Page 34 of Judas

"I can do that," Judas cut his eyes in Eliza's direction but she was more interested in the office ceiling for the moment. "Can I get early access? I'd like to have a blueprint of the room so I know who to place where."

Paul waved his hand dismissively, "Of course, of course. If Chet would get back from wherever he's disappeared to… his girl can pull plan sets from the city."

"Hisgirl," Eliza mumbled softly, rolling her eyes, but Paul ignored her. "I don't think Uncle Chet will be back today, Dad. The text said it was a family emergency."

Still pretending he didn't hear his daughter, Paul scrolled his phone, "Ah… yeah, looks like we may not hear from him until tomorrow. I'll getAmeliato give you the access."

"I'll take you to her," Eliza offered. "I think I need some fresh air."

A feeling of awkwardness fell on the room, spreading thick on every surface. Luckily, Judas knew Paul would be leaving to play golf soon and would go straight home after. It was a break that would do both father and daughter some good. Shutting the door behind him, Judas struggled to catch up with Eliza.

"Hey! Hey, hey, hey…" Reaching out, he took her arm and spun her to face him. His eyes darted in all directions making sure they were alone, "What was that all about?"

Her heart fluttered like a schoolgirl at his touch, but Eliza's lips were pursed tight, "Nothing. It's over…I really don't want to talk about it. Actually, I just want to introduce you to Amelia and get out of here."

"Okay," he nodded. "Lead the way."

Chapter twenty-one

The brown bags overflowed with their contents and Judas struggled to pull his keys from his pocket. All the ingredients for a romantic Italian dinner balanced heavily on his hip as he finally slipped the key into the lock, turning the tumbler. Judas kicked the door shut when he felt the soft vibration of his phone in his back pocket.

"Khara," groaning, he quickly dropped the sacks on the bar but was able to answer the call before it went to his voicemail, "Hello?"

There was a short silence.

"Hey… Judas," the man's steady voice replied carefully, "Chet Branson."

Judas checked the caller ID for confirmation, "Mr. Branson, how are you, sir? Everything alright? I heard there was a family emergency. I hope everyone is well."

"Oh, yeah… everything is… fine," Chet confirmed. "Just… my daughter, Nevaeh is a little… under the weather. It'll all be fine."

Judas thought for a moment that the man sounded a little distant. Maybe the illness was more serious than he wanted to discuss or maybe everything was indeed fine. He didn't know Chet well enough to tell. From their brief interactions, he seemed to be most of what Paul was not; friendly, personable, and well-liked by others. "What can I help you with, sir?"

"I haven't been able to get in contact with Paul. I need to talk to him about a project he worked on. You wouldn't happen to know where he is?" Chet asked.

Judas grinned, "Oh, yeah. He's playing golf with some members of the state police board." He glanced at the antique clock hanging over the sofa, "Actually, he should be on his way home now."

His voice lightened, "Great! Okay. I appreciate that. What about Eliza? Would you happen to know where she is?"

Judas' voice caught in his throat. The mention of her name sent waves of eager anticipation through his body. He dreamed every moment of her being near him. But even when they were in the same room, she was never close enough.

‘Hopefully, already on her way here,’was his thought, but, "I think she's in a meeting right now," came from his mouth.

Chet's voice was rushed, "So still at the office. Sounds good. Well, I can catch up with her tomorrow. I appreciate your help."

The line disconnected.

Dropping his phone on the countertop, Judas pulled pots out of cabinets and filled them with water and sauce. The apartment quickly warmed with the aroma of basil and garlic saturating the air as tomatoes bubbled gently on the flame. The text he received from Eliza five minutes prior said she just packed an overnight bag and would be on her way.

The way the phraseovernight bagsounded thrilled him. He would have her again, all night, to himself. He never thought she would accept when he made his offer of sanctuary so they couldbe alone last week. While sneaking around behind Paul's back made their relationship a little more exciting in the beginning, the feelings Judas was sure they had for each other couldn't be kept a secret forever.

He filled the boiling water with the pasta and cut the vegetables for a salad. Judas pulled ivory plates from the cabinet along with silverware and wine glasses, placing them on the small wooden table in the breakfast nook. Back to the boiling pasta to strain.

Judas poured himself a glass of wine and stared at his phone as he sat on a bar stool. He reviewed the schedule for the following week and answered emails from his security team. He realized he missed a text from Beau nearly an hour and a half prior saying that Paul sent him home from the country club. Judas could only roll his eyes and reply that he would be paid for his time anyway.

He mumbled under his breath, "Why have a bodyguard if you don't allow him to do his job?"

He finished his glass and started to pour another only to realize it had been nearly forty-five minutes since Eliza told him she was on her way. It was almost seven o'clock on a Thursday night and traffic was heavier than normal, but she certainly should have been here and parked by now. She wouldn't have to park on the street. Judas made sure of that and gave her the code to the parking garage under his building.

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