Page 46 of Alpha Bait

"I'll call."

Ames turned away and pulled his phone out. My heart began pounding in my chest. I didn't want to believe Richard left me here on purpose, but I couldn't help worrying he'd been having second thoughts or worse, this was some sort of plot to expose what happened between us to my brother.

I considered calling Donnie but didn't think I'd get through.

An ambulance rounded the corner and whooshed past us on the street. The wind blew my coat up and I cinched the belt around my waist tighter, clutching my suitcase.

"He's not responding," Ames replied, "Something's wrong."

"The car should be here in five minutes."

"If he's not here, you should leave. I'm supposed to make sure nothing happens to you and I can't be certain of that if I leave."

"Where are you going?"

"I'll go find him. If something's happened to my brother, it's my job to know."

"You think something's happened?"

"He wouldn't miss this."

The car rounded the corner. Rich still wouldn't pick up and he was nowhere to be seen either. A lump formed in my throat. I'd set my suitcase on the ground and slipped my hands into a pair of mittens. The cold set into my bones and Ames turned to me, shrugging.

"I'm sorry. He's not picking up. I should leave -- go find him."

My eyes narrowed.

"How can I be sure someone didn't send you here to keep me from seeing him?"

"Bit paranoid?"

"I can't help it."

"Listen, if it helps, I won't tell anybody what happened here. You won't even have me get in touch with you again."

"I suppose I'll leave."

"I'll speak to the driver."

Ames leaned over to speak to the driver and as he did, my phone buzzed. I grabbed it and read the text message from Richard.

-- Something has come up.

-- What's wrong?

-- Is Ames still with you?

-- Yes.

-- Tell him to hurry.

-- What's wrong?

-- 64th.

-- Huh?

-- Tell Ames.

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