Page 269 of Unexpected Hero

I can’t stand in the way of them anymore. No matter how it affects me.

This isn’t about me — it’s Big Al’s and Lettie’s lives. And they deserve to know. Holding out for selfish reasons is a mistake I can’t keep making for the two most important people in my life.

There was never a good way for us to end. At least I’ll be confessing on my own instead of it getting out some other way. If there’s a chance for her to forgive me, it needs to happen this way.

And now.

Once I’m at my desk, I resist the compulsion to get a phone number for the person labeled with heart emojis. I could get it off his phone. Easily.

It’s got to be Madeline — Leo’s mother. So it doesn’t matter. All I need to know is that he’s happy. Decision made.

Mia makes an excuse to work in her office instead of the lair. Klein follows a few minutes later, leaving me alone.

Just like old times.

I should be grateful for the alone time, but dammit, I miss the two of them. The Tin Man has a heart, after all.

My phone vibrates in my back pocket. My pulse spikes, dread curdling in my gut.

Freya

Consider this your friendly reminder to get off Lettie so she can fulfill her work obligations. Untie her or whatever.Since she’s not answering her phone, I figure her hands are bound.

Me

What do you mean?

Freya

I realize you two needed to have a sexy weekend fuck fest and all, but wrap it up and send her home. I got shit to do and can’t be covering the front desk all night. It’s trivia night. We’re gonna be slammed.

Me

I haven’t seen her all weekend. What are you talking about?

Freya

Wait. What?She didn’t come home all weekend. She wasn’t with you?

Me

No. When did you last see her?

Freya

At the Stumbling Sea Turtle on Friday night.

Me

And after? When you went home?

Freya

She didn’t come home with me that night. If she isn’t with you, where is she? Holy shit, James. This isn’t good.

With my heart in my throat and lead in my stomach, I dial Freya.

As soon as the line connects, I blurt, “What do you mean she didn’t come home with you?”

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