Page 43 of Brutal Prince

“Is it to do the case?”

I nodded. “I can’t say anymore.”

He pointed his big finger at me. “Was it a job organized by Vanderbilt?”

Before I had a chance to answer.

“See, this is where I think you’re lying, Gretta. Because you would’ve called me as backup. You’re not stupid enough to go on your own.”

“Ollie, I’m not happy about you being in my space right now. So please leave.”

“Are you fucking Darryn?”

“No.”

“No, not Darryn ‘cos he’s in Grand Rapids… Fuck, unless he lied to me as well. Are you all conspiring against me?”

“No,” I spat. “Ollie, what’s gotten into you?”

A hand flew at me, seizing my throat. “I fucking hate liars.”

His big hand squeezed. “Ollie, you’re hurting me.”

Mom called out again from the living room and he let go, dropping his head down in shame. “I’m sorry, Gretta. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Just go, Ollie.”

“I don’t know what’s going on with me,” he said, rubbing the back of his head, disturbed by his actions. “Please let me make it up to you. Gretta, please.”

“I want you to leave.”

“You gotta believe me I didn’t mean it.” He placed his hands on his head, becoming a giant next to me. “Gretta, please, I’m sorry. This whole thing is stressing me out and…” dropping his hands from his head and pressing his palms together in a prayer hold, “I’m scared for your safety. Trust me, these guys are dangerous. You’ve got to be so dang careful.”

“I am careful, Ollie.” I glanced past him to my closed door. “I have to see what Mom needs.”

He hesitated before letting me pass. “Gretta, I really mean it, I’m sorry.”

“I accept your apology.”

He stepped aside and I opened the door, gasping at my newborn freedom. I expected him to follow me out, but the sound of his cell ringing stalled him.

“Gertie, I’ve dropped the remote control again,” Mom told me. I found under the bed again where it always seems to go. “Are you okay?” she whispered, when I was close.

I nodded, glancing down the hall when I heard him say, “Are you serious?”

“Why did you lie?” she enquired when I handed her the remote control. “It’s not in your nature to lie, especially to me.”

“It’s something I can’t talk about.”

She nodded and turned her attention to the TV.

Ollie strode out. “That was Mathias. She’s been shot and thinks it was a targeted attack.”

I slammed my hand over my mouth.

“Who’s Mathias?” Mom asked and the color drained from Ollie’s face. He knew I’d kept our undercover investigation a secret from Mom.

“Oh,” he stuttered, “just a friend of ours.”

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