Chapter 47 Killian
“What do you mean, we’re leaving?” Cartier asked, stepping out into the heat. He didn't sound surprised—just tired.
“Exactly what I said. As soon as Elara and Julian touch down, we’re gone.”
“Because she won’t tell you who she hired to off her kinfolk?” Cartier leaned against the brick wall, a smirk tugging at his mouth. “This vulnerable side of you is making me real uncomfortable, Boss.”
“It’s more than that,” I muttered, taking a long pull of the cigar.
“Is it?” Cartier stepped closer. “Are you mad because she just proved she can handle her business without you?”
“I’m not mad,” I snapped, the words coming out sharper than I intended. “She just doesn't need me. I’m okay with that. I’m happy for her.”
Cartier chuckled, shaking his head. He walked over to the truck and mirrored my stance, leaning back against the cool metal. “So, you’re just insecure and jealous? That’s a new look for you, Killian.”
I didn't answer. I couldn't. I was.
“Look,” Cartier said, his voice dropping the edge.
“Whoever helped her did it without leaving a single footprint. I’ve been through every database I have access to, trying to find who.
To extract four people from a house that clean in under two hours?
That’s high-level work. There might be a hundred guys in Tampa capable of it, with MacDill right in the backyard, but most of them are over forty and looking for a quiet retirement.
She has the money now; she probably paid a premium for some old school type.
They aren’t your competition, man. They’re just contractors. ”
“Can you narrow it down?” I asked. “I want a name.”
He shook his head firmly. “I didn’t, and I won’t. Some stones are better left unturned, even for you. You keep digging, and you might find something that makes you look at her differently. Or end up staring down the barrel of a gun bigger than yours. You want that?”
I stared at the glowing ash of my cigar.
“I think you should take your woman, go back to Silas, he loves her around and just learn how to live,” Cartier said. “You’re making this more complicated than it has to be. Your obstacles are gone, Killian. She’s safe. You’re the reason, bask in that shit.
He didn't understand. It wasn't about the obstacles. It was about the fact that I had spent so long being her savior that I didn't know how to just be her man. I shouldn’t even be her man, I felt like I was taking advantage of her.
“Just pack the gear,” I said, flicking the cigar into the gutter. “We’re leaving.”