Page 29 of Ruthless Beast

“David was a good man, Emily. I imagine he did what he had to do.”

Emily pulls up her knees and hugs them tightly as she stares into space.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“No. I’m scared, Lucas. What if they come after me?”

“Why would they? You don’t know anything.”

“I know that, but they don’t.”

She’s quiet for a while, then she sighs.

“I have to leave. I’ve got to get away from this place. It probably isn’t safe.”

“But where would you go?”

“I don’t know yet. All I know is that I have to get the hell out of here.”

“I can help you.”

“How?”

“You can stay with me.”

“No, Lucas. David is dead. I can’t put your life in danger too. I’m a target, and I refuse to drag you into this.”

“But..”

“No, Lucas! My mind is made up. I’m leaving.”

This is a disaster. Emily has no idea how far the mob’s reach is. If she is a target, she has no chance of getting away unless someone who knows what they’re doing helps her. Someone like me.

“Please, Emily. Let me help you.”

“No, Lucas. I just wanted to tell you that I’m leaving. I don't want you to worry. Okay? I’ll be fine.”

I can see that this discussion is getting me nowhere. Emily is stubborn. I don't see how I have any other choice but to take matters into my own hands.

* * *

“Are you sure you want to do this? If the girl is a target, then you could become one too. We don't know for sure why David was murdered.”

“Don’t question me, Andreas. Just get it done. Okay?”

“You’re the boss.”

“Yes, I am. Be careful who you use for this. I don’t want this girl in any danger. She’s already lost her entire family. She’s fragile.”

I know what Andreas is thinking, but he has the good sense to keep it to himself. He knows it’s pointless to argue once I’ve made up my mind.

“I take it she isn’t onboard with the idea of staying with you until this blows over.”

“Emily doesn’t know who I am or that David worked for us. I’d like to keep it that way for now. I do know that if she tries to run away, she’s going to get herself killed.”

“Do you want me to keep her at the safehouse?”

“I think it’s best if she stays as close to me as possible.”

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