Page 204 of State of Suspense

“This could be dangerous.”

“I’m aware.”

“This is one of those times when I hate my raised profile, because I’d want to do this myself. It’s difficult to ask something of one of my teammates that I can’t do myself.”

“I understand, and I want to do this. We’ll be surrounded by top-rate security the whole time. I trust them.”

“I do, too, or I’d never let you do this. That said, if anything happens to you, I’ll be mad at you forever.”

Charles laughed. “I’d spend all of eternity trying to get back in your good graces.”

“I know, which is why you can’t let anything happen.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

Since she couldn’t ask for anything more than that, she nodded. “Be safe.”

“You, too.”

After Charles left, Cruz came to the door. “I’m going to punch out until Sunday.”

“Have a good weekend.”

“Are you okay about this thing with Nick’s mother?”

“I’ll be glad when it’s done.”

“Let me know how it goes?”

“I will.” She could tell he was hesitant to leave. “We’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“Make sure she doesn’t hurt my best friends, you hear me?”

“I do, and I will.”

“Okay, then. Text me later.”

Sam nodded and sent him off with a smile. It was so sweet of him to worry about them, but Nicoletta had given everyone in their lives ample reason for worry with the way she’d treated Nick his entire life. The thought of having to sit down and make nice with that woman was revolting to Sam.

But she would do it because Nick wanted to hear what his mother had to say.

The BlackBerry buzzed with a text. Still on for 5?

I’ll be there.

Thanks for this. I owe you big.

SO BIG.

HAHAHA. I’ll make it up to you.

Yes, you will, and I’ll look forward to that.

Me, too.

Reminder: If she’s a dick to you, we’re leaving.

Yes, dear.

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