Page 39 of Perfect Liar
“It’s Josh by himself. He won’t come to the front door. I’ll meet him outside before he gets to the kitchen door.”
Will grabbed my arm.
“You’re not going anywhere. He’s in uniform. We don’t know what he wants or even what side he’s on.”
“Will, listen. Josh won’t hurt me. I can convince him to let me go.”
He dug his fingers deeper into my arm, stared at me, then jerked me closer to him.
“Don’t be so sure. I sure as fuck wouldn’t let you go.”
“What? I’m not with him like that anymore. And you’re hurting my arm.”
He quickly released his grip on me.
Ben came into the room.
“You two need to get out there and let him know how high the stakes are…now. Otherwise, my brother, options are rather limited unless you plan to kill him.”
I eased back into Will’s space until his breath warmed my face again, and his dangerous energy surrounded us both. I put my hands on his forearms.
“I think Ben’s right. We have to tell Josh everything. He won’t do anything harmful. But promise me, Will…promise you won’t hurt him.”
Will tucked some hair behind my ear, paused in thought for a second, then he nodded.
“If that’s what you want but let me be quite clear. I will not keep my word if he’s aggressive with you.”
I nodded, and then Will and I stepped outside just as Josh came up the steps and shouted at me.
“Why haven’t you answered your goddamn phone? State police are due tomorrow, and we haven’t even interviewed you. What the fuck is wrong with you, Ellie? I find you here, shacked up w?—”
Will moved in on Josh before I could get between them.
“You’ll watch your fucking mouth when you speak to her.”
“Go fuck yourself, man. I saw you two at Nick’s, and I have questions for you as well.”
Will’s chest vibrated. He stood toe to toe with Josh.
I had to do something.
“Josh, please…give me five minutes. I’ll tell you everything.”
Will interjected.
“Listen to the strain in her voice. She was attacked, and another assassin will come for her.”
Josh’s gaze jumped to me, then dropped to the bruises on my neck. He swallowed hard. His expression softened.
“Go on, Ellie. You tell me what you know.”
I reflexively touched my throat.
“Will, go inside and let me talk to Josh alone, okay?”
Will touched my cheek with his wrapped knuckles.
“I’ll be right on the other side of the door. And as for you, cop, you be fucking sure to remember you’re not in charge here, not when it comes to her.”