26. Renne
Renne
It’s half past eight in the morning, and I’m supposed to meet with my contact at nine. Usually, he gives me a few minutes since I’m perpetually late for everything. But now more than ever, I need to be on time. Yet, I don’t know how I’ll get out of the Crossbow manor.
Someone is looking for me.
Was it the news reporter? I was careful, but then again, I have no idea whether the journalist or her cameraman actually snuck in a picture. Photographers are savvy, creative people. Investigative journalism is a profession after all.
I check the clock again. Thirty-one minutes past eight.
The meeting is at the hospital. We met there once before because I was on my shift.
It’s a busy place and perfect for a covert meeting.
Since I wore scrubs, it didn’t look suspicious when I entered the spare closet.
But I don’t work there anymore, and I told Dina I don’t, so now I need to come up with something else.
Declan gave me back my keys, but Connor took them. After the shower earlier this morning, Connor sat in front of his many screens, and I took the opportunity to steal my keys back.
I guess it’s a workday for him. What do I know of how criminal cyberempires run? Not much other than that someone runs them. Someone smart. Connor’s intelligence makes even the smartest people look dumb.
“Hey, Dina, are you working today?” I ask.
“No. We’re off together this week, remember?” Dina’s still in jammies and making coffee. “Did you have a long night?”
“Actually, Connor was with the baby all night.”
“I see. Then it’s a good time to tell him your real name.”
OH GOD. “Wh…what? What do you mean?”
“You probably don’t remember.” Dina walks around the bar and sips her coffee.
“During the chaos at the hospital, you told me Ekatia wasn’t your name.
I never brought it up before because I wanted you to feel safe with me.
I’ve gotten to know you, and now I love you, and you’re an important part of my life.
And it looks to me like you’re important to Connor.
I asked Declan what he thinks about you and Connor, and he’s beside himself because he thinks his brother is utterly obsessed with you.
I will marry Declan. Connor will be my brother-in-law.
And if he continues to dote on you and Hanna, he deserves to know. ”
During the chaos in the hospital, I hoped I didn’t mention anything to Dina, but I have. Fuck.
I should deny it. I should say she misunderstood. But I can tell she won’t believe me. I can tell that Dina, somehow, knows I’m not who I say I am, and if I lie to her, I’ll lose her as a friend. For my self-preservation and my child’s future, how I handle this is imperative.
Her eyelids droop. “Please don’t lie to me. I know you’re hiding from someone.” She leans in. “Remember how my fiancé handled my issues? He can make many troubles go away with a flick of his finger. All you have to do is give him a name.”
“Holy shit, Dina. You sound like a capo.”
“Isn’t it capolita, though?”
Declan joins us. “Capa,” he says.
“That’s not it,” Dina says, gaze on me.
Declan pours himself a cup of coffee. “Why is the baby not sleeping at night?”
I bet he couldn’t sleep. Serves him right for trapping me here. “She won’t be sleeping for at least a few more nights. How would you like to let me go home now?”
Declan doesn’t rise to the occasion. “Any plans today?” he asks.
Dina answers, “I’m taking a week off as well. Ekatia and I are going to finalize the wedding plans and get as much done this week as possible.”
“Great.”
“You?” she asks.
Declan kisses her forehead. “To be decided.”
My phone rings.
It’s my contact. I haven’t confirmed the morning meeting. I doubt I can make it.
“It’s from the hospital,” I say before answering.
Dina puts her hands on her hips. “What do they want?”
See? Always on my side.
“Can you make it?” my contact asks.
“I can empty the locker today, no problem. Now? Mmhm. Yeah, that’s fine.”
He hangs up.
I do too. “Looks like I have to go. Do you think you could watch—”
Dina swats the air. “You don’t even have to ask. Go, go. Get your stuff. Come back for lunch. I’m doing my shrimp and avocado salad.”
Yummy. “Thanks, Dina.” I kiss her on the cheek and leave the Crossbow manor.