Chapter 12 #2
“Sure, I could use some sunlight. Just give me a minute,” I say and hurry to my bedroom to make sure that I’m packing heat, in case anything goes down.
The gun is concealed under my shirt. The last thing I need is Harper asking questions or Zeke pointing it out.
Ten minutes later, we’re walking along the sidewalk. My gaze is casually darting around, keeping an eye out to make sure we’re not being watched or followed.
“I’m surprised you decided to join us,” Harper says. “If you weren’t dating Nova, I’d swear you had a thing for Kensley.”
“Your friend is cute, but she really isn’t my type.”
“Your type is Nova, we all know.” Harper smiles and shakes her head.
Zeke runs alongside us. I stick to the outside, walking near the street, in case any cars come up, and I can also protect Zeke if he darts onto the road.
He hasn’t yet, but he makes me nervous as he runs back and forth. I swear the kid is in a game of chase with himself.
From across the main road, Kensley is walking with Brooks.
“I think you may have a little competition,” I joke, nudging Harper.
“Since when did they start dating?” Harper glares at me, like I’ve been keeping her best friend’s secret this entire time.
News flash: I don’t pay attention to who Kensley or any of my teammates are dating. Unless they’re flirting with Nova, in which case I’d be forced to rearrange their faces.
“Beats me.” I chase after Zeke, pretending to be a zombie as he runs and squeals, giggling as he tries to get away from me.
As he nears the end of the sidewalk, I scoop him up, grabbing him so he can’t run onto the road.
“Gosh! Zombie Ashton is super scary!” Kensley teases as she and Brooks catch up with us.
Brooks whispers something to Kensley, but I don’t eavesdrop or particularly care.
I trust Brooks around Harper, and I know Kensley is safe. She’s had a thorough vetting and background check, especially after her knowledge of Dante’s business dealings.
We’ve also tapped her phone, and she’s been squeaky clean, keeping our secrets. That’s more than I can say about Harper, who told Kensley about the mafia.
She’s lucky she’s married to Luca, because Dante isn’t a forgiving man.
I let them walk ahead of us with Harper while I stay in the back, giving Zeke a piggyback ride.
I’m on heightened alert as we near the playground, the same park where Harper had first seen one of DeLuca’s men.
There are a few kids playing, moms and dads hanging out, watching their children. No one who seems out of the ordinary.
“Down!” Zeke squeals after we cross the street, and I carefully maneuver him off my shoulders and let him tear off.
I keep my gaze on Zeke as well as constantly doing surveillance, making sure no one is walking or driving by who seems suspicious.
Harper and Kensley grab a seat on the bench. I stand a few feet away, giving the girls some privacy to talk.
Besides, I don’t need to hear their gossip or about Kensley and Brooks' love life.
No, thank you.
Brooks wanders over to me, clearly bored. “You look tense,” he says, staring at me.
“Just keeping an eye on Zeke.”
“Isn’t that Luca’s job or Harper’s?” Brooks glances back at the girls behind him.
I have the best vantage point, giving me a clear line of sight of the girls and Zeke, while also watching most of the road.
“He’s my best friend’s kid.”
“I didn’t mean to offend,” Brooks is quick to make amends. “I’m just surprised you chose to spend your afternoon with Harper.”
“We’re friends.” Brooks has no idea about the mafia, the threats, the danger that we’re constantly under. I force a smile. “I thought she shouldn’t walk alone to the park.”
“It’s the afternoon,” Brooks says, and then his eyes widen. “Oh—that’s right. I did hear about the incident at the grocery store from Kensley.”
I’m not surprised that Harper shared what happened with her best friend.
My phone buzzes. I grab it from my pocket and notice it’s Luca.
“Hello.”
“Please tell me you have eyes on my wife and son.” Luca sounds slightly out of breath.
“We’re at the park with Kensley and Brooks. You’re welcome to join us.” I force a smile as Brooks watches me intently.
“I’ll be there soon.”
I end the call and slide my phone back into my pocket.
“So, did you guys call the cops?” Brooks asks.
“What?” I’m not sure what he’s talking about, but whatever it involves, no, we didn’t call the fucking police.
“When Harper and Zeke were harassed by that weird guy. Did you guys go to the cops about it?”
“No.” I glance from Brooks to Harper.
I don’t like where this line of questioning is heading.
“Why not?” Brooks doesn’t back down. “I mean, you should go to the police. The way Kensley talked, Harper was worried about getting kidnapped or something. Maybe it’s nothing, but at least they could investigate.”
“Leave it alone, would you?” I walk toward the girls, hoping Brooks will get the hint and change the subject.
“I’m just concerned—” Brooks continues and follows me as I stand beside Harper.
“Concerned about what?” Kensley asks, overhearing the conversation on our approach.
“If there was footage of the guy who harassed Harper, why didn’t anyone take it to the police department? You should file a report. If he’s threatening Harper, then he’s probably doing the same to other women out there.” Brooks is trying to be helpful, but he’s really not helping the situation.
Harper’s brow pinches, and she glances up at me. “I know something’s going on with you and Luca.”
“There’s nothing going on. I promise, my romantic feelings are one-hundred-percent toward Nova.”
Harper snorts and shakes her head. “You know that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“What are you talking about?” I meet her intense stare.
She’s not foolish enough to mention Dante or the mafia in front of Brooks. And while Kensley is aware that Dante runs the mafia, she doesn’t need to know any more information. She knows too much as it is.
Harper stands, grabs my arm and drags me several feet away from her friends. “You and Luca are keeping secrets—about something. I understand what you do with Dante, your work, is private, but when it spills over into my life or my son’s, we have a problem.”
A faint smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “Are you threatening me, Harper?”
“Whatever you’ve gotten Luca involved in, so help me, if he ends up hurt or something happens to my son, I will hold you and Dante personally responsible.”
“Understood.” I glance past Harper and force a smile, relieved Luca is here. He can deal with his wife, Brooks, and the plethora of questions that seem to be surfacing. It’s his problem now.