Page 130 of Lost
Pulling my hair back into a tight braid, I slip out of the bathroom and pack up my things. Looking out at the street, I don’t see my guard or driver. Rolling in my lips, I shoot them a quick text.
Hollis
I’m ready to leave for the day. Are you nearby?
They technically aren’t supposed to leave at all, and I’m a little irritated. After being attacked and kidnapped, I no longer think that my guard detail is overkill.
Trevor
I’m sorry Hollis, a police officer told us to move. He said that we were loitering in front of your office. I’ll see if Briar can pull around.
Me
Where are you parked? I’ll walk to you.
Trevor
Cian is going to have my head, Hollis.
Me
Hold tight, I’m walking out now. I have to lock up.
Blowing out a breath, I look down at my clothing. I wasn’t exactly thinking about weapons when I got dressed for a double date. I suppose that’s just silly, considering what my life is like.
Pulling out the needle-like knives I have in my giant bag, I slide them into my braid. It won’t hurt or bother me, but it’s saved my life more than once. Next, I grab my favorite knife that doesn’t affect my movement, and strap it to my lower arm.Pulling on my puffy coat, it’s hidden completely, but I can easily slide my hand in to draw it if needed.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my life,” I grumble under my breath. I won’t put my warm headband over my ears until I’m with my pack so it won’t muddle my hearing, and my gloves aren’t overly bulky.
If I have to toss my bag at someone, then that’s what I’ll do. Opening the drawer in my desk that I can lock, I slide my laptop and tablet inside and turn the key to secure it. Now ready, I activate my security system and walk out the door.
My eyes are on a swivel as I stick my key into the lock and turn it, adjusting my purse to drop the keychain inside. If things continue in this way, I may have to break down and get a traveling suitcase to roll, but I hate having to sabotage my hands.
That’s why I carry the giant purse.
Walking toward the end of the block where I see Briar, I see people going about their business. The sun is shining, we got fresh powder this morning, you’d think that nothing bad could happen on Friday, right?
My spidey senses are screaming, but there’s still nothing to show that I need to worry. Trevor gets out of the car and begins to walk toward me, and somehow that makes me feel a little better. I still can’t shake this feeling though.
As I pass by an alley, my arm is yanked so hard, I’m airborne for a moment. I’m not proud, my bodyguard is half a block away, I scream.
Just because I can defend myself, doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate help.
“Shut up, cunt,” a voice growls. Fuck, it’s Tweedledumb from the mixer.
He releases me as he continues my trajectory forward, and I fall to my knees on the ground in front of Emilia fucking Richardson.
“I hear you’re without a job,” I sneer, my hand inside of my bag to pull out my phone. I call by touch, hoping that I’m calling the Finnegan boys or Cian back.
This fucking bitch isn’t going to get away with yanking me around again.
“Whose fault is that? Harold, be a dear and take care of her guard, would you?” she asks.
My heart cramps in worry for Trevor, but he’s trained for things like this. I keep my breathing normalized as I raise my brow, letting the straps on my bag fall off my shoulder so I have my arms again.
“Have you been camping out in front of my office, hoping to abuse your No Contact order? That’s just sad, Emilia. Whatever will you do without a job now?” I ask, pretending to be horrified.
Emilia goes to backhand me, and I grab her arm in time to pull her down on the ground beside me. My comfortable clothing allows me to clamber on top of her so I can hold her hands tightly underneath my seated position. It’s not the most elegant thing, but it works.
