Page 21 of Havoc

It wouldn’t work, but I didn’t have time to argue. I had to meet Mr. Harris to make up for not being there when he signed the contracts.

“When and where?”

“Ten.” He looked up at the roof.

“Here?” My eyes bugged out. “He’s like big brother. No, it can’t be here.”

“It’s actually perfect. A big meeting on the roof will make him call you and ask what it’s about, then you’ll apply the plan.”

“The plan? All I can say is it better be a damn good plan.”

“Remember Allen and the airplane hangar story?” He took a moment to remind me of a huge takedown Trigger had orchestrated years back.

“Fine.” I nodded but felt that nervousness threaten again. I knew the roof was rented out for a birthday party of twenty or so people, so it wouldn’t be overly crowed. I also knew we would blend in, given that it had been booked by a nephew of one of the Harley Davidson club members. “I have to go. We can talk later.” I kissed his cheek and hurried off.

The rest of morning went by fast, and just as I was saying my goodbyes to Mr. Harris, I felt someone come up and slide a hand around my waist.

“Kenna, you look gorgeous as ever,” Sonny cooed, and my face instantly heated. When the hell had he arrived?

“Mr. Conti,” I eyed Mr. Harris, who didn’t look impressed, “I didn’t know you were back in town.” I slid out of his hold and almost tripped but righted myself and flashed him what I hoped was a mega-watt smile. I was totally blindsided by his sudden appearance and knew Mr. Harris could see my discomfort.

“Yes, I’m back. I was trying to get Sasha a tour of Secrets. As usual, Grim made things difficult. You know what a good friend he is of your father’s. I’m gonna have to tell him Grim refused to cooperate.”

He looked over at Mr. Harris, who just stood there watching. He looked at me with worry on his face.

“Well, Kenna, I’ll see you a bit later, then.” He stumbled, and I felt badly for him. It was obvious he wasn’t sure how to handle my discomfort. “Thanks for this morning.”

“Anytime, and I’ll see you soon.”

Please don’t leave.

“So,” Sonny stepped forward and blocked my view of Mr. Harris, “I need you to bring us over to Secrets.”

“Wait,” I just caught what he was saying, “how do you know Sasha Landry?” Hanna’s warning that Sasha was dangerous made my heart race.

“Your father introduced us the last time I was here. He’s a great guy.”

My phone buzzed, and I welcomed the distraction.

Grim: Walk away from Sonny.

I looked around but couldn’t spot Grim.

Kenna: I’m trying.

Grim: Try harder.

“Um,” I thought about a way out, “I’m sorry, Sonny, but I have so much on my plate right now.”

“Oh, please, I just so happen to know that your week is lighter than usual.”

“And how would you know that?”

“Your father.”

“I see.” I ran my tongue along my teeth to curb my anger. My father hadn’t checked in with me since he was told I’d been late for the contract signing. My guess was he had no idea what had happened to me. I could live with that, but I didn’t need to hear his “what did you do?” speech.

“Kenna,” he stepped toward me, and I felt my phone alert me again, “I’m trying not to get a complex here, but I signed on with the understanding that I’d get you as my hostess, but then I was told you don’t have room for me on your roster.” He reached out and took my hand, and it was everything I could do not to lash out at him. “Now I come here and ask for some help, and you can’t even spare me an hour?”

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