Page 71 of Code Name: Michelangelo

My eyes met Brand’s, and in them, I saw the same worry I felt. “Understood. Tell me how I can help.”

“I want to return to our place in the city, but I’m afraid we’ll be followed.”

“The market,” Brand mouthed, and I nodded.

“Meet me at the coffee shop in the market on Grant Street. I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

“You wait here,” I told Brand when we arrived at the parking structure where we’d leave the car while we were on the island. “I’m afraid she’ll bolt if she sees a man with me.”

“I’ll remain out of sight, but I will not stay here when you may be walking into danger.”

He made a good point.

When he walked into the market ahead of me and went to the left, I turned right toward the coffee shop. I immediately spotted Julie, who stood and walked toward me, holding a baby carrier. It was obvious she’d been crying.

“I’m sorry?—”

“Stop right there. First, no apologies. Second, you only have to tell me what you want me to know.” There’d been times in our lives when each one of my friends and I requested help from each other, no questions asked. I sensed Julie needed the same from me now.

“Thank you. I need to get back to the city.”

“I understand. Where are your things?”

“In the car, but…”

“You’re afraid whoever is following you is watching,” I said.

“That’s right.”

“I have someone who can assist us. I promise you can trust him.”

She glanced over to the table where I’d spotted her when I walked in. Another woman was seated there with her head down on the table. Julie looked back at me. “I don’t know what to do,” she said barely above a whisper.

“We can do this without him if it makes you uncomfortable. I haven’t told him I was meeting someone yet.” Yes, I was lying, but the last thing I wanted was for her to think my help depended on him.

“What would he do?” she asked.

“First, is that a car seat?”

“It is.”

“Good. I’m in the parking structure about a block away. We can leave now. I’ll ask my friend to wait until we’re a safe distance away, then he’ll come for your vehicle.”

“I don’t want to put anyone else in danger.”

“Again, I understand. Let’s get on the road. We can figure out what to do about your car later.” While she returned to the table, I sent Brand a message, giving him an update. I glanced toward the market’s entrance and saw him give me a thumbs-up.

“Mum, we’re ready to leave,” I heard Julie say. She looked over at me. “She’s burning up. We need to get her to a hospital.”

“Do you think you and I can get her to my car?” I asked.

“Not carrying the baby too.”

We couldn’t do this without Brand. “Please let me ask my friend for help, Julie.”

“Where is he?”

“About a block away. I told him I had to grab something at the store.”

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