Page 93 of Havoc

“I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.”

“Holy shit, McKenna Tame, as I live and breathe.” A man approached with a huge smile, and Jason took that as a cue to quickly move to the other side of the lobby.

“Hi, Benny. What are you doing here?” Benny was an old friend from high school. We’d kept in touch, and in the past had enjoyed the odd night of fun just hanging out. Nothing had ever come of it. He looked great, very handsome in a new suit.

“I’m in town for the week on business. I heard you were working here…” He trailed off. “Are you okay?”

“It’s been a really bad week.” I huffed out a breath.

“Come to dinner with me tomorrow night. If anything, I’ll make you laugh.”

“I’d like that, but—” I stopped myself. “You know what? I think that’s just what I need.”

“Great. Here’s my card. You know this place best. Pick a spot and time and text me the details.”

“I will.” I pushed a smile through then headed toward the elevator.

“Hi, McKenna,” a familiar voice called, and I turned to see Darcy, Grim’s dog walker, going through the lobby. She waved as she approached.

Leal made a squeak as he strained toward me. “Whoa.” Darcy tried to pull him back.

“It’s okay.” I reached out and let him sniff my hand, then I slowly moved to rub the top of his gnarly head. He stilled a moment then pressed against my hand and allowed me to do it.

“Um,” she cleared her throat, “that’s not a good idea.”

“It’s okay.” I gave him another little pat. His brother didn’t move toward me, but I gave him a warm smile and a softhow are ya, boy. “We’re at the growing acquaintance status, I think.”

She grinned and raised her brows. “They barely let me touch them other than to put on their leads.”

“They’ve seen me at my worst,” I confessed. “I think that counted for something.”

“Maybe. They don’t give me any trouble, though. Do ya, fellas?” She smiled at them. “They’re good pups, just not overly friendly with people.”

“Huh! They are Grim’s, after all,” I said with dry humor.

“Have a good walk, boys.” I used Grim’s name for them, which I always thought was sweet, but that feeling was quickly replaced with a growing nausea that things might never go back to normal between all of us.

“See ya when I see ya,” Darcy called.

I waved as they left and caught sight of Simon in conversation with a man. He looked over and smiled and began to walk toward me.

“I hope you still have all your fingers. You couldn’t pay me enough to pat those dogs.”

“They’re pretty sweet once you get to know them.”

“I’ll take your word on that.” He inched his glasses farther up his nose. “So, where is everyone? It’s been very quiet around here.”

My phone buzzed in my purse, and I fished around for it.

Jesse: In LA, chasing a possible lead. Hope to be back by the day after tomorrow. Sorry about today. He’s hard to get through to right now. I’ll be in touch.

“Sorry, Simon,” I indicated my phone, “I have to go.”

“Oh, of course.” He stepped back. “Well, it’s nice to have you back.”

I barely heard him as I typed my reply.

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