Page 64 of Shades of Mercy
“Maybe Puma needs to hire you on the security team,” Atlas said. “I’m on board with it.”
“Too bad I’m the cook. Speaking of, I'd better start back toward the house to make sure dinner isn’t burning.” She stood and slid between Jag and the wall.
“I’ll walk you back,” he volunteered.
Once they were outside, she said, “I suppose this is when you're going to tell me off for sharing my thoughts on drones and security, even though you did ask.”
He was following. “I asked because I knew you’d have an answer. I don’t want you to pretend to be someone you're not. There’s nothing wrong with being a cook, but I know it doesn’t excite you as much as security does. I think Atlas is on to something. He’s right, though, you’d fit in here.”
She cocked a brow. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Never better.” There seemed to be a new pep in his step.
“I might have to consider my options because something tells me SMH will dissolve.”
“Maybe it’s time. I know you and your partners take on some heavy surveillance jobs, but you are starving for more. I think you’re craving a little danger.”
“I think you’re right. I don’t mind working behind the scenes, but there’s just something I enjoy about being around the action. I don’t know what that means or looks like, but I need to investigate it.”
“Your eyes light up, and your voice has all the feels when you talk about the change.”
“I’ll try to put that enthusiasm in the roast I’m making tonight.” She wagged her brows.
He strolled to the back door and opened it for her. As she passed, he said, “I’m intrigued by your knowledge.”
“Thanks for walking with me. She chose not to get into a heavy conversation.
His smile lit his gaze. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
She watched him walk away, and her insides danced.
Alone, she reached inside her boot and took out the burner phone. McKinley should have sent her the photos by now. She clicked on her email and found a message from him. Engrossed in the email, she didn’t realize Jess had joined her.
“What sort of cook leaves a roast in the oven while they wander off?”
Mercy jerked in alarm. The phone slipped from her hands, hitting the floor and breaking.
“Fuck!” Mercy said, staring down at the now unusable phone—her only connection with the outside world.
“Excuse me.” Jess splayed her palm against her bosom. “That’s a disgusting word.”
“Please forgive my rudeness.” The burner was destroyed. How would Mercy see the footage that McKinley had sent her?
“You’re a vulgar girl,” Jess said in a huff. “And your cooking skills are terrible.”
“I’m vulgar?” Mercy might need to be civil but Jess was pushing the limits.
“Living with one man. Gallivanting around with another. That’s not a ladylike way.”
“Really? And treating people unkindly is?” Mercy scooped up the broken phone. There was no way of fixing it. She started to toss it in the trash but thought better of it.
“Excuse me?” Jess huffed.
Mercy faced the woman. “I’d assume you dislike me, but we don’t know each other, so that’s not the case. What I think the problem is, you wanted the cook’s position, didn’t you?”
Jess’s mouth thinned. “I’d do a much better job.”
“Why don’t you take that up with Puma and give me space to do my job.”
