Page 101 of Fly's Path

Carrying her back to the car would be easier anyway. Slowly, so as not to jostle her, I scoot out from under her, gently resting her body on the pillows. It’s hard not to stand there staring, imagining a time when that pillow will be mine, covered in her hair.

But now isn’t the time for that either. Integer will be here soon. I heft her up, cradling her in my arms. She’s lighter than I expected. Much lighter. Runners tend to be thinner but denser because of muscle weight. Sheri’s too light.

Like you know what a woman should feel like in your arms. They should feel exactly like this…

Integer pulls up just as I reach the SUV. He opens the passenger door and leans back the seat. I set her down and buckle her in, closing the door behind me. “You know where to take her.”

“Vex’s house.” Integer tosses me the keys.

“Why didn’t Leech come?”

“He’s on the way to the meeting point.”

Leech doesn’t fight, but he’s good at sewing someone up. “Got it. Drive safe. You have precious cargo.”

Integer nods. “I’ll protect your woman with my life. Don’t worry about her.”

“Don’t get dead.”

He laughs. “Message received.”

But does he truly understand just how bad it could be? Has Integer met Vex?

That’s going to be interesting.

Integer doesn’t ask the same of me. We both know I might be driving to my death. We’re about to find out just how bad the carnage is.

Waking Up Alone

Sheridan

The world is too silent. Where’s the movie?

Where are Fly’s arms? His warmth?

Something’s wrong.

My eyes pop open.

I’m in a car. “What happened? Where am I?”

“Fly had to go.”

What? “You aren’t Fly. Where is he? What happened? Am I about to be killed?” Should I jump out of the door?

“You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you. My name is Integer. I’m a friend of Fly’s. Something came up, and Fly had to go. You were so deeply asleep that he didn’t want to wake you up.” Integer doesn’t look away from the road as he answers.

My sleep-addled brain tries to identify him. “Have I met you? Where did Fly go? I should call him. Where’s my purse?”

“It’s right there by your feet. Your phone should be in it. Fly had something to take care of. He’ll be unavailable for several hours. But feel free to call anyone else. Dylan and Greer should be able to identify me. Go ahead and give them a call.”

That doesn’t sound like the way any thriller starts. I twist my body as I reach for my purse. He doesn’t try to stop me. Integer has one of those honest, open-looking faces…though he gives off nerdy vibes. That could be because he’s wearing glasses. “Tell me about Fly’s house.”

“Which one?”

Which one? He has more than one mansion.

“He has three that I know of, but he probably has a few more around the world. Though he doesn’t travel as much as he used to. The one in Silent Valley is contemporary in design. Shall I go on?”