Page 194 of Fierce Storm
“Oh, fuck, Sal. What are you going to do?”
“I wish I knew. I’ve added more security to Paige’s detail and?—”
“She’s going to love that.” Keeley cringes comically and I huff out a laugh.
“Is it bad that I don’t care? I’ll do anything to protect her, even if that means pissing her off.”
“She’ll understand. Though might I suggest including her in the conversation, so she doesn’t freak out to find she’s suddenly surrounded by strange men.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Good. Are you still going to New York tomorrow?”
“Fuck, I don’t know.” I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the strands. “I want to be here for Paige, to convince her to stay, but?—”
My phone chimes, cutting me off, and I pause before checking it. “This’ll be Tabitha confirming my flights. Maybe I should cancel.”
I pull my phone from my pocket, and my blood boils the second I read the texts.
UNKNOWN: Last chance to walk away. It’s time to protect your assets.
UKNOWN: And while you’re at it, you might want to protect your family too.
“Motherfucker.”
“What’s wrong?”
I drop down onto the lounge chair by Keeley’s legs and curl my palm around her thigh, needing her warmth to ground me before I do something stupid. With a deep breath, I hand her my phone before standing up again and pacing the patio.
“Motherfucker,” she repeats my sentiment, making me laugh even though it’s far from funny. “Can you trace this?”
“I can send it to Austin, but it’s most likely a burner.”
“God, you’re right.”
“I have no idea what to do anymore, Keels. I’m ready for a simpler life.”
Keeley frowns, and her eyes dart to my phone once more before widening as she glances my way.
“You have to go to New York.”
“I’m not so sure. It’s?—”
“No,” she cuts me off, her voice firm with conviction. “You have to. I’ve got an idea. You’re going to want to sit down.”
Why the hell is everyone asking me to do that today?I guess that means I’m not going to like this. “Hit me with it. Because I’ve got nothing.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
SALVATORE
The sun is setting as I land, and the second I’m off the plane, I have my phone in my hand, checking in with Austin. “Please tell me nothing has changed.”
“We’re good. Jill Mikkleson is going to meet you in Battery Park at nightfall, near the East Coast Memorial. Are you sure you’re okay with this plan?”
“No. But they’ve gone too far. I refuse to let them fuck with my family anymore. On that note, any news on what Camilla has on the Mikklesons? She’s always too busy to chat when I call.”
“Nothing yet.”
