Page 16 of Life

“Twelve? Bounty hunters?”

“And then some. Couple of guys are into the tech stuff. They work out of their homes until I need them on-site for something top security.”

I worry my lip. “What would constitute top security?”

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you,” he deadpans.

I roll my eyes and groan. “Come on. I’m not leaving this room until you tell me.”

“What if I made you?” One dark slash of an eyebrow arches in question.

Eli does not seem like the type of guy to bluff. “Tell me,” I say nicely.

He takes a deep breath. “A top security job would be a high-level kidnapper, terrorist, mafioso, a cartel man. High-ranking criminals. But I only take those jobs if I have the time and the men. And I only do them because they pay for shit like this.” He gestures to the equipment and then spins a finger in the air suggesting the home. “Bread and butter are medium- to high-level lawbreakers. The ones who have eluded the FBI, CIA, and other chains of law enforcement and military, but they have a name and description.”

“Seems strange they’d need the help when there are so many law enforcement officers that could work together.”

He points a finger. “Ah, but that would cost the taxpayers enormous amounts of cash and put a heavy burden on manpower. We’re a one-stop shop. When there’s a set bounty on their heads, we bring them in. And then of course, there are the outside jobs.”

I cringe. “Outside jobs?”

“The jobs that are not quite within the parameters of the law.”

“You pick up bad guys for bad guys?”

He shrugs. “When necessary, yeah.”

“And when is it necessary?”

“When the price tag is high enough.”

I shake my head. “Just when I think you might be a good guy, you prove me wrong. Congratulations. Where’s my room?”

For long moments, Eli stares at me, and a flicker of sadness crosses his eyes—an expression I can’t place nor do I want to. When Tommy used to look at me like that, it was during the times he’d said he loved me and I didn’t respond. He’d always have a sorrowful plea in his gaze that I did everything in my power to avoid seeing.

“Come on.” He jerks his head out to the hall.

He leads me to another room that has a simple queen-size bed, a dresser, and suitcase stand. He plops my duffle on the stand.

“Bathroom is across the hall. My room is at the end. There’s not much in the kitchen. I haven’t been able to stock it yet. We’ll do that tomorrow. How does pizza and beer sound?”

My mouth waters at the simple suggestion.When was the last time I ate?

“Pizza heavenly, beer a solid no.Gracias.”

“De nada. Why don’t you get settled and I’ll order up dinner.”

I nod and watch as he leaves. Sighing, I sit on the bed and test its bounce. Like Chase and Gillian’s spare bed, it’s really comfortable. Maybe I need a new bed? Everyone else seems to have better ones than I do.

While I’m getting my stuff situated, my cell phone pings. I dig it out of my purse and read the message.

To: Maria De La Torre

From: Caller Unknown

You can run and hide, mi reina. But I will find you. ~T

Blood-curdling fear rushes through me. My stomach tightens and seizes into a painful clinch. I glance around, my vision flickering as I try to remember these surroundings. Out. I have to get out. Before he finds me. Antonioalwaysfinds me.

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