Page 88 of Mob Knight

I’m ready to puke on her shoes. I’m growing more upset by the moment, and I’m fighting not to show it. It’s taking all the lessons my parents drilled into me to keep from showing my emotions.

I turn around, leaving Martha staring at me, and I don’t care. I gather my bag and head to the door.

“If you walk out, I’ll write you up for insubordination and dereliction.”

“I’ll get a doctor’s note.”

Maybe Meredith would go along with that. I don’t stop walking toward the door as I speak. The elevator can’t get here fast enough. I practically run across the parking lot until Dillan steps in front of me.

“What happened?”

It’s not friendly concern. It’s a demand.

“I need to speak to Cormac. If I call, is he available?”

“I believe so. What happened?”

“I’m safe, Dillan. I’d rather speak to Cormac first.”

Dillan stares for a moment, then nods.

“I want to call him from my car. This is private.”

Dillan’s gaze jumps to my office building, and his eyes narrow as he stares at it before returning his attention to me.

“Did someone threaten you?”

“I’m safe. I won’t discuss this until I speak to Cormac.”

I’m testy, and I don’t want to snap at Cormac’s cousin, especially since he’s the boss. It’s not like I fear Dillan because of his position, but my upbringing insists I show deference to him.

“All right.”

He walks me to my car and opens the door for me. I slide in, and he closes it. He stands by the front quarter panel and pulls out his phone. He puts it to his ear, but his lips never move. He’s pretending to be on a call in case someone sees him standing around.

I hit Cormac’s contact and wiggle my toes in my shoes as I wait for him to answer.

“Joey?”

I burst into tears.

“Joey!”

“Daddy.”

I feel like my throat’s closing as the lump rises. I inhale and swallow.

“Daddy, are you busy?”

“No. What happened? Finn, I’m on the phone. That’ll wait.”

Fuck. He isn’t alone.

“I didn’t know you were in a meeting. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“I know you didn’t, but you have five seconds to explain before I call Dillan and demand an answer.”

“He doesn’t know. I mean, he knows I’m safe, but I refused to tell him. I wanted to talk to you first.”

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