Page 49 of Sins

“So is Calli!” I reminded him.

He made a face like I was an idiot. “We both know what's really going on there.”

My chest heaved with the realization that he had no love for either of them. He just used his daughters as pawns in his game. “Have you no heart at all?”

“It’s reserved for those who deserve it.” He held my gaze then grabbed his pen and went back to work.

I couldn’t believe the guy. So many things suddenly became clear to me as I walked out the door. I knew his days were numbered, and I looked forward to the Gateses making their move.

I stabbed the elevator button and stewed with all the ways I’d be happy to help remove Cameron from this world. I’d already served years for a murder I didn’t commit.

“Christ, Simon,” Kenna stood by the elevator and pointed at the window of the restaurant, “if looks could kill.” She chuckled. I noticed a corner of a bandage peeked out from the top of her dress. I stepped back slightly. “So, you heard.” She saw my eyes on it and sighed.

“I did. Are you?—”

“Don’t finish that question.” Her smile dipped. “I’m not okay. Someone wants me dead. All I wanted was to celebrate getting rid of a stalker, only to have another crazy person try to kill me. My life’s like a whack-a-mole game.”

I couldn’t begin to imagine how rattled she was. “Is there anything I can do?”

She touched my arm and gave it a light squeeze. “Just being my friend is enough.” I wanted to pull her to me and promise I’d protect her. “I need to go, but thanks for caring.”

“Always.” I stepped into the elevator and pulled out my phone. I knew I was about to cross the line by doing so. I scrolled until I found the contact. My stomach fluttered as I descended toward the lobby.

“Why are you calling me?”

“I need a favor.”

“You’re not really in a position to ask for favors.”

I pulled off my glasses and rubbed between my eyes. “I know, but…” I paused as I stepped out and nearly collided with Brick.

“Sorry, man.” I stiffened at Brick’s voice. He reached out and steadied me by the shoulder as he went past. I kept walking and didn’t look back. It was clear something was going on. I didn’t even think he even realized it was me.

The voice on the phone brought my attention back to it. “I don’t have all day, Simon.”

“Sorry, just one sec.” I pushed my glasses back in place and rushed outside and down the street toward the office. “Can you clear the hit that’s been put out on Kenna Lodge?” I blurted as I walked. Silence. After a few seconds, I had to check that the phone was still connected. “I know it’s not my place, but she’s a good person and?—”

“There’s no hit ordered on Kenna Lodge.”

That stopped me dead in my tracks. “What? But I know there?—"

The line went dead.

In a daze, I swung the door open to the law office and immediately snagged a bottle of water from the fridge. I was so confused.

“I know that face.” Calli came out from the back office. “You need to clear your head?” She started to unbutton her blouse. “Dad’s at the hotel, Knox is doing God knows what or who, but it isn’t me, so it’s just us in this big ol’ office.” She tossed her shirt aside, pulled down her panties, and hopped up on the counter. “Whatever could we do to pass the time?”

Screw it.

I dropped my pants and kicked them aside then pushed between her legs and began to kiss her throat. I was instantly ready and slid inside her.

“Wow, where did Mr. Romance go?” She chuckled.

I pulled back for a moment and pressed my forehead to hers. “It’s been a day,” I confessed “and I’m not wearing a condom.”

“Oh.” Calli shifted back and released me. “Bottom drawer. I have a few.”

“Right.” I quickly pulled my pants back on, tucked myself back in, and hurried to her desk.

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