Page 48 of Tryst

“Okay.” Now I was nervous, unsure what my father was going to say when he saw my face. It was nothing makeup could cover.

After quick goodbyes, Vincenzo guided me back down the hall and opened a door. It led to a metal staircase. Placing me beside him, we climbed the steps together. He opened the door, revealing another alley. My eyes widened, and I took a step back, almost falling back down the stairs. The recent image of alleyways was too fresh.

He reached out, supporting my lower back. “Relax, I’m parked right there.” Closing the door to the club, he led me to his car, helping me get in. Then, he strode around to his side, watching his surroundings the entire time. Once in, he did not utter a word, and sped out of the alley and down the busy street, weaving between vehicles the moment he saw gaps.

“I hope I can sneak inside my house, so I have time to figure out how to cover this up.”

“I’m not taking you home.”

“Where are you taking me?”

“My house.”

12

SURPRISE

Hand strangling the steering wheel in utter rage, I stared ahead at the road. Usually, I’d have to be touching Elizabeth. Tonight, I didn’t even try. She’d been acting weird since the last time I saw her, and she hadn’t reached out, though neither had I. I’d been busy hunting down her professor for James.

It wasn’t until after he and Elizabeth left my house that I combed through the information and photos he’d left on the coffee table in my office. Her professor was Nick Bernardi. The sameNick Bernardiwho preyed on many college girls then left them heartbroken…or worse.

Three of the girls had gone missing years ago. They could link no evidence to him because there was none. Still, they all had the same things in common. His plan was always carefully calculated.

Nick was smart, but I was smarter. The mother fucker targeted her, and I was going to end his fucking life in the most painful way possible. My guys had him now. I just needed to pay him a visit.

“Hey Siri, call James.”

“What?!” Elizabeth gasped, snapping her gaze toward me.

Calling James on mobile,Siri replied.

“Why the hell are you calling my dad?!”

“Hang o—”

Hello?

Can you meet me at my house in three hours?

Three hours?!

I’m in the city and I’m on the way home. There’s a lot of traffic.

Is everything okay? You sound too calm. When you sound calm, shit’s already hit the fan.

Just meet me at my house then and come on in.

See you then.He was overly suspicious and on edge.

I ended the call before he or Elizabeth asked questions.

“Now, will you please tell me why you called him?”

“We’ll discuss it later.” Taking a hand off the wheel, I almost reached over, placing my palm on her thigh, but drew it back. I was too comfortable with her.

“This is bullshit.”

“I agree.” I shrugged a shoulder.