Page 162 of The Reluctant Hero

My Mom would have loved what I just did. Although she wouldn’t have seen it, hearing about it would have made her day if she knew all the things he’d done.

South steps in front of me to call the elevator, waiting until we’re inside alone to comment.

“You never have to worry for us. I have that handled. Your job is to get the information to Shade as you get it. In a stressful situation, you’ll forget the numbers. Put our contacts on your speed dial list. Besides, if something happens to you, I’ll want a visit from them anyway. They’ll owe. I’m always ready to collect.”

“He said he was meeting with Gabriel,” I almost choke on his name. A different type of ache starts up that won’t leave me alone.

South makes a muted, thoughtful sound and comments. “He lied. I’ve seen evil. Gabe isn’t it.”

“I hope you’re right, for Shade’s sake.” It’s too late for me to believe that.

“Tera has done her homework,” South glances at me. “She visited Gabriel today with evidence that proves your innocence.”

“Thepregnantchick faced down those jackals? Are you all insane?” I gape at her as my face pales. “Is she ok? Has she texted? Shit, give me her number.”

“Why?” The bland question makes me gnash my teeth as the doors open for us to exit.

“So I can yell at her too! She’s supposed to besafe! As in, far the fuck away from all this.”

“She’s safe,” South assures me. “I’ll give her your contact info.”

“Your ego is colossal. You can’t be everywhere at once, South. Keep her out of this!”

“Shade is with her,” South says blandly.

Her text tone goes off as we reach the exit. She pauses to answer, and I walk through the doors. Stepping onto the sidewalk and seeing the bright sunlight is surreal for a second. I take a few steps to see South’s truck. The traffic has gotten heavy enough that it’s a blur of passing vehicles covering it. We’ll have to get to a stoplight to cross this insanity.

The foot traffic is even worse. I’m jostled a little and turn to glare at whoever passed. Before I can say anything to the woman talking on her phone, a fist punches into the middle of my back, making me stumble forward into the traffic.

A horn screams at me as I pinwheel to try and get back onto the sidewalk. The screech of brakes fills my ears before I manage a step back to safety.

Thudding footsteps run away. I turn my head with a teeth-bared snarl. South passes me in a blur. I can’t get a good view, but the crowd is parting for her. I’m left to contemplate how close I just came to moshing with a car.

35

Living In Tragedy

Gabriel

“Sir?”

I glance up from the blank page in front of me to see Vanessa in the doorway, cringing.

“Yes?” My tone is empty.

“Tera Evans and Shade are here to see you? I don’t know how they got up here on the elevator.”

I blink and then sigh roughly. I was expecting Jake to finally return. Cade refused to call him and let him know what was going on. It seems like Jake is more invested in Amanda than I realized. Cade was positive that he would not take the news well. He hasn’t called to check in yet, which isn’t unusual, but I’m not feeling good about it.

“Let them in.”

“Gabe,” Mikael mutters softly. “Not today.”

“Why not?” I ask him bitterly.

He sighs and glances at Ace.

He’s been leaning against the wall without saying anything for hours now. The only time he opens his mouth, he asks to get Amanda out and bring her home. The last time I shut him down has kept him quiet. Cade is sitting on the couch, staring at the blank TV as if he’s watching his life play out over the dark screen.

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