Page 59 of Silk and Steel

“No.” She shakes her head. “That’s not what I meant. I mean, what happens with us?”

My heart flutters. Why does Emory make me feel so strong and so weak all at once? I feel like I can conquer the world, but I’m helpless in her blue-eyed gaze.

“Well, just because the job ends, doesn’t mean we have to end.”

Her eyes grow inscrutable. I’m not sure what to make of her reaction. Maybe we don’t want the same things after all.

The way is finally clear. I pull up the short lane to the studio gates. Once we’re safely inside, I become more vigilant.

“Why do you look so worried, Cole?” she asks.

“Because I am worried. That fucking circus out front was the perfect cover for our resident three assholes to sneak in.”

It’s not likely that they’re here, but then again, Lovejoy has proven himself to be ballsier…or crazier…than I gave him credit for. I’m not taking any chances. Everyone gets scrutinized, from the landscaper to the exec in the three-piece suit.

Emory guides me through the studio lot until we reach the correct building.

“How do people not get lost in here all the time? All of these buildings look the same.”

“You get used to it,” she says with a grin. “You learn to look for the little things that set the structures apart. Faded paint here, bricked up window there…”

Her voice trails off as a small, balding man in a nice suit two years out of style strides toward the truck. He walks with purpose, his legs stiff with either aggression or nerves. Maybe both.

I would be worried, but he doesn’t look anything like our three convicts. Not even with the best disguises Hollywood has to offer. Makeup won’t cut a foot off of your height.

“Who is that?” I ask, when I notice Emory has the glimmer of recognition in her gaze.

“Harvey Whippleton. Boys R Us’ manager. He hardly ever comes to choreography practice.”

“Then what’s he doing here now?”

She sighs. “I don’t know, but I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

She gets out of the truck as Harvey approaches. After a moment, I join her.

“What’s going on, Harv?” she asks. “Are you here because of the protests?”

Harvey’s gaze flashes over to me for a moment before returning to Emory.

“Emory, you know how much I love you, right?”

I get a sinking feeling in my gut. Whatever Harvey is about to say, it isn’t going to be good news.

“Thanks, love you too, Harv. Am I being fired?”

Harvey flinches, and drops his gaze to the asphalt.

“I’m sorry, Emory. I really am. Look, I don’t like it any more than you do, but we’re not moving forward with your services at this time.”

“Are you kidding me?” I snap. “None of this is her fault.”

“Cole,” Emory says, putting her hand on my arm. “It’s all right.”

“No, it’s not alright,” Harv says with a long sigh. “I hate having to do this. And I know it’s not her fault! But it is what it is.”

“If you’re worried about Lovejoy or his accomplices trying something,” I say, “you should know that if they set foot on this lot while Emory is here, they’re not walking back out.”

“I believe you,” Harv says. “Look, I did my research. I know that you Platinum Security guys are the real deal. As scary as they come. But this isn’t about the band’s safety.”

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