss, which is told from Penelope’s point of view and is coming in December 2025!