Page 85 of The Exit Strategy

She glances all around the room, then shrugs. “Probably, but I’m not you. I work best when no one sees me coming. Ithink the question you should be asking yourself is, who are you going for? This is one of those times when the answer should always be yourself—no one else.”

It’s a smart answer. A professional one. But all my questions have always led to her. “Thank you, Junie.”

“Goodnight, Cole.”

I don’t think I breathe until I hear the back door swing shut, then I turn to watch her walk across my driveway and up her stairs.

She turns on her light just as my phone buzzes. I dive for it, thinking it’s her.

It’s not.

Fen & Tonic:

Nolan: Thursday. We’re direct into Charleston.

Nolan: Hudson’s coming on Friday

Fen: I’m bringing the good Irish whiskey.

Fen: Tell Spite-Berry to clear her schedule. We’ve got plans, opinions, and the Wicked Witch of Boston to take down.

Hudson: I have more than opinions.

I set down my phone and stare out my window, directly into the eyes of Junie.

I’ve been saying not yet when it comes to her.

Well, not yet officially has a deadline, and she was the one to set it.

17

HURRICANE FENWAY

JUNIE

There’sa particular brand of chaos that only Fenway Jones can generate.

He arrives in a space and immediately reorganizes the social architecture of it the way a hurricane reorganizes a coastline. Not maliciously. Not even consciously. Just…inevitably.

It’s how he’s always been.

He operates under the impression that people are inherently good, and those who aren’t? Well, that’s where he shines. It’s why he’s so good at what he does. He has the innate ability to read people. To know their next move before it’s even crystallized in their mind.

There’s a reason every professional sports player in Boston is on his roster. It’s why Hollywood elite fly to Boston to work with him.

He’s just that good.

It’s also why he’s taking Grace’s antics so personally.

As my friend, he’d taken her under his wing more than once. Her betrayal didn’t just rock me—it set him off on apersonal vendetta, and there’s no one I’d rather have on my side.

Within four minutes of stepping onto Cole’s property, Fen has ingratiated himself with Dollie, given Stanley ring light advice, determined that Katie needs a signature cocktail named after her, and is currently making a case to Nana Mae for why the S&S group needs its own podcast.

Even Marley’s taking notes.

I’m standing on the porch, tucked behind a pillar, watching it all happen. I’ve spent my life being reorganized by Fenway Jones and have made peace with it.

Then Nolan catches me hiding.