Page 83 of The Protection Agreement

When I get to the office, Grayson and I start clearing out a few things. I keep checking my phone for any updates from Ice.

“When is she back, boss?” Grayson asks.

“Why are you asking?” I ask. Is there something I’m unaware of again?

“Just curious,” he says, giving me a placating answer.

“Speak freely,” I snap.

“Well, you’re drinking your coffee black, you keep checking your phone, and you look like you didn’t sleep.” He rapidly states

“I didn’t sleep, and Ice is supposed to give me updates, but he hasn’t in the last hour.” I admit his observations.

“Are you thinking she won’t return?” He sounds horrified at the thought of her not coming back.

Fuck it. I’m going to New York.

“Go and arrange a flight to New York for me that leaves at the end of the day. I’ll be in New York tonight and make sure to bring her back.”

“Yes!” He’s up fast, forgetting we aren’t done. I decide not to remind him. I can finish on my own.

New York, here I come.

Chapter fifty

Bruce

I land in New York and ping my men the moment I’m off the plane, asking where she is. The answer comes back immediately with her dinner location, with Jonah and another guy. That’s interesting. I’m already on edge about this trip and the fact that I haven’t seen her, and fucking Jonah has her out in the open with some guy. I didn’t want to distract Ice, but now I need to.

Me: Who is she having dinner with?

He replies with a video of the guy sitting next to Jola, laughing and touching her every few seconds. She gives that stiff, polite smile, and the asshole thinks she’s okay with him. Just as the video ends, I get his full name. Dustin Thompson. Thanks, Ice.

I send his picture and name to Malik with a message.

Me: I need a full workup on this guy within the hour.

Malik: Got it.

Me: Alert the guys and Ice that I’m going up to her room.

Malik: Noted.

I move through the blind spots and make my way up to her one-bedroom suite. Her bed is made, with a few dresses laid out on top. I drop my bag and check the room, making sure it’s secure.

Ice: Heading out for the helicopter ride. Thompson left, said he’ll stop by her room later.

Me: Do not leave her side.

Ice: Got it. The ride is about 25 to 30 minutes, then back to the hotel.

My phone rings. It’s Daniel. Fuck, I forgot about our meeting today at the Corner.

“Hello,” I say.

“Where are you, Bruce?” Luke asks.

“Sorry, I forgot about tonight. I can’t make it. I’m in New York,” I say, just as I hear a chorus of what and damn it from all four of them.