My eyes scan the door and all the windows. Everything is closed. But it’s light out.
Duke opens several cabinets. I hope he’s looking for a broom and dustpan. I check my phone. Seven in the morning. No messages from Reed or any of the guys.
“Heard anything yet?” Duke asks as he cleans up the shards.
“No.”
Duke opens the fridge and stares. Then he grabs several items. I watch as he cracks a dozen eggs into a bowl, cuts up some onion, bell pepper, and spinach. He glances up. “I’m making a scramble for us. Figure we need to fill up since we don’t know what the day holds.”
I nod. “Good idea. I’m going to grab a shower.”
Despite the fact I’ll be putting the same clothes back on, I need a shower to help me wake up. By the time I come out, the place smells like freshly brewed coffee and eggs. Delaney is sitting at the kitchen table, sipping from a mug.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Good morning,” she replies.
My phone rings on the counter where I left it charging.
I grab it. “Hey, Reed.” I’m happy to hear from him and hoping he has good news for us.
“I have bad news,” he says.
I walk toward the back door. Even though I want to go out and let off some of the steam built up being this close to Delaney, I can’t. Anyone could be watching.
“What’s going on?”
Reed’s chair squeaks as it does when he sits in it. “Duke is being charged with murder and destruction of property in San Diego. I’ve spoken with Brian, and the police have agreed to hold off their search to give Brian time to work a deal.”
I frown. “A deal? What do you mean? He knows Duke didn’t do it.”
“Yeah, not that kind of deal.”
Of course, my brother is thinking about his own case and career. He’s been working on taking down Rocky Manzia for fourteen years.
“For now, you all need to stay at that house. Stay hidden,” Reed continues.
I take a breath, knowing there is no point in discussing my brother’s priorities with Reed. No, I will take that up with him directly.
“We need clothes.”
“Come in,” Reed says to someone else. “Yes, I’ll have some delivered today. Send me the sizes you need.”
“Thank you. I will.” I take another deep breath, but this one sends me into a coughing fit. Damn, my lungs still aren’t fully healed yet.
“How are you doing?” Reed asks. “Sounds like maybe you need to get checked out again.”
“No, I’m fine. The doctor gave me something to use if it gets too bad. I should be back to normal soon.” It’s not a lie. The doctor did give me some kind of inhaler. Unfortunately, I left it back at my brother’s place. Although, to be honest, I never intended to use it anyway.
“Okay. There’s one more thing.”
Reed hesitates, and that tells me whatever it is, I won’t like it. “Brian told me about your history with Delaney Manzia. Do you think you can be objective, or should I send Axel to replace you?”
I close my eyes. Axel. The man is some kind of woman magnet. I don’t get it, but some woman is always hitting on him.
“No,” I grit out. “I’ll be fine.”
“Uh-huh. You don’t sound fine.”
