normal self is an asshole who works too much,” I remind him.
“True. I’d rather you that way than looking like someone kicked your puppy.”
“I’m going to kick you out of my office.” I glance at the clock. “Shouldn't you be at work?” It’s late afternoon and this is when his day usually starts.
“Get up. We’re going to dinner.”
“I’m not hungry and I have plans.”
“I didn’t ask if you were hungry and I told them not to let you into Vine tonight.”
I level my baby brother with a hard stare. It’s been years since we came to blows. I thought that time period was in the past for us but I’m itching for a good fight. Looking to take out the frustration I have on someone about her leaving. Hoping that it will make me feel better, and here my brother is, practically volunteering to be the recipient.
“I own part of those clubs.” I stand from my chair. He ignores me.
“We’ll eat and if you still want to fight we’ll go to the gym.” He cracks a smile. “If you want to make me the even more handsome brother, that’s fine by me.”
“No, I’ve got plans,” I say again.
“I told Stella if your girl shows up to call. I gave her the same picture I gave you from the surveillance footage from that night.” He slaps his hand down on my shoulder. “I just want you to relax. I know I’m giving you shit but I can see you’re not going to stop until you find her. As much as I’m against this, I’m on your side.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze before he drops his hand.
“Fine. Dinner,” I relent.
He smirks, thinking he’s won. Knowing that Stella will call if my dollface shows up should hold me over. I’m thinking that her turning up at the bar is a lost cause but it’s the only hope I have to hold on to at the moment.
I head toward the closet, grabbing a shirt to change into for dinner. My cell rings in my pocket. I pull it out and see it’s Kurt. Every time he calls it’s like a punch to the gut. He never has shit for me. I answer it immediately.
“Got her.”
I put my hand on the wall to brace myself, not sure that I’ve heard him right.
“You found her? Where is she?” I fire off the questions. He says the last thing I’ve ever thought he’d say.
“Right now. She’s outside of your building.”
3
Amelia
“Yo, Smith, you’re going to give us away.” Smith stands with his arms crossed over his chest in a black suit looking like someone from Men in Black. “I swear I won’t let aliens steal Mia.” She giggles from beside me. “Don’t laugh! He can wipe our memories if he wants to.” I’m nervous and making jokes is how I try to hide it.
“I know that Max is the only one allowed to probe her.” Mia’s giggles turn into full-on laughter. Smith doesn't even crack a smile but I see the amusement in his eyes. He’s somewhat used to our shenanigans.
“Smith, would you be so kind to wait a little ways down?” Mia says in her soft, sweet voice, giving him one of her smiles. He gives her an almost pleading look. I have a feeling he has to do what Mia asks but I know that Max most definitely gave him instructions to stay close.
“We’re trying to spy here, Smith. No one can kidnap us because they can’t even see us.” I motion toward our all-black outfits. I actually see now that this was a bad idea. We kind of look like we’re up to no good with black pants, boots and oversized hoodies. Everyone that walks by gives us odd looks as we try and hide behind a bench.
“Just a little that way.” Mia motions with her hand for him to move down the block.
“The man in the white SUV has been watching you since you got here.” I look around, having no idea what he’s talking about. “Two o’clock, spy girl.”
“Did you just crack a joke, Smith?” I say in mock shock. This time his lips do twitch. I look to his two o’clock but only see a red car.
“Your two o’clock.” He fights a laugh. I shrug my shoulders at him.
“Can’t you just point?” Mia looks around.
“Okay.” Smith starts to raise his hand but I jump toward him, stopping his arm from going up.
“You’ll blow our cover! You can’t just point at