Page 14 of No Control
I know you read it, Lydia.
My jaw tenses while I white knuckle my phone. I couldn’t hear the phone conversation she was having a few minutes ago, and that was almost as frustrating as having to sit outside her house and wait for her to decide to take the deal of a lifetime.
The sound of my buzzing phone jars me, and I squint at the screen, biting down on my lip as I make out her name.
I’m not sure I can agree to the terms. Your offer is very generous, but it seems like too much for the given work. I’m not sure it’s right for me.
Why are you being so hardheaded? I let out a sharp breath as I type back, my mind filling with the images of breaking her window and taking her with me right now.
I know you’re the right person.
I smash the send button and then hesitate.
That might’ve been too strong.
I’m not used to giving anyone a choice. And while Lydia doesn’t really have a choice, I’m trying to at least give her the illusion of one. I want her to fall for me…or something. I drum my fingers on the cold wood, waiting for her to reply.
But she doesn’t.
My gaze shifts back to the window, and the light’s gone. Lydia more than likely thinks she’s going to mull it over for the night. Do I have the patience for this? I grind my teeth, the sound filling the void in my head.
I said I would take my time—but I didn’t expect these complications. My nerves feel fried, and the risk I’m taking is stupid. Yet, here I am. My phone vibrates again, and I quickly lift it to my eyes. It’s from Jude.
And it’s a link to a new target.
Fuck, no. Not right now.
But that’s not how my life works. When the links come, I have to go. My shoulders sag as I click on it, opening the new assignment.
Location: Los Angeles.
I nod to myself. No need to stress out. I text Jude back.
Get intel. I’ll take care of it when I get back.
And when will that be?
Tomorrow night.
Jude sends me a thumbs up, and I slide my phone into my pocket. It’s time to see how secure Lydia’s house is. I have no doubt the woman is packing. I’m well aware how southerners live their life. Admirable, really.
When they know how to use them.
I slip around to the front of the house. I saw her put the additional bar lock into the track of the back patio door earlier this evening. She’s smart, I’ll give her that. However, there are three entrances into this house, not including the windows. I’ll make it through one of them. If I can’t, I need to find a new profession. Lydia’s front room light is off, and as I step onto the wooden porch, it creaks.
We’ll see how sharp you are, Duke.
I listen carefully as I make my way to the door. Her lights aren’t motion activated, so I’m still covered in the shadows of the porch. It makes for easy work. I reach for the doorknob—just in case I’m lucky enough to be let in. It’s happened before.
You’d be surprised how many elitists leave their doors unlocked.
However, clearly, Lydia is not one of them. It doesn’t budge. I slip my hand into my pocket, poking around for my lock picking tool. I had no intention of entering her house.
Playing it safe and all that.
But I just…I just need to take a quick peek. And my guess is that she’s sleeping with the door closed, anyway. It’s great for fires.
And terrible for hearing intruders.
