Page 28 of Whatever It Takes

“Please.” Marco rolled his eyes. “He’s got nothing on me.”

Joanne and I both laughed.

“Emery, why don’t you go upstairs and get your pajamas on?”

“Okay, but make sure Quinn knows where his dinner is.” She looked at Marco. “Do you want yours now?”

He patted his flat stomach with the two dimples dancing in his cheeks that probably had all the single ladies speeding through town, hoping to get pulled over. “Do you think I’ve got room in here for pizza?”

“Oh, Lord,” Joanne groaned. “Fishing for compliments from a six-year-old, really, Marco?”

“What?” He laughed. “Do you know how hard I work for this eight-pack?”

She rolled her eyes and looked at the time. “You know what? I’m out.” She walked over to Emery and kneeled down so they were at eye level. “It was nice meeting you, Emery.”

She grabbed her coffee cup that was sitting on the end table. Her dark eyes met mine. “I hope they find him soon,” she whispered so only I could hear her. “You and that little girl deserve some closure. I’ve dealt with your husband a few times over the years. I’m just sorry this all happened. He always seemed like a decent guy.”

Just when I thought my day couldn’t suck anymore, she had to go and remind me that Grant wasn’t always the bad guy that people perceived him to be. Deep down, I knew that to be true, but somewhere along the way he changed. I wasn’t sure if it was because of greed, power, or anger. It could have been any or all of those things. Maybe if I were a better wife and paid closer attention, I wouldn’t have been so blindsided.

Emery waved as we said our goodbyes. Once the door was shut I walked over to the couch and started to fold a few throw blankets that were laying around. I tried to keep myself busy and distracted as I moved around the living room, picking things up and putting them where they belonged. I was on autopilot, trying to make sense of my husband’s double life. I wanted to demand answers from him and ask him who he really was, because he sure as hell wasn’t the man I married. Or was he, and I just didn’t know it?

I snatched the remote off the end table and turned the television off. It was getting late, and with all the excitement that went on tonight, our bedtime routine was going to be a challenge.

“Emery, go fix Marco a plate and head upstairs please.”

He shot me a wink over his shoulder as the two of them scampered into the kitchen. He was so damned likable sometimes I forgot why he was actually here.

I could hear Marco’s big throaty laughter and Emery’s little giggle all the way through the house. I shook my head and spent the next few minutes tidying up the living room. After fluffing a few pillows I padded over to the window and pushed the curtains back.

I watched from afar as Quinn held his girlfriend against his chest. I wanted to look away, but something about that moment had me rooted to the spot. I pressed a hand to my neck, trying to ease the growing tightness in my throat.

“Cute kid,” Marco said as he walked back into the room. He lingered to my left as we watched Emery bounce up the stairs. When I turned to fully face him, his expression softened in concern. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine,” I lied, stepping away from the window, hoping I didn’t look like a stalker.

He eyed me warily, and I could tell he didn’t believe me. I was a mess on the inside, I could only imagine what I looked like on the outside. “We’re going to find your husband. I promise you that.” It was almost laughable that Marco thought my stressing out was all about Grant. “And once we do, maybe then you and Quinn can get your shit figured out.”

I scooted around him, not liking the fact that he could read me so easily. But then again, wasn’t that his job? “There is nothing for Quinn and me to figure out.”

He looked like he didn’t believe me.

“Quinn’s a good guy,” he pointed out, glancing over my shoulder and looking out the window. “We’ve known each other for a long time. He’s one of the finest investigators we have. He always does what’s right no matter what the cost.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“He will do whatever it takes to get your husband off the streets. This may not be his case, but he’s the most motivated person I have in my corner. He doesn’t need his mind fucked with right now. So, if staying here and watching over you and your daughter is going to keep him sane, then you let him do what he needs to do.”

I swallowed and turned away, trying to hide any emotions that would give me away. The thought of Quinn here in my house, sharing my space did funny little things to my heart.

“Are you speaking as a friend or coworker?”

He laughed. “Both, I guess. We all have the same goal in mind. I want Quinn to be smart about this and not let his personal feelings get in the way. He’s got a keen sense for justice, but the second your husband stuck that note on his car…”

I held my hands out. “You don’t need to finish that sentence. I know. I feel terrible that Quinn’s been dragged into this mess.”

He smirked. “Trust me, Quinn can hold his own.”

“I’m not just talking about that.” I pointed out the window to where Quinn’s girlfriend appeared to be crying against his neck. “That doesn’t look good.”

“Ahh…” He nodded his head and shifted his eyes away from me. “Why don’t you let Quinn worry about that. He’s not going to do anything he doesn’t want to do.”

“I know that,” I snapped, feeling frustrated. For some reason it felt like I had to defend myself, and he just happened to be the poor guy standing in front of me. I knew the kind of man Quinn was. I knew that he still cared about me and wanted to keep me safe. But at what cost?

“Let’s be realistic here for a second. You want to catch my husband. Do you honestly think he’s going to come near this house if he knows that Quinn is staying here? I mean come on, that would be stupid.”

“As Quinn said earlier, it’s not just Grant we’re worried about. But if your husband thinks that another man is moving in on his life…” he whistled, “not just any man, but a man that he hates, that’s going to cause him to lose his shit and do stupid things. Things that will make it easier for us to catch him. Tonight is a perfect example of that.”

Damn it. He had a point. Now if only I could convince my foolish heart that this didn’t mean anything.

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