Page 9 of Vail

“Everyone is cleared out?”

“Yes, sir. Only the people who are supposed to be here are.”

“Thank you.”

Barry’s eyes widened, and his mouth gaped slightly.

“Fuck’s sake,” I growled. That couldn’t have been the first time I’d told him, right? “I know how to say thank you.” Stomping past him, I went to the elevator, where Sheldon waited. He blocked the closed doors, not letting me hit the button. “Move.”

“If you go up there the way you are now, you’re going to scare Vail off. Hartley isn’t okay, but he’s not on the verge of leaving. One wrong word or look from you and Vail will pack his bags. Calm yourself before you go.”

Vail was ready to leave? I knew it could happen, but the cold hard reality of it spread through my veins to my heart, making everything feel like it was seizing up inside me.

Sheldon put his hand on my arm. “Breathe. Feel whatever you are, give it time, then let it go.”

Anyone else, I would have ripped off their arm, but Sheldon was trying to save my relationship and for that, he’d live.

I let him guide me through deep breaths and listened to his voice as he helped put me in a calmer state. When he was through, I was more scared shitless than angry from the day’s events.

What if this was the last time I would see Vail in our home? What if he was packing his belongings as I stood here? Answering to a loved one wasn’t my norm. But I had to try. I had to bare my soul for them to see I hid nothing. That meant evidence.

“Can you grab the?—”

Sheldon handed me a piece of paper.

“What about the?—”

My phone dinged in my pocket.

“And the?—”

“In the encrypted shared folder.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I cocked an eyebrow. Shocking those who worked for me had become my new thing, yet he said you’re welcome.

“You’re changing for the good. I like what they bring out in you. You’re still… you, but there’s this other version. The one who shows you’re human and not completely heartless. That’s the person I knew was in there. It took the right people to bring him out for more to see.”

I wasn’t certain how to respond, so I leaned around him and hit the button for the elevator. When the doors opened, Raiden stood inside.

“Sir.” He nodded.

Getting in, I left Sheldon to do whatever Sheldon did when he wasn’t on a job for me, while Raiden and I rode up.

“They’re okay?” I asked.

“As much as they can be.”

“Reghan is with them?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Can you grab him and wait for me elsewhere when we get upstairs? I’d like some privacy. If all goes to hell, I’ll need help moving Vail and possibly Hartley out. If it goes well, I’ll text you so you and your brother can get some sleep. Let Barry know I’m in for a while if the latter happens.”

“Yes, sir.”

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