Page 67 of Relentless Sinner
“Twice?” I laugh.
Julie nods then flicks her palms over. “She keeps leaving her cigarettes in the worst places. Places that can catch fire. Like her bed.”
“Oh my gosh, that is so crazy. I guess I’m back just in time to keep her in line then.”
“If you think you have the patience to deal with her then you’re a better woman than me.” Julie nudges me lightly. “Come on, I’ll bring you up to speed and you can fill me in on what’s been going on with you.”
The knot in my chest tightens. I wish I could tell her. The kind of shit that has happened to me over the last few weeks is the sort you’d shout from the rooftops. But I have to keep my silence.
I’ll have to do that for however long I’m here and pretend everything’s the same. And nothing is wrong.
I glance across at the guards standing by the Willow tree. I have Andrieu and Silas today. They each hold a Styrofoam cup of coffee, drinking while they watch me.
I have to admit that although they’ve been with me for the whole morning I’ve hardly been aware of their presence. People around me also didn’t notice that they were here for me. They’ve blended in like they were part of the hospital’s security staff.
I suppose I’m more aware of them now because I’m meeting Cora.
I spot her sitting on a bench by the pond and quicken my steps.
She sees me, too and waves me over. When I reach her she gives me a quick hug before we sit next to each other and she hands me a sandwich.
“It’s chicken mayo. I got it from the deli,” she says, giving me a kind smile.
“Thanks so much. I haven’t had one of these in forever.”
“I knew you’d appreciate it.” She glances over her shoulder at the guards.
They’re far enough away from us but still too close for comfort. “God, I wish they weren’t here.”
“Me too. And they’re two of Jaxon’s best.” Meaning his deadliest.
“Let’s not worry about them. I’m glad they’re keeping their distance. Do you have your phone on you?”
“No. I got paranoid and left it in my locker.”
“Trust me, that’s not paranoid. That’s called being aware. You’d be surprised what a phone can be used for. I know a guy who can use it as a listening device even though you’re not on it. I wouldn’t put it past Jaxon to do that.”
I nod, thinking about Jaxon’s technological background. “He certainly has the power and means to do that.”
“Let’s eat and talk. It looks less suspicious. I have some news for you.” She picks up her sandwich, unwraps it and nibbles on the edge.
“Please tell me it’s good news.” I pick up my sandwich, too.
“Yes. I managed to speak to some contacts of mine who will help for the right price. They want a hundred grand.”
My heart drops through the earth. “I have no money, Cora.”
“Don’t worry. I can get the money.”
My eyes widen. “From where?”
“Joey will give it to me. I won’t even need to tell himwhyI need it.”
Joey Castellano is her fiancé. He’s cousin to the family Dad works for—the big guys who come from old Italian wealth.
Joey adores Cora and will do anything for her, including giving her any amount of money she needs, but I feel wrong taking it.
“Cora, I feel bad. I don’t want you to have to ask him for so much money. That gets him involved. I couldn’t live with myself if Jaxon found out and did something to him.”