Page 77 of Hiding Secrets

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When I pull up to my house in Everton, a black SUV is parked just on the curb. The windows are dark and I don’t see anyone inside as I roll past. I park in the driveway, all my senses are on full alert. I walk over to the SUV, getting a better look and touch the hood to feel it’s cold. Whoever it is has been here for a while.

I turn to the house, taking each step hesitantly. I reach for the door and the porch light turns on above me. I blink my eyes to adjust to the new lighting. The door swings open, my arm is grabbed by the figure in the darkened entryway, and I go into action without thinking. I charge the figure, slamming the door behind me as I pin them to the wall next to the door.

“K-K” My hand tightens around the throat, and my brain connects with the knowledge that this neck I’m holding is petite and I draw my hand away. The figure drops to the floor with a thud and I turn on the light in the living area, not wanting to illuminate the entry just yet. I look down where I left the person invading my house, and see Lianne on the floor rubbing her throat and gasping for breath.

Fuck, Lianne.

“Mrs. Wellington?” I say firmly, not needing to fake my confusion or shock.

What in the world was she doing here again? And in my house, when I was gone? Who knows what she got into or what she was saying. I am more than certain this place is fucking bugged.

“Mr. Harris.” She coughs out. I offer my hand to help her up and she takes it with annoyance in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I mean, breaking and entering warrants a startle, no?”

“I can see that now.”

“To what do I have the pleasure, Mrs. Wellington? Is Mr. Wellington aware of your visit this evening?”

“He knows I am…out. I was here because I have been feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

I gesture to the kitchen and she follows me, “Would you care for some tea, Mrs. Wellington?” I say as I flick the handle to the faucet on.

“Yes, that sounds refreshing. Thank you.” She steps closer to me, “Mr. Harris. I believe Mr. Donovan has his men following me.” She says in a hushed tone so that the running water would haze out her words.

“And your first thought was to come here?” I grab the kettle from the counter and start to fill it up. “Was that the best move, Lianne?”

“I didn’t know where else to go.”

“Home, Lianne. You stay home. You act like the wife they want you to be. A golden wife of Everton.”

“I wanted to give you the information. I-I thought it would help in some way.”

“Lianne, don’t mess this up for her, or me.” I shut the water off, and her lips fell into a flat line.

“I’m actually feeling a bit tired, Mr. Harris. I think I’ll go home, but thank you for the offer of tea and company. I wish you a good night.”

“Are you sure?” I don’t push for her to stay. I know she’s only worried and scared. I bet Samuel is having her followed. And her coming here…that fucks with my cover and I can’t have my cover compromised. Not when we finally have somewhat of a lead on how to end this fucking community.

“I am sure.” Lianne says as she walks to the front door.

I take wider steps around her and open the door for her.

“I hope to have a more traditional way of meeting up next time. Good evening, Mrs. Wellington.”

“Good evening.” She doesn’t look my way as she exits the house to the black SUV outside. She starts it up, driving away and out of sight. A similar-looking car comes around the corner from the opposite side, windows blacked out and the fog lights on only. I watch as it drives in the same direction Lianne did moments before.

She has been marked.

51

Elliott

I’ve been training every day for hours on end with Marcus in the gym for the past two weeks.

Fourteen whole days and no word from Kameron.

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