Page 40 of Samson

“Saving more damsels in distress?”

“No. These guys were here for me. I had a chat with Demir a couple of days ago. I don’t think he liked it.”

“You’ve been to see him?”

“He didn’t like me hanging around.”

“You let him see you on a stakeout?”

“I wasn’t trying to be discrete. I wanted to get a response.”

“Sounds like you got one.”

“A big one.”

“Were they there to scare you off?”

“By the looks of things, I’d say I’m wanted dead or alive.”

“That’s a bold move, even for Demir. They can’t afford to draw more attention to themselves.”

“I guess he thought I was worth it.”

“All right. I’ll have them picked up.”

“I’ll call you when I know more.”

Chapter 10

Delilah turnedthe page in the book she was reading and snuggled deeper into the couch. It was her first shift off in over a week, and she’d been looking forward to doing nothing. A local secondhand bookstore a few blocks away had given her plenty of options for a light read that didn’t force her to think too much.

With her eyes glued to the story, she reached out a hand, groping for the cup of tea on the table. Her fingers brushed the rim, and she lifted it to her mouth when there was a knock at the door.

“This had better be important,” she said, setting the cup aside and using her finger to keep the place in the book as she went to the door.

After checking through the peep-hole, she opened the door. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Luca said. “How are you?”

“Good. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

When he didn’t add more, she said, “Was there something you needed?”

“Only if you’re not busy.”

She lifted the book. “I’m gonna say I am unless it’s urgent.”

“It is.”

“Oh. Okay. Come in.”

“I need a favor.” His eyes shifted around the room.

“Yeah. Anything—Wait. You have that look.”

“I hate to do this to you.”

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