Page 9 of If Our Hearts Collide

“I know exactly where to hide the body,” I deadpan.

Graham and Nic stare at me, studying my facial expression. But when the one corner of my lips lifts slightly, we all burst out into laughter.

“Precisely,” Graham jokes.

“Penny knows if she ever needs money, she can come to us,” Nic comments. “Just do as you see fit. We trust you to make the right decisions. No need to run everything past us. You know how we operate. Plus, we trust you—fully.”

I nod, trying to mentally develop a plan of action in my head. Penny’s brothers must have some suspicion that her reckless streak isn’t over with the prison visit, if they are officially hiring me.

“Use your discretion. Just make sure she’s safe. Run background checks if necessary on anyone she becomes friends with. Fend off the assholes that want to just mess with her for a one-night thrill. Use your best instincts on how to manage her without her knowing she is being managed.” A smirk plays on Graham’s lips as he crosses his arms over his chest. “I don’t see her causing nearly as much stress to you as Angie and Claire have.”

I turn to Nic. “What about the trackers?”

He shrugs. “I’m never against them. After the nightmare we endured a couple of months ago at the hands of that madman, I’m done taking any chances with my loved ones.”

“Understood, sir.”

Between Angie almost losing her life from the kingpins of a drug ring and Claire getting trapped inside this building by an ex-security worker seeking revenge, I completely understandthe precautions they are taking with Penny, albeit on the milder scale.

I think they want her safe but not smothered. I can do that.

“We trust you, Collins,” Graham says, echoing the similar sentiment his younger brother offered as well. Standing up from his leather chair, he walks over to me. I stand to meet him, accepting his outstretched hand in a gesture of respect that basically turns into a half hug.

“I appreciate your confidence in me.”

“You’ve proven yourself every step of the way thus far.”

“And I’ll continue to maintain that level of professionalism and respect,” I vow.

There’s a code I live by, and veering from it is just not something I do. I value discipline and predictability.

I grab the pen off the desk and sign my name on the line, making everything official. It is a technicality, really. I don’t need some paper promises of money to continue working for the Hoffmans. Both men have given me back my purpose in life. They are each doing me a favor by continuing to provide me with assignments, even if this one feels a bit watered down.

“Off topic,” Nic interjects with a lopsided smile. “But our mom insists on you coming to Hillsboro to celebrate Penny’s birthday. I worry what she’ll do to us”—he laughs along with Graham—“if you don’t show up.”

“You know that woman basically thinks we overwork you without fair compensation and competitive benefits,” Graham adds.

“Yeah,” Nic says with a chuckle. “She basically has hinted that you should form a one-man union and revolt against us. Sheesh, Mom can be fiery.”

I smile. Donna surely is one of a kind. “What day is the celebration?” I know when the official birthday is, but figure I should get clarification in case the party is on a different day.

“Tomorrow.”

I can’t remember the last time I attended a birthday party. Not knowing what to expect is my biggest struggle socially. I hate unknowns. Recreational parties have never been my scene. “I, uh?—”

“Consider it a prelude,” Graham says with a chuckle.

“A prelude?”

Nic laughs. “You keep Donna happy, because we all know how pushy our mom can get. And getting to see thenewPenny will be a field experience bonus.”

I shift my weight on my heels. “New?”

“Oh, she decided to do a few changes on her appearance. You’ll know when you see her in person,” Nic says with a smirk. “The party starts at four tomorrow. Dinner, cake, you know the drill. Everything is casual and small.”

“Donna-style,” Graham chimes in.

So not small at all. “Sounds good. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

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