Page 30 of Lost Boy

“Yes. I figured out right away that you had no involvement in the dealings that your father and the other partners indulge in.”

Mitch nodded. That was good, wasn’t it?

“I continued to follow you for months trying to understand your relationship with the detective and your other friend Jace.”

Mitch knew he paled. Grant was a cop. He could protect himself and Caleb. Hell, when Grant had moved into Caleb’s huge house, he’d beefed up security so much they practically lived in a fortress. But Jace was a businessman. He had Avery to watch over.

“Don’t worry,” Mac held up his hand. “I have respect for your entire group. It was why I decided to help the detective.”

“Help?” Mitch asked. Then he remembered. The drug case that Grant had been working. The dealers had kept disappearing. Some of their bodies were found and some just were gone. “You killed the dealers?”

Mac pressed his lips together but winked.

Mitch tried to step back, but the building was already against his back.

“It’s okay,” Mac said kindly. He actually sounded like he cared. “Do you want me to call your man?”

Mitch gasped. No, he didn’t want Byron to be involved in this. If something happened to him…

“Hey.” Mac’s big hand came down on his shoulder and Byron tried to shrink away. “No one’s going to hurt you. I’ve seen you with your man. I just thought he’d be able to help calm you down. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Who was this guy? Was he really a contract killer? They were hidden from the courthouse just inside the alley. He obviously followed Mitch. And he was being nice.

Mac took a step back. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

What kind of hit-man apologized? Maybe he wasn’t any good and his father would be okay.

“I saw you out here and I knew better than approaching you but sometimes I don’t listen to myself. That’s sort of how I introduced myself to Grant. I just wanted to get a closer look at him.”

Mitch snorted. This man seemed almost obsessed with their group. They weren’t that interesting. Not unless… “Are you a Daddy?” He smacked a hand over his mouth. He couldn’t believe he asked that question. “I’m sorry!” Fuck, he was going to get himself killed.

But Mac merely shook his head sadly. “I’m not in the position to have a boy of my own. At least not yet. I have some messes that need to be cleaned up.”

“You have a boy in mind though,” Mitch pressed. “It’s not me, is it? Caleb? Avery?” Would this man kill for his boy? Were they in danger?

“No, your friends are safe. The boy I have my eye on doesn’t know I exist. And he’s single. I don’t poach.”

Mitch nodded. That was good. Although what kind of boy would want a hit-man for a Daddy?

“I’m glad I spotted you.” Mac rocked back on his heels. “You need to get away from the firm. I’ll do my best to keep you out of things, but I wouldn’t put it past your father to offer you up in exchange for his own freedom.”

Mitch’s stomach cramped. The stress and nerves returning. He’d finally lost that constant sick feeling after spending the weekend with Byron but now it was back. His father would totally sell Mitch out to save his own skin. Hell, he’d blame Mitch and not blink an eye. He nodded to Mac.

Mac took a step away. “Maybe you should call your Daddy and go see him. I’m sorry if I disturbed you.”

“Wait!” Mitch called as Mac turned to go.

Mac lifted a brow.

Shit, what was he going to say? Beg for his father’s life? “Don’t kill him if you don’t have to.”

Mac pressed his lips together. After several long moments, he nodded. “I’ll give him a chance. For you. But the decision will ultimately be up to him.”

“Okay,” Mitch whispered.

Mac didn’t say anything else. He walked around the corner leaving Mitch all alone.

Mitch’s entire body was shaking. He fumbled getting his phone out of his pocket. He dialed Byron.