“I still get on his nerves. He puts up with me now I’m making us money, I guess, and at least he’s one person I know I can trust.”
Nolan popped another bite of French toast in his mouth and didn’t mention that he had Oliver doing a deep dive into Micah’s finances. The fact that Micah’d hired his brother a good security firm was in his favor, but he wouldn’t be the first person to try to wring extra money out of his own company by illegal means.
By the time they’d finished eating and washed the dishes, Amelia had pulled up out front. Nolan paused at the apartment door and ran a quick look up and down Fynn. “Wallet, keys, phone?”
“Got ’em.” Fynn’s tone held a hint of impatience.
“Shopping list?”
“Crap.”
Nolan suppressed a smile as Fynn hurried into the kitchen to grab the pad off the refrigerator.
“I’m surprised you don’t use your phone for that.” He checked the hallway and lobby cameras on his screen, then ushered Fynn out and down the hall.
“My phone isn’t always handy in the kitchen and by the time I find it, I’ve forgotten what I wanted to write down.”
“Makes sense.” Nolan stood ahead of Fynn in the elevator, settling his ear-bud in place, and checked the lobby before ushering Fynn out. A young woman coming in gave Nolan an admiring once-over and nodded to Fynn on her way past. Nolan stepped back to be out of her direct reach and made sure the elevator had closed behind her before leading Fynn through the lobby and up to the glass door. “There’s the Navigator.” He pointed at his car.
Amelia waved and got out, standing by the driver’s door, scanning the street. She gave them a thumbs up, which meant no bogeys and no paparazzi. Apparently, the police report from the day before hadn’t leaked anywhere yet. Maybe there was an advantage to having a detective who didn’t give two shits about the victims.
Fynn took a shaky-sounding breath.
Nolan set a hand on Fynn’s back. “Go on out, down the step, across the sidewalk, and get into the back seat. Twenty feet. I’ll be right behind you. Scoot over to the other side and I’ll get in after you. Piece of cake.”
“Right.” Fynn didn’t move.
“Or we could skip shopping and order in. Or I could send someone to do it.”
“No!” Fynn yanked open the door and strode out.
Nolan followed him at the correct distance, senses alert.
Fynn scurried down the walk, and Amelia rounded the car to open the back door. Fynn scrambled inside, and Nolan closed the gap, getting in after him. He’d opted for captain’s chairs in the second row. Fynn moved over and collapsed into the one behind the driver’s seat. Nolan seated himself and swung the door shut. Amelia rounded the car and got in.
“Looking good, boss. Any change of plans?”
“Nope. All-Foods Market. Nice and easy.” He turned to Fynn who was still breathing hard and set a hand on his knee. “Buckle your seatbelt.”
“Yeah. Sure.” Fynn rubbed his shoulder and reached for the strap. “Hey. Bonus.”
“Huh?”
“Last two times I was on the other side of the car, so this belt doesn’t hit my bruised shoulder.”
Bruised.“How sore are you?”
“It’s okay.” Fynn clicked the buckle, tugged on the strap a couple of times as if testing its security, and gave Nolan a sickly grin. “Ready.”
Nolan said into his ear bud. “Call Charlie.” When the reply of “Yes, boss,” came through, he told Charlie, “We’re about to head out. Keep your eyes open.”
“Charlie’s around?” Fynn craned his neck looking back as Amelia pulled out into traffic. “I don’t see him.”
“You’re not supposed to. He’ll hang back, make sure we don’t have a tail, and then watch the car and the exit while we’re in the store.”
“So I’m not being paranoid?” Fynn’s voice squeaked.
Nolan squeezed Fynn’s knee gently with the hand he somehow hadn’t yet moved. “We’re just being careful.”
