me one of the mugs and I sipped the heavenly brew and whispered my thanks.
“Operation relocate family was a success!” My sister’s voice rose in happiness.
“Excellent. Where is everyone?”
“Quinn and Niko have Liliana and Charlie, but they’d only do it if they got their own rooms. I have Blessing and Addison, and Quinn was able to secure the use of the fully furnished apartment by my biggest donor so Mom, Genesis, and Rory can spread out a bit. We’re all using that place as home base.”
“And Tabby?”
“I’m not gonna lie, Simone, I’m really worried about her. No one has heard a peep. We’ve all gone by her place, even used Mom’s key a few days ago and she wasn’t there. It didn’t look like she’d been there in a couple weeks. Her plants were dead, and her mail had stacked up. Quinn and Niko, knowing we couldn’t go out, went after hours and knocked on some doors on her floor. Turns out she was seen yesterday dashing into her apartment, and then leaving in a change of clothes and wet hair. One of them said she looked sickly and gaunt. I don’t know what that means, but we’re all freaked out.”
Dread licked up my spine and I shivered. Jonah placed his hand on my thigh and rubbed back and forth, his face a mask of concern.
“Maybe Jonah and I can try to catch her before I go to work tonight.”
“Work? At the shop? I didn’t think you worked there on Fridays.”
“No, at Tracks. And before you say anything…”
“Are you fucking insane! Oh my God!” she yelled and then a door slammed.
“SoSo I’m going to be fine…”
“Yeah you are, because you’re not going to work. There is a serial killer after you. He’s already shot you once and has killed close to a dozen women. You narrowly escaped but you know who didn’t?” The diatribe became a screech. “Your boyfriend’s ex-wife! Jesus, Simone! This is beyond stupid.”
“Frankly, Sonia, I don’t care what you think. It’s either go to work or I’m fired. I don’t have a choice.”
“We all have choices, Simone. The right choice is your life. You tell the owner to stick it where the sun don’t shine, and you quit.”
“I can’t.” Tears filled my eyes and Jonah squeezed my knee. “I need the money.”
“I’ll give you money. Whatever you need. You want ten grand, I’ll write you a check today. That should be enough to get you settled in a new place with some furniture, and then I’ll cosign and put money down on a new car for you. Whatever it takes. Do not go to work.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I have to make my own way. I have some new prospects for the future but in the meantime, I have to go to work. You don’t understand…”
“No, I don’t understand. Putting yourself willingly at risk is entirely selfish. Especially when I’m offering you an alternate route. One that will keep you alive, safe, and on the right track.”
My heart felt like a vice was squeezing it so hard I could barely catch my breath. “Jonah is going to be with me. He’ll stay right at the bar all night.”
“It’s not enough. Don’t you see, Simone? This man is after you. He wants you dead. This is not a risk you should take.”
“Well, here’s the deal, SoSo. I’m my own person. I make my own choices, and this is something I have to do. I’m sorry that it offends or upsets you, but it’s what I’m doing. You’re just going to have to live with it. Now I’ve got a hunky FBI man who just brought me coffee and looks incredibly sexy all showered and dressed ready to take on the day. I’m going to spend some time showing him my appreciation for supporting me in what I need to do for me. Okay? Great. Nice chatting with you. Bye!” I pressed the red button so fast my finger smarted.
“That was some call.” He canted his head and focused those dark eyes on me. “You okay?”
“My sister can be such a bitch,” I grumbled.
“Definitely can relate to that.” He cupped my cheek, leaned forward, and gave me an amazing kiss. “Morning, gorgeous.”
I sighed against his mouth. “Good morning, handsome. How did you sleep?”
He grinned. “Best I’ve had in so long I can’t remember. I’m completely rested.”
I smiled wide. “Stick with me, kid, and you’ll be sleeping easy for the rest of your life,” I teased and