Chapter 15
Reid
As Tandy approaches the counter with two cardboard cups, her glower suggests she’s seriously tempted to hurl the scalding hot drinks at me.
She knows who I am. Everyone knows who I am, and hers isn’t the first scowl I’ve encountered in town this morning.
As far as Tandy’s concerned, I’m the reason she lost her job and Clara was sent away.
She slams the cups onto the counter, and black coffee pools in the lids. “Anything else?”
“No, thank you. I just needed my caffeine fix,” I say, offering my best smile. “I didn’t sleep a wink last night.”
“Guilty conscience?” she asks as I swipe the card machine she aims like a weapon.
No, I want to answer. I was awake worrying about your friend spending the night with a ruthless member of the Russian Bratva. It doesn’t help that Quinn’s been ignoring my messages all morning.
“Sorry, my mistake,” Tandy continues when I don’t answer. “Men like you don’t have a conscience.”
Despite the open hostility, I’m tempted to ask Tandy to check in with her friend. Better still, visit the mansion to make sure Quinn’s OK. But I can’t do either of those things without breaking Quinn’s cover. And Tandy’s already beaming a smile at the next customer.
The sun beats down on the sidewalk as I head for the SUV. Jake is behind the wheel and I pass him his coffee through the open window.
“We’re attracting a lot of heat,” he warns.
I follow his gaze to the blacked-out vehicle parked directly across the street from us. It’s next to an unmarked transit van.
“Good,” I say. “I want them to know we’re watching them too. Has there been any movement at the house?”
Jake’s wearing aviators, but I know the look he’s giving me. “Since the last time you asked five minutes ago? No.”
I heave a sigh as I circle the car and open the passenger door.
An engine roars close to my ear, and when a horn blares, I drop the coffee cup and reach for my gun.
Hot coffee splatters over my boots and onto the street as the sound of graveled laughter floats from the battered truck that passes close by.
“It’s just a local,” Jake says when I climb into the car. “Fucking moron.”
My cheeks burn with humiliation. Everyone calls me a kid, and that’s exactly how I feel. I told Quinn she was mine, but I’d left her in that godforsaken mansion for Ilya’s amusement. Maybe I’m not up to this.
“Here,” Jake says, handing me his coffee. “You need it more than I do.”
I’m about to refuse when my phone vibrates against my chest. I snatch it from my pocket and accept the call immediately. I lock eyes with Jake.
“Quinn? Are you OK?”
“I’m fine,” she replies. “Sorry for not seeing your messages, it’s been hectic.” She takes a breath. “Ilya’s still here.”
“I fucking know Ilya’s still there,” I bite out. We’d seen Barrett’s jet take off, and I assumed Quinn was safe. Until Mace broke the news that only Barrett had arrived back in New York. “Did he stay at the house with you?”
“No, the guesthouse,” she answers in a tone that’s as grouchy as mine. “So, have you been calling because you’re concerned, or are you just having a temper tantrum?”
“A tantrum?” I repeat. “Are you serious right now? You think I was just worried about another guy making a pass at you? He’s a predator, Quinn. Of course, I’m concerned. I’m going out of my fucking mind here.”
Jake presses the coffee into my hand, and I take it gratefully. “I’ll just get some fresh air,” he says, tipping his thumb to the sidewalk.
“Can we not fight about this?” Quinn pleads. She sounds tired. I guess I wasn’t the only one who didn’t sleep much last night.
I watch as Jake closes his window before exiting the car. The door slams shut, and I’m sealed in. It’s just me and Quinn. I lean back against the headrest and close my eyes. “Please, tell me how you really are.”
“Scared.”
“I can come and get you.”
The silence on the other end of the line gives me hope. Then she sighs. “I’m keeping things professional. I’m making a show of being a highly efficient and effective estate manager, and I’m hoping to build his trust.”
“And how’s that going?”
“I thought I knew what to expect, but that man is as slimy as an eel dipped in oil,” she admits. “Even when he says something seemingly innocent, it feels like a trap, and I’m having to consider my every word and reaction. I’m probably overthinking everything, but it’s exhausting.”
I take a gulp of coffee. Being overcautious is good. “Have you seen much of him? Do you know how long he’s planning on being there?”
“Only a couple of days, he said. And no, I haven’t seen him since Barrett left yesterday. He’s busy getting things ready. And secure,” she says with extra emphasis. “He’s making sure you can’t get in again.”
“Fuck him,” I say. “I need to see you, Viper. I’m in town right now if you want to take a trip out. We wouldn’t have to speak.” I’m too tired to pretend I have any self-control or dignity when it comes to this woman. “I just want to lay eyes on you.”
I hear her gulp back the lump lodged in her throat. “Reid, you know we can’t,” she says. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. You’d give us away in a heartbeat.”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too,” she admits. “But please don’t worry about me. Jason’s here. I’m not completely alone.”
“You mean the guy who was oblivious to you screaming my name the other night?” I try to smile. “That guy?”
Her laugh is more of a groan. She’s thinking about that kitchen table, I just know it.
“I’d told him to keep out of my way then,” she says. “But Jason knows I’m not happy with Ilya around. He’s got my back. I’m good.”
She’s almost convincing, but her words fade at the last.
“Quinn, I know you want to see this through, and I admire you for giving it your best shot, but if you don’t feel safe, or you suspect your identity has been compromised, then you get out of there.
And if you can’t get out, you call me, and I’ll burn a trail through Ilya’s security to get to you. I promise.”
“Good to know, but while you’re busy shopping for missile launchers, I’ll be doing nothing more dangerous than playing with my spreadsheets. I’ll be careful.”
“OK,” I say even though it kills me. “All I ask is that you keep the lines of communication open. Not knowing what’s going on is driving me crazy.”
Quinn doesn’t answer straight away. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “And I’ll let you know as soon as he’s gone.”