Page 6 of Kill Me Sweetly

“Okay, Angel. Thanks.”

We disconnected the call, and I just stared at the man. He may not have talked, but I believed in my heart that he was listening.

“I wish I knew your name. I can tell you’ve been through a hell of a lot. I have a friend—my best friend, actually—a couple of years ago, he was hurt real bad, and I’d never seen anyone so shattered as I did Mason.”

I inched closer, eyes on the door, waiting for Shep to barge in and growl at me.

“So much of his recovery he’s had to do on his own, but we’re always here for him and he’s learned to lean on us when he needs to.” I got no reaction, so I kept going. “I’d really like to help you.”

I had to get real food in him, but I had to hear him talk. I saw that Shep had left the cookies, so I took a few and quickly slid them in front of the guy and stepped back.

Sure enough, he started eating.

“Can’t help me,” he said after he took a bite. Which meant he’d heard everything.

“We’re very capable.”

He dipped his chin and ate his cookie. I waited, hoping he’d say more.

“The clock ticks.”

I looked behind me at the clock that hung on the wall. It was digital and in fact didn’t make noise.

“What clock?”

He tapped his head. “Ticktock.”

I swallowed, wishing Shep were here right now. “Clock for what?”

“Have to move soon.”

He spoke in fragments, and every fragment was a piece of a puzzle. He had to go somewhere, but where?

“Where are you moving to?” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my voice cracked slightly.

“Next place, next termination.”

Well, fuck me sideways.I needed Shep.…I needed everybody.

CHAPTER FOUR

SHEP

I’d helpedLizzy with the crowd until there were only two people in line.

“I need to get back. Holler if you get swamped.”

She nodded. “Sure thing, Boss. Everything okay?”

“Absolutely.” I smiled and left her there staring at me as if she knew I were lying. That was just how it had to be.

Of course JJ wasn’t where I left him; he was sitting across from the man, who was eating cookies.

“Thanks for keeping your promise,” I said with a shake of my head.

“Shep.” JJ stood and rushed over to me. “So, apparently he needs to go soon. He has another termination.” JJ’s brows rose.

Shitballs.“Is that right?” I glanced at the guy. “What are you terminating?”

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