Flee, page 7
“Yes,” Gage said forcefully. “I have a top of the line security system. I walked Betsy outside so she’s never alone. If I’m not here, she’s not here. Same with you. I’m letting you know about this so you know what’s going on.”
Dawn laughed mirthlessly. “I don’t know what’s going on. A man I didn’t know well decided to give me his fortune instead of his own kid. And now his kid is going to come after me in order to make sure he gets what he wants. How does any of this make sense?”
Gage inhaled slowly and let the breath out. “It doesn’t. None of it does. I’ve had clients change their wills for any number of reasons, but for it to happen so close to Mr. Davis’s death and for him to change it to someone outside his family is unusual.”
Gage’s words put Dawn on the defensive. She recoiled slightly, sitting up straight and facing the man who just told her she was being given something she didn’t deserve.
She already knew that. She knew that the moment he told her about the will. But she didn’t ask for it. She didn’t talk him into it. She had nothing to do with the change.
“I had no idea Mr. Davis had this kind of money, or that he was going to leave it all to me.”
Gage looked closely at her, close enough that Dawn fidgeted in her seat. She fought the urge to hide her gaze or squeeze her hands together.
Gage pushed his chair back and turned to face her. He reached out and took one of her hands in his.
Dawn sucked in a breath at the intimate contact. He was holding her hand, but it felt so much bigger. So much more personal. Like a caress from a lover.
Dammit, she needed to stop thinking about him like that.
Then he spoke. “I never suspected you of any wrongdoing, Dawn. It only took a few minutes with you to see what Mr. Davis saw. To know you are the kind of person who is not only capable of running his company, but compassionate enough to do it with the care it requires. It’s not going to be an easy task. It’s a big company, and there’s a lot to it, but you’re not going into this alone. I’ve been his lawyer for years, and I will be here for you every step of the way. I believe in you. So damn much. This was a huge ask, and one I wished Robert had been able to make in person instead of only leaving behind a letter for you. But he made the right choice. You are going to do an amazing job.”
Emotion welled up in her throat. No one had ever spoken to her like that. Had ever had pure blind faith in her abilities. It was intoxicating and empowering. She didn’t want to let him down. She wanted to kick ass and prove him right.
And she would.
She sat up straighter and tugged gently on his hand. She didn’t stop to think about what she was doing, she just leaned in and kissed the man who made her feel like she could do anything.
His lips were warm and soft. His breath whispered over her cheeks. For half a second, Dawn thought she misread everything and almost pulled back, but then he moved his mouth against hers.
Gage’s hand squeezed hers. His other one cupped her neck, holding her in place. He kissed her softly, in no hurry to move things along.
Dawn sighed happily and licked his lips. He tasted good, and then he opened for her, and he tasted even better.
And when he let out a soft growl, she knew she was in trouble. She could easily get lost in him, and she wanted to. God, she wanted to. Damn the promise she made to herself. Damn the independence she was striving for. She could do both. Enjoy Gage and stand on her own.
But first she was going to enjoy kissing the sexy lawyer who was giving her billions of dollars. Life was good.
7
Damn the consequences. Damn the lines. Damn everything that meant he should stop kissing her. She whimpered against his lips, like she was just as lost as he was to what they were doing.
A kiss. A simple kiss. And it was rendering him senseless. Gone were all the thoughts of her being his client and the whole thing being wrong. All he cared about was making sure she knew he was all in on whatever she wanted this to be.
All. In.
She sighed happily and eased back. She nibbled her lower lip and looked up at him with a tentative smile. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Gage raised one brow and smirked. “I will always believe in you. Feel free to show your appreciation of that any time you want.”
Dawn exhaled a laugh. “I haven’t felt like a sure bet in a long time.”
Gage shook his head and finally released her. Even though he knew about her past, she didn’t know he knew. He wasn’t going to let on. He wanted her to trust him with the truth. With her past.
“Mr. Davis clearly knew you well enough to believe you were.”
Again, she laughed like she was either surprised or didn’t believe it. “I’m not sure why.”
“One thing I learned about Robert over the years was that he saw things no one else did. He was a very intuitive person. It’s one of the reasons he was so successful.”
“One of the reasons?”
“He was also smart as hell and surrounded himself with people who were just as smart or smarter.”
Dawn grinned. “Does that include you?”
Gage snorted and shook his head. “I’m not sure I could ever count myself as being near as smart as Robert. He was a unique man.”
Dawn nodded thoughtfully. She was quiet again, taking her time to process whatever she was going to say next. “Do you really think he made the right decision?”
Gage nodded without hesitation. “Absolutely. I do wish he’d had a chance to speak to you in person, though. Maybe even bring you into the company and show you around himself.”
“That would have been nice. Do you even know who I would talk to when I go there? Or where there is?”
Gage chuckled. “Yes, I’ll make sure you have all the information you need and ways to contact people. The company has been running without Robert for a while, so they won’t expect you to jump in and handle things. You can ease in and be as involved as you’d like to be.”
“Is Trevor involved in the business?”
“No. Not at all. Trevor never had an interest in it. And Robert never wanted him involved. I believe that’s why he left everything to you. He wanted to make sure Trevor couldn’t get access to anything.”
“Well, that’s something at least. And I’d like to be involved. I don’t know anything, but I’d like to learn. Hopefully someone will be willing to show me a few things.”
“Tabitha Martin is the COO of Davis Developments. She’s the one who’s been running everything since Robert stepped aside.”
“And she knows about me?”
“She knows someone has been named the beneficiary and will be coming in, but she doesn’t know your name. No one does. But it’s only a matter of time.”
“Until all of this blows up in my face.”
Gage shook his head. He understood her apprehension, but he hoped it was temporary. Trevor would get over his anger and move on. “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, we’ll figure it out. I’m not going to leave you blowing in the wind, so to speak.”
Dawn smiled at him. Determination once again filled her gaze. She nodded sharply and returned to the paperwork they were reviewing. She was ready to step into her position. And Gage was happy to see her do it.
Gage and Dawn walked out of his office together. He wanted to invite her to dinner, but the weary look in her eyes and the stack of paperwork she carried with her said she was overwhelmed and in need of some sleep.
“You will call if you need anything, right?” Gage implored.
Dawn deposited the messenger bag full of files onto her front seat and stood to face him. She closed the door and nodded. “I will. I’m sure I’ll be in touch again soon. But I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
“Partly, it’s my job. Partly, I know you’re going to be good for Davis Developments. And partly, I’m selfish and wanted to spend more time with you.”
The blush that stained her cheeks made Gage want to kiss her again, but he resisted.
“I could quickly become addicted to you,” Dawn whispered, almost a confession.
“I don’t know that I think that’s a bad thing.”
She smiled mirthlessly. “I’m not sure it’s a good thing. For now, I’ll just say goodnight and thank you. Again.”
“Good night, Dawn.”
He waited until she got in her car and pulled away before he went to his SUV. He noticed someone sitting in a vehicle a few spaces away from him. They didn’t appear to be paying Gage any attention, but it still caught his attention.
Gage started his SUV and took a minute to watch the other person. He couldn’t see clearly through their windshield, not even well enough to tell if it was likely a man or woman in the vehicle. Figuring it was coincidence the person was parked there, Gage pulled away from his office.
He made two turns, and a minute later, he spotted the vehicle three behind him.
He was being followed.
His heart thumped hard. His palms were slick against the steering wheel. Going home wasn’t a good idea, even though Trevor had already proven he knew where Gage lived.
What should he do?
Gage tried to remain calm. He didn’t speed, and he didn’t make quick moves. He took turns leisurely, like he was planning them even though they sent him in circles and had him doubling back over roads he’d already driven.
Despite all that, the vehicle and his shadow remained.
Gage debated calling Marcus, but he didn’t like the idea of wasting police resources for something he could handle. He hoped.
Gage pulled into a gas station and parked near the door. He got out of his SUV and headed inside, watching to see if the other vehicle pulled up.
A Black woman got out and looked around. She tugged her jacket down over her hips, outlining the gun tucked underneath.
Shit.
A young woman with two kids was inside. As was the clerk, an older couple, and a man who looked like he was in his late twenties. Lots of people who could be collateral damage if the woman following Gage was trigger-happy.
He should have called Marcus.
Gage headed to the bathroom, hoping the woman saw him head that way and followed instead of hanging out near the innocent customers. He turned the corner and tried not to be obvious he was looking.
She was following him.
Gage paused on the other side of the corner, knowing his only chance to get out of this without anyone getting hurt was to catch her by surprise.
She stepped around the corner, and Gage grabbed her arm. He spun her around and pressed her to the wall, face first.
She let out a soft oof.
“Why are you following me?” Gage snarled in her ear. He was bigger than her, but she was strong, and she was fighting back.
“Get off me.”
“Not until you tell me why you’re following me. Did Trevor send you?”
She shook her head. “If you’ll let me reach into my pocket, I can get my badge.”
“You’re a cop?” Gage didn’t believe that for a second. And he didn’t let her up.
She shook her head. “No. I’m FBI. I’m one of the agents working the whole case, and I was asked to keep an eye on you. To make sure you were safe.”
“Why wasn’t I informed?” Gage still didn’t believe her.
“Because if you knew, you would potentially draw attention to me and then Trevor Davis would know I was there.”
“Because he sent you.”
“Call Marcus,” the woman said with a sigh. “My ID is in my left inside pocket. Read it to him, and he’ll confirm my identity.”
“Marcus who?” Gage asked. One more piece of information.
“Captain Marcus Patrick. He’s the one who asked me to follow you. Said you’re in danger. Already had your office and home broken into and wanted to make sure you’re safe.”
“And he didn’t tell me so I wouldn’t give away your presence.”
“Just call him,” the woman spat.
Gage kept his arm against the back of her neck. He reached into her jacket and retrieved the ID she mentioned. Lorelei Sloane. Why did that name sound vaguely familiar?
He held the ID in the hand holding her to the wall and got his phone out. He tapped Marcus’s name and waited for his friend to answer.
“Patrick.”
“Do you know a Lorelei Sloane?”
Marcus snorted. “Caught her, huh? I knew she wouldn’t take too kindly to the assignment.”
“I did fine,” Lorelei argued, clearly able to hear the conversation.
“Then why is Gage calling me?” Marcus asked.
Lorelei grumbled. “Can you let me up now?”
Gage took his arm from the back of her neck and held the ID up to the woman who claimed to be her. Gage couldn’t find any variance from her picture to the woman in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Marcus asked with far less humor.
“Yeah,” Gage answered. “I didn’t realize you were going to have me followed.”
“I figured you would argue if I asked, so I didn’t ask.”
“I would have definitely argued. Do you have someone following…?” Gage looked at Lorelei and then past her to the rest of the convenience store. He couldn’t see around the corner, or know if anyone was listening to their conversation.
“Yes. Although he hasn’t been caught yet,” Marcus said, likely for Lorelei’s benefit.
Lorelei scowled and snatched her ID back from Gage, tucking it back in the pocket he got it from.
“What else are you keeping from me?” Gage asked. He knew there was a lot going on, and he knew it was an open investigation, but he didn’t like being kept in the dark. And he really didn’t like being treated like he was vulnerable.
Marcus sighed. “Not over the phone.”
“When?”
“Thursday night. We’re already planning it,” Lorelei said.
“Give him the information,” Marcus told her, through Gage.
“Copy.”
“And stop tailing me?” Gage asked, although he wasn’t entirely sure who he was directing the question to.
“Yeah, yeah. For now. We reserve the right to resume that anytime,” Marcus said.
“Fine,” Gage agreed, knowing he’d fight it, even if he wasn’t sure he’d win.
Gage hung up and faced the woman who looked no happier than he was about their situation. “Do I need to be worried?”
“Haven’t you been paying attention to the news the last year? We should all be worried,” Lorelei said.
Gage sucked in a breath. He had his suspicions about Trevor, but knowing others agreed with them, and had evidence that linked him to the hell Niagara Falls had been through in the last year, made Gage anxious instead of relieved.
“Be at this address Thursday night at seven. Don’t tell anyone else about it. You can confirm the address with Marcus, but don’t do it over the phone or in text. We have no idea who is watching and who is being watched.”
“We?”
She smiled, her eyes lighting up. Her brown skin was smooth and free of makeup. He put her age somewhere around mid-thirties. She didn’t look familiar to Gage, but he knew her name was.
“Yes, we. You’ll meet everyone in two days. If you show up.”
“And you’ll stop following me until then.”
She snorted. “You act like I wanted this assignment. It was a favor to Marcus. I owed him. I’d much rather be finding the man who’s messed up so many lives than babysitting you, but…” She shrugged as if there was no more explanation.
“Well, thanks. I think.”
Lorelei clapped him on the back, then moved to the hallway, peering around the corner before she walked away from him.
Gage watched her go, wondering what in the hell just happened. And who ‘we’ was. And how he got involved in all of this.
Dawn treated herself to dinner on the way home from Gage’s office. She considered ordering a pizza and picking it up, but she wanted to celebrate.
She was rich! Not just a little rich, but a lot rich. No, the money wasn’t in her accounts, but she had access to it. Gage helped her sign in to the bank accounts, and he gave her the paperwork she needed to take to the bank so they could change everything to her name. Which she planned to do first thing in the morning.
It was surreal. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it, but when she sat down at the table in the fancy restaurant with cloth napkins and tablecloths, she didn’t think it would take as long to get used to as she feared.
Her meal was exceptional. Her server was willing to help her figure out what to order. Dawn wanted to experiment. She splurged on caviar to start with, surprised by how much she enjoyed it. For dinner, the server recommended grilled swordfish with goat cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. A glass of sweet wine was the perfect addition, and another thing Dawn never would have allowed herself to get without so many zeroes in her bank account.
When she finished eating, she left the server a very large tip in thanks for all her help, and Dawn left feeling warm and cozy and full.
She twirled her keys around her finger on her way to the car. She carried the messenger bag full of paperwork, feeling silly taking it into the restaurant until she made it around to the driver’s side of her car.
BITCH was spray-painted across the entire side of the car. The black paint dripped, mocking Dawn and turning her stomach. Whoever did that was just there.
Dawn spun, looking around the darkening parking lot. She didn’t see anyone, not who looked like her assailant. No one was running away with cans of spray paint in their hands.
Dawn almost laughed at the thought. If only it were that easy.
“Are you okay?” a woman asked, surprising Dawn.
Dawn spun and shook her head. “No, not really.”
“Do you want to call someone?”
Dawn stared at the car. It was paint. It was mean and ugly, but her insurance would charge her more if she filed a claim. And it would cost her more than she was willing to spend out-of-pocket to have the car repainted.
“No. I’m fine.”
Dawn laughed mirthlessly. “I don’t know what’s going on. A man I didn’t know well decided to give me his fortune instead of his own kid. And now his kid is going to come after me in order to make sure he gets what he wants. How does any of this make sense?”
Gage inhaled slowly and let the breath out. “It doesn’t. None of it does. I’ve had clients change their wills for any number of reasons, but for it to happen so close to Mr. Davis’s death and for him to change it to someone outside his family is unusual.”
Gage’s words put Dawn on the defensive. She recoiled slightly, sitting up straight and facing the man who just told her she was being given something she didn’t deserve.
She already knew that. She knew that the moment he told her about the will. But she didn’t ask for it. She didn’t talk him into it. She had nothing to do with the change.
“I had no idea Mr. Davis had this kind of money, or that he was going to leave it all to me.”
Gage looked closely at her, close enough that Dawn fidgeted in her seat. She fought the urge to hide her gaze or squeeze her hands together.
Gage pushed his chair back and turned to face her. He reached out and took one of her hands in his.
Dawn sucked in a breath at the intimate contact. He was holding her hand, but it felt so much bigger. So much more personal. Like a caress from a lover.
Dammit, she needed to stop thinking about him like that.
Then he spoke. “I never suspected you of any wrongdoing, Dawn. It only took a few minutes with you to see what Mr. Davis saw. To know you are the kind of person who is not only capable of running his company, but compassionate enough to do it with the care it requires. It’s not going to be an easy task. It’s a big company, and there’s a lot to it, but you’re not going into this alone. I’ve been his lawyer for years, and I will be here for you every step of the way. I believe in you. So damn much. This was a huge ask, and one I wished Robert had been able to make in person instead of only leaving behind a letter for you. But he made the right choice. You are going to do an amazing job.”
Emotion welled up in her throat. No one had ever spoken to her like that. Had ever had pure blind faith in her abilities. It was intoxicating and empowering. She didn’t want to let him down. She wanted to kick ass and prove him right.
And she would.
She sat up straighter and tugged gently on his hand. She didn’t stop to think about what she was doing, she just leaned in and kissed the man who made her feel like she could do anything.
His lips were warm and soft. His breath whispered over her cheeks. For half a second, Dawn thought she misread everything and almost pulled back, but then he moved his mouth against hers.
Gage’s hand squeezed hers. His other one cupped her neck, holding her in place. He kissed her softly, in no hurry to move things along.
Dawn sighed happily and licked his lips. He tasted good, and then he opened for her, and he tasted even better.
And when he let out a soft growl, she knew she was in trouble. She could easily get lost in him, and she wanted to. God, she wanted to. Damn the promise she made to herself. Damn the independence she was striving for. She could do both. Enjoy Gage and stand on her own.
But first she was going to enjoy kissing the sexy lawyer who was giving her billions of dollars. Life was good.
7
Damn the consequences. Damn the lines. Damn everything that meant he should stop kissing her. She whimpered against his lips, like she was just as lost as he was to what they were doing.
A kiss. A simple kiss. And it was rendering him senseless. Gone were all the thoughts of her being his client and the whole thing being wrong. All he cared about was making sure she knew he was all in on whatever she wanted this to be.
All. In.
She sighed happily and eased back. She nibbled her lower lip and looked up at him with a tentative smile. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Gage raised one brow and smirked. “I will always believe in you. Feel free to show your appreciation of that any time you want.”
Dawn exhaled a laugh. “I haven’t felt like a sure bet in a long time.”
Gage shook his head and finally released her. Even though he knew about her past, she didn’t know he knew. He wasn’t going to let on. He wanted her to trust him with the truth. With her past.
“Mr. Davis clearly knew you well enough to believe you were.”
Again, she laughed like she was either surprised or didn’t believe it. “I’m not sure why.”
“One thing I learned about Robert over the years was that he saw things no one else did. He was a very intuitive person. It’s one of the reasons he was so successful.”
“One of the reasons?”
“He was also smart as hell and surrounded himself with people who were just as smart or smarter.”
Dawn grinned. “Does that include you?”
Gage snorted and shook his head. “I’m not sure I could ever count myself as being near as smart as Robert. He was a unique man.”
Dawn nodded thoughtfully. She was quiet again, taking her time to process whatever she was going to say next. “Do you really think he made the right decision?”
Gage nodded without hesitation. “Absolutely. I do wish he’d had a chance to speak to you in person, though. Maybe even bring you into the company and show you around himself.”
“That would have been nice. Do you even know who I would talk to when I go there? Or where there is?”
Gage chuckled. “Yes, I’ll make sure you have all the information you need and ways to contact people. The company has been running without Robert for a while, so they won’t expect you to jump in and handle things. You can ease in and be as involved as you’d like to be.”
“Is Trevor involved in the business?”
“No. Not at all. Trevor never had an interest in it. And Robert never wanted him involved. I believe that’s why he left everything to you. He wanted to make sure Trevor couldn’t get access to anything.”
“Well, that’s something at least. And I’d like to be involved. I don’t know anything, but I’d like to learn. Hopefully someone will be willing to show me a few things.”
“Tabitha Martin is the COO of Davis Developments. She’s the one who’s been running everything since Robert stepped aside.”
“And she knows about me?”
“She knows someone has been named the beneficiary and will be coming in, but she doesn’t know your name. No one does. But it’s only a matter of time.”
“Until all of this blows up in my face.”
Gage shook his head. He understood her apprehension, but he hoped it was temporary. Trevor would get over his anger and move on. “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, we’ll figure it out. I’m not going to leave you blowing in the wind, so to speak.”
Dawn smiled at him. Determination once again filled her gaze. She nodded sharply and returned to the paperwork they were reviewing. She was ready to step into her position. And Gage was happy to see her do it.
Gage and Dawn walked out of his office together. He wanted to invite her to dinner, but the weary look in her eyes and the stack of paperwork she carried with her said she was overwhelmed and in need of some sleep.
“You will call if you need anything, right?” Gage implored.
Dawn deposited the messenger bag full of files onto her front seat and stood to face him. She closed the door and nodded. “I will. I’m sure I’ll be in touch again soon. But I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
“Partly, it’s my job. Partly, I know you’re going to be good for Davis Developments. And partly, I’m selfish and wanted to spend more time with you.”
The blush that stained her cheeks made Gage want to kiss her again, but he resisted.
“I could quickly become addicted to you,” Dawn whispered, almost a confession.
“I don’t know that I think that’s a bad thing.”
She smiled mirthlessly. “I’m not sure it’s a good thing. For now, I’ll just say goodnight and thank you. Again.”
“Good night, Dawn.”
He waited until she got in her car and pulled away before he went to his SUV. He noticed someone sitting in a vehicle a few spaces away from him. They didn’t appear to be paying Gage any attention, but it still caught his attention.
Gage started his SUV and took a minute to watch the other person. He couldn’t see clearly through their windshield, not even well enough to tell if it was likely a man or woman in the vehicle. Figuring it was coincidence the person was parked there, Gage pulled away from his office.
He made two turns, and a minute later, he spotted the vehicle three behind him.
He was being followed.
His heart thumped hard. His palms were slick against the steering wheel. Going home wasn’t a good idea, even though Trevor had already proven he knew where Gage lived.
What should he do?
Gage tried to remain calm. He didn’t speed, and he didn’t make quick moves. He took turns leisurely, like he was planning them even though they sent him in circles and had him doubling back over roads he’d already driven.
Despite all that, the vehicle and his shadow remained.
Gage debated calling Marcus, but he didn’t like the idea of wasting police resources for something he could handle. He hoped.
Gage pulled into a gas station and parked near the door. He got out of his SUV and headed inside, watching to see if the other vehicle pulled up.
A Black woman got out and looked around. She tugged her jacket down over her hips, outlining the gun tucked underneath.
Shit.
A young woman with two kids was inside. As was the clerk, an older couple, and a man who looked like he was in his late twenties. Lots of people who could be collateral damage if the woman following Gage was trigger-happy.
He should have called Marcus.
Gage headed to the bathroom, hoping the woman saw him head that way and followed instead of hanging out near the innocent customers. He turned the corner and tried not to be obvious he was looking.
She was following him.
Gage paused on the other side of the corner, knowing his only chance to get out of this without anyone getting hurt was to catch her by surprise.
She stepped around the corner, and Gage grabbed her arm. He spun her around and pressed her to the wall, face first.
She let out a soft oof.
“Why are you following me?” Gage snarled in her ear. He was bigger than her, but she was strong, and she was fighting back.
“Get off me.”
“Not until you tell me why you’re following me. Did Trevor send you?”
She shook her head. “If you’ll let me reach into my pocket, I can get my badge.”
“You’re a cop?” Gage didn’t believe that for a second. And he didn’t let her up.
She shook her head. “No. I’m FBI. I’m one of the agents working the whole case, and I was asked to keep an eye on you. To make sure you were safe.”
“Why wasn’t I informed?” Gage still didn’t believe her.
“Because if you knew, you would potentially draw attention to me and then Trevor Davis would know I was there.”
“Because he sent you.”
“Call Marcus,” the woman said with a sigh. “My ID is in my left inside pocket. Read it to him, and he’ll confirm my identity.”
“Marcus who?” Gage asked. One more piece of information.
“Captain Marcus Patrick. He’s the one who asked me to follow you. Said you’re in danger. Already had your office and home broken into and wanted to make sure you’re safe.”
“And he didn’t tell me so I wouldn’t give away your presence.”
“Just call him,” the woman spat.
Gage kept his arm against the back of her neck. He reached into her jacket and retrieved the ID she mentioned. Lorelei Sloane. Why did that name sound vaguely familiar?
He held the ID in the hand holding her to the wall and got his phone out. He tapped Marcus’s name and waited for his friend to answer.
“Patrick.”
“Do you know a Lorelei Sloane?”
Marcus snorted. “Caught her, huh? I knew she wouldn’t take too kindly to the assignment.”
“I did fine,” Lorelei argued, clearly able to hear the conversation.
“Then why is Gage calling me?” Marcus asked.
Lorelei grumbled. “Can you let me up now?”
Gage took his arm from the back of her neck and held the ID up to the woman who claimed to be her. Gage couldn’t find any variance from her picture to the woman in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Marcus asked with far less humor.
“Yeah,” Gage answered. “I didn’t realize you were going to have me followed.”
“I figured you would argue if I asked, so I didn’t ask.”
“I would have definitely argued. Do you have someone following…?” Gage looked at Lorelei and then past her to the rest of the convenience store. He couldn’t see around the corner, or know if anyone was listening to their conversation.
“Yes. Although he hasn’t been caught yet,” Marcus said, likely for Lorelei’s benefit.
Lorelei scowled and snatched her ID back from Gage, tucking it back in the pocket he got it from.
“What else are you keeping from me?” Gage asked. He knew there was a lot going on, and he knew it was an open investigation, but he didn’t like being kept in the dark. And he really didn’t like being treated like he was vulnerable.
Marcus sighed. “Not over the phone.”
“When?”
“Thursday night. We’re already planning it,” Lorelei said.
“Give him the information,” Marcus told her, through Gage.
“Copy.”
“And stop tailing me?” Gage asked, although he wasn’t entirely sure who he was directing the question to.
“Yeah, yeah. For now. We reserve the right to resume that anytime,” Marcus said.
“Fine,” Gage agreed, knowing he’d fight it, even if he wasn’t sure he’d win.
Gage hung up and faced the woman who looked no happier than he was about their situation. “Do I need to be worried?”
“Haven’t you been paying attention to the news the last year? We should all be worried,” Lorelei said.
Gage sucked in a breath. He had his suspicions about Trevor, but knowing others agreed with them, and had evidence that linked him to the hell Niagara Falls had been through in the last year, made Gage anxious instead of relieved.
“Be at this address Thursday night at seven. Don’t tell anyone else about it. You can confirm the address with Marcus, but don’t do it over the phone or in text. We have no idea who is watching and who is being watched.”
“We?”
She smiled, her eyes lighting up. Her brown skin was smooth and free of makeup. He put her age somewhere around mid-thirties. She didn’t look familiar to Gage, but he knew her name was.
“Yes, we. You’ll meet everyone in two days. If you show up.”
“And you’ll stop following me until then.”
She snorted. “You act like I wanted this assignment. It was a favor to Marcus. I owed him. I’d much rather be finding the man who’s messed up so many lives than babysitting you, but…” She shrugged as if there was no more explanation.
“Well, thanks. I think.”
Lorelei clapped him on the back, then moved to the hallway, peering around the corner before she walked away from him.
Gage watched her go, wondering what in the hell just happened. And who ‘we’ was. And how he got involved in all of this.
Dawn treated herself to dinner on the way home from Gage’s office. She considered ordering a pizza and picking it up, but she wanted to celebrate.
She was rich! Not just a little rich, but a lot rich. No, the money wasn’t in her accounts, but she had access to it. Gage helped her sign in to the bank accounts, and he gave her the paperwork she needed to take to the bank so they could change everything to her name. Which she planned to do first thing in the morning.
It was surreal. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it, but when she sat down at the table in the fancy restaurant with cloth napkins and tablecloths, she didn’t think it would take as long to get used to as she feared.
Her meal was exceptional. Her server was willing to help her figure out what to order. Dawn wanted to experiment. She splurged on caviar to start with, surprised by how much she enjoyed it. For dinner, the server recommended grilled swordfish with goat cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus. A glass of sweet wine was the perfect addition, and another thing Dawn never would have allowed herself to get without so many zeroes in her bank account.
When she finished eating, she left the server a very large tip in thanks for all her help, and Dawn left feeling warm and cozy and full.
She twirled her keys around her finger on her way to the car. She carried the messenger bag full of paperwork, feeling silly taking it into the restaurant until she made it around to the driver’s side of her car.
BITCH was spray-painted across the entire side of the car. The black paint dripped, mocking Dawn and turning her stomach. Whoever did that was just there.
Dawn spun, looking around the darkening parking lot. She didn’t see anyone, not who looked like her assailant. No one was running away with cans of spray paint in their hands.
Dawn almost laughed at the thought. If only it were that easy.
“Are you okay?” a woman asked, surprising Dawn.
Dawn spun and shook her head. “No, not really.”
“Do you want to call someone?”
Dawn stared at the car. It was paint. It was mean and ugly, but her insurance would charge her more if she filed a claim. And it would cost her more than she was willing to spend out-of-pocket to have the car repainted.
“No. I’m fine.”
