Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
And he left.
Niall looked at me over his coffee the next morning. He was dressed for the office, his suit black, his shirt a crisp white, and his tie a smoky gray with a fine white line. His hair had been brushed until it gleamed. I knew he had to get back to a regular routine, but I had to admit I was dreading the day of being alone in an empty suite.
“Finn told me Una is going to be downstairs today.”
“Oh?”
He set down his cup, folding his hands and nodding. “She always liked to sit by the waterfall, curl up next to the fire, and read.”
I offered him a smile. “That sounds lovely. I haven’t seen the main floor.”
He cleared his throat and rotated his neck as if tense. “I know. Would you like to join her? Spend the morning downstairs and join Finn and me for lunch in the pub?”
“Really?”
“Are you up to that?”
“Is it safe?”
“The entrance is guarded. The area monitored. Knowing Una will be there, Finn will watch the space constantly. He’ll have extra men around. So, yes. Very safe.”
“I’d like to.”
“Okay. Eat your breakfast, and I’ll escort you down.”
I looked at my plate. The fluffy pancakes and bacon had held no interest for me earlier. But I knew if I ate them, he would be pleased.
It should have frightened me how much I wanted to please him, considering what I had gone through. Except I knew Niall being pleased simply meant a warm hug and his smile.
Maybe another one of his drugging kisses.
So, I picked up my fork and ate.
NIALL
I took Anna downstairs, a pit of worry in my stomach. Everything I had told her was true. The area was monitored. There were guards. Probably more than I knew about since Una was away from Finn’s side. He would take no chances.
Anna was calm, although her grip on my hand grew tighter as we walked across the lobby. She sat next to Una, the two of them hugging. I noticed Una’s blanket and cursed myself for not thinking of bringing one, then Una grinned and unfolded the large fuzzy material and offered half to Anna, who took it, smiling.
I rested my hand on her shoulder, bending down. “If it’s too much, call me.” I indicated the cell phone I had given her earlier. “Or text. I’ll come get you.”
She patted my hand. “I’m fine. Really. I’ll see you later, okay?”
I nodded and headed across the lobby. I stopped at the front desk to say hello, casually glancing back, then again at the concierge desk. Anna and Una were already drinking tea, and a plate of toast and sweet buns was in front of them, so I knew they were looked after. I headed to the elevator but paused around the corner, checking one last time. Anna was smiling at something Una said, a slice of toast in her hand. I swept the lobby, noting the men I could see, the fact that only one door was being used for entrance, and I shook my head. Finn had it all in hand. I knew he would, but I felt better checking, even with the news I’d had earlier.
In the office, I nodded at Finn, poured a coffee, and strolled to his desk. I paused, lifting my mug to my mouth as I looked at the monitors. The lobby was steady with guests coming and going. The casino was quiet this time of day. I stared at the image of Anna a beat too long, then sat down across from Finn. I had information to tell him that would help us both relax. I set my coffee cup on his desk.
“I have news.”
He sat back. “Let me hear it.”
“I got a call early this morning. Our contact at the cop shop told me they found a body about a mile from the racetrack.”
“Juan?”
I nodded. “They think so. General description fits.” I picked up my cup. “Died from blood loss. There was a bullet hole.”
“Can they do DNA? Fingerprints?”
“They tried. No hits, but he was an unknown. He called Lopez his uncle, but that wasn’t his real name. Could have been a son or a cousin or just some kid he recruited.” I took a sip. “Fingerprints aren’t, ah, possible.”
“Why?”
“His right arm is mostly missing—and part of his left. And his leg was being chewed on.”
Finn grimaced. “Part of me hopes he was still alive when they started chewing.”
“I have to agree.” I cleared my throat. “And our guy said he was wearing red sneakers. The same ones we saw Juan wearing with the tiger embroidery.”
“Another clue pointing to the right conclusion.” Finn was quiet for a moment. “He was shot. I saw him go down. It has to be him.”
“Too close not to be.”
“Have you told Anna?”
“Not yet. I will later. It might help her relax, knowing he’s not out there.”