Page 48 of Silk and Steel

“What is your problem?” I ask with disgust.

“My problem is with the whole fucking world! Everyone shits on me, constantly. They’re all jealous because they know I’m a once in a generation talent! Like Einstein, Mozart, or Kanye West! They all want to hold me back.”

I give a surreptitious glance at a nearby security guard. Maybe he could reach Julian before he sent a text. Maybe.

But can I take that chance?

Julian’s eyes suddenly become more lucid. Not totally sane, but less insane, maybe.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he says, lips pouting like a nine-year-old. “I’m sorry I scared you. Once we’re down in Colombia, it’ll be different. You’ll see. I won’t lose my temper anymore, I swear to god! Just wait until you see the place I have down there. It’s so beautiful, you’re going to love it.”

A security guard passes by. He doesn’t even look at us, but his radio squawks and makes Julian jump.

“I have to go. I love you, Emmy. I’ll see you soon. Be ready to ditch the army guy and make a break for it. Don’t make me do something we’ll both regret.”

“Julian, you’re sick. You need help.”

“I’m perfectly–”

He stiffens up, and suddenly turns and just leaves. I blink in confusion, mind reeling with fear and rage and everything else he stirred up in me. Why did he just up and leave like that?

“There you are,” Cole says, settling into the seat beside me. “I’ve been looking all over for you…”

Cole takes one look at my face, and his smile fades.

“Where is he?”

I can’t speak, but I point.

“I’m on it. Stay right here, all right? Don’t move.”

He rushes out of the galley. I finally regain the ability to speak and shout after him.

“Cole! He dyed his hair blonde and grew a mustache!”

I don’t know if he hears me. All I can do is hope that Cole makes it back to me.

Please, don’t let Julian take him from me, too.

10

COLE

My jaw sets hard as I weave my way in and out of the party guests. Lovejoy. Here. After I told Emory that it wouldn’t be an issue.

The guy is either ballsier than I thought, or crazier. Maybe both.

There’s so many people here, all milling about. How am I supposed to find Lovejoy in this mess? He’s tall, but so are a lot of other people. That leg breaking height surgery seems to have grown much more popular in LA.

Damn it, this isn’t my usual scene. This is more Griff or Grayson’s kind of thing. A CIA spook would know what to do. I just have to think like Grayson.

Everyone is here for the party. Talking, milling about, eating, dancing…I need to look for the one person who’s not acting like everyone else. The one person trying to flee.

I catch a glimpse of a knot of people moving slightly like reeds in a stiff breeze. There! He dyed his hair like Emory said, that’s got to be him.

I make my way through the ballroom, trying not to draw too much attention to myself. Lovejoy stops and starts to lookbehind him. I duck behind the chocolate fountain just in time. Lovejoy peers around, and then turns to continue his flight. His hand reaches up to his face for a moment, then he shakes his fingers out.

Probably pulled that fake mustache off. I keep that in mind as I continue my pursuit.

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