Page 165 of Make Us Yours
“Agent Callahan has informed me that he and an associate have gone door-to-door at every unit in the building. Most graciously let them into their home, and those that did not were not present. I have gathered the names of all those people and looked up their whereabouts,” Julian tells us while Veronica goes through the list.
“Five are currently out of the state, and two must have simply been away during the time of visit. My guess is he is hiding out in one of those seven units. But unfortunately, we cannot just break into their place of residence. So it is once again a waiting game until we get more leads or a warrant letting Agent Callahan in.”
I sigh as Gabe passes his fingers through his hair, both of us clearly irritated with the whole situation. It feels like we’re just sitting ducks waiting for something to happen. Veronica finishes looking over the images and pushes the laptop back to Julian. “I’m sorry, I really don’t recognize anyone.”
He frowns. “And you have not been approached by anyone in the building? Someone asking unusual questions? Maybe even attempting to get friendly?” She shakes her head.
He closes his eyes, fumes practically bursting out of his ears as his nostrils flare. This situation is obviously pissing him off as much as it is us. When he opens his eyes, Veronica looks down with self-reproach.
“Forgive me, my frustration is not aimed toward you, Veronica. I am simply exasperated and displeased with myself.” He swipes his hand over his hair, the first sign that he isn’t in complete control. “I have never had trouble finding someone who was well hidden. I can find someone who has been off the grid for the past decade. And if I cannot do it, then Jessie will. But neither of us can seem to locate this man, despite him being right under our noses.”
He stands from the stool, buttoning up his suit jacket and adjusting his cufflinks. “I regret that I cannot offer you better news, or any news at all. But I promise you, we will not stop until we find him.”
Blubber suddenly comes up to him, passing between his legs and sitting at his feet with a meow as Julian looks down with disgust. “That thing is monstrous.”
“Hey! I don’t come into your home and call your things ugly!” Veronica glares at him.
He looks up at her, his lip twitching with a bit of amusement. “You are right, my sincerest apologies.” He gathers his laptop and nods our way. “I will be seeing myself out, thank you for having me.” He turns and heads for the elevator.
“We didn’t really have a choice in the matter,” I grumble under my breath.
Veronica jumps from her stool, rushing after him, my steps not far behind hers. “Wait, Julian!” He turns just as she catches up to him, elevator doors already open. “There was something I wanted to talk to you about.”
He looks at his watch, then back at her. “I am listening.”
“Aubrey would like to move back into our condo. She was wondering if that would be possible, although she would be alone.” Veronica chews on her lower lip, visibly not liking that fact.
“If she would like to move back into her home, I cannot physically stop her, but I would like to put in one condition. It is the only way a certain someone will not rip my head off for letting her live alone.” Amusement shines in his eyes once more.
Veronica smiles, then nods sharply. “I understand. What would the condition be?”
“Around-the-clock personal security. Meaning in home living until this situation is rectified. Wherever she goes, he goes.” Now he smirks wickedly.
“Oh…” Veronica’s eyes widen. “And you think this certain someone will be okay with that?”
“Oh, I know he will not be. But that simply makes it more fun.” He turns, stepping into the elevator. “Talk to her and let me know when she has come to a decision and when she plans on moving back. She will be introduced to her security personnel beforehand.” The door shuts, ending the conversation there.
“Why does that guy always sound like such an asshole?” Gabe asks from behind us as we turn to him.
“Because he is an asshole,” I clarify.
“Stop it, he’s helping us when he didn’t have to. He might be rough around the edges, but I think deep down he’s a good guy.”
Veronica passes me, only stopping for a quick kiss, then heads for Gabe and does the same before grabbing the nasty smoothie from his hand. “Thank you, baby.”
“Anything for you, milady. Breakfast should be ready in five,” he tells us, turning back to the kitchen.
Veronica takes a sip of her drink and sighs happily, then points it out toward me. “Want some?” She smirks.
I make a face, repulsed by the idea of drinking that concoction. “No, thank you.”
She shrugs. “Your loss.” She takes another sip then her eyes fall on the elevator doors. “Is it okay if we skip our run this morning?”
True to her word, my Kitten has been running with me every single morning, as well as working out with us. She’s not exactly up to my speed, but I admire her determination. And thanks to her, I haven’t touched anything strong in two weeks despite being tempted once, which means I was granted my car privileges back yesterday. It really sucked not having a car of my own, and everywhere we went, she would drive me.
So much for having a car no one was allowed to drive.But of course, our girl is the exception to every rule. I’d give her the fucking world if I could.
I take a step closer, placing my hand at the back of her head as I kiss her temple. “Yeah, Kitten.”
