Page 21 of Flame
“I have a call with Jason this evening,” Landry says. “I’ll confirm that you’re to remain with Bianca.”
“It’s confirmed.”
Papers shuffle in the background. “We have a conference call tomorrow morning at nine. I’ll have a link sent to your email.”
“Fine.”
“Okay.” He pauses. “I know you’re frustrated. I know you had this thrown into your lap today. But I also know how much Jason respects you and appreciates your loyalty.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me.
No one understands the bond that Jason and I share—not even Landry. He knows that Jason and I both worked for Fenton Abbott at Mandla and were on the same rescue mission in Africa. But what Landry doesn’t know,that no one knows, is that Jason saved my life that night.
And I’ll never forget it.
“Jason asked that you be appointed the lead on Bianca’s detail if you want it …”
He did? I suck in a breath.
Bianca is sitting in my house a stone’s throw away, and her entire security plan is being thrust into my lap. Things will have to be strictly professional between us—no matter what.
Can I do this? Can I do this with her in my home? Can I trust myself to stay focused on the task at hand and not her?
But as I think about it and weigh the pros and cons, it becomes apparent that there’s really only one choice. Because if I don’t do it, I’ll be distracted anyway, wondering if the threat against her has escalated. I’ll be of no use to anyone. Hell,I’llbe the weak link.
I can’t risk that.
Especially now I’ve breathed the same air as Bianca again.
No, Iwon’trisk that.
“Let’s talk about it tomorrow,” Landry says. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you at nine.”
“Goodbye.”
“Goodbye,” he says, ending the call.
The weight of the world settles on my shoulders as I stare out the window toward my house.
Earlier, I was wrong.
Today could get worse.
And it did.
It sure fucking did.
CHAPTER5
Bianca
Don’t be nosy. Don’t be nosy. Don’t be nosy.
I frown.
But I really want to be nosy.
The house is absolutely silent. It’s not uncomfortable or eerie like my house can be at certain times of the day. If I hadn’t designed and built it, I would’ve sworn someone was murdered in the guest room downstairs. I have to pass it to reach the kitchen at night for a snack, and I’ve almost tripped more than once after a few glasses of wine in my attempt to reach the pantry without getting attacked by ghosts.
