Page 7 of Talk to Me

“Is that a complaint?” The corners of my mouth lifted. “Cause you can go back to hang out with all your new suitors.”

“Green is not your color,” he said and I snorted. Remy was always fishing for what I looked like.

“Every color is my color,” I informed him. “I’m a goddess.”

“Yes, you are.” There was a rattle as the gate rolled upward, then the door opened. The crack of wood being forced made me grimace, but we both went still.

“You’re clear,” I said after another couple of heartbeats. He closed the gate behind him, then the door.

“Am I good to use a flashlight?”

“Yes, you’re also off the cameras.”

“Damn, and here I wanted to blow you a kiss.”

“Save it for next time. The access to the catacombs is located among the crypts behind the altar. My notes say Mother Mary marks it.”

“Good to know I get to blaspheme while I’m at it. You take me to all the interesting places.”

It was my turn to chuckle. “You were the one who picked the city.”

“How do you feel about Venice?”

“Like I don’t swim. Once you descend into the catacombs, follow them steadily west for about ten kilometers. They will narrow when you get to the next church, it’s a little one off an old dairy road.”

“You mean near farms?”

“They were probably farms back in the day, it’s a lot more industrial from the looks of it now. The church there also appears abandoned. Once you come up, you should be in the clear.”

He blew out a breath. “This is the part where you say goodbye, isn’t it?”

“For a little while. Communications are spotty down there. You need to focus on where you’re going. I’ll keep an eye on the exit to make sure you’re clear.”

“Patch?”

“Hmm?”

“Favorite flower?”

“Never really thought about it.”

“Everyone has a favorite flower,” he said and I switched screens to make sure his pursuers were nowhere near the church he was currently standing in.

“Do they?” I mused. “What’s yours?”

“Honeysuckle.”

The speed of his answer amused me. “That was fast.”

“It’s beautiful, smells fantastic, provides a food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Practically perfect. Just like you.”

Now I did snort. “I haven’t sniffed honeysuckle in a while. I’ll have to check that out. Now get moving, Remy. I’ve got your back.”

“Think about the flowers. I want to know.” Then he disconnected before I could answer or evade the question. I did my best to not get personal with my clients, but sometimes it was hard.

Times like now, when he relied on me to get him out of a dangerous situation. He never hesitated or slowed down to argue with me. When I gave him directions, he went. Just like when I told him about the guy he killed earlier.

I tabbed through the screens. Law enforcement had found the body on the street. A couple of the assailants were being arrested. More calls were coming in. A politician had been found dead in his office.

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