Page 31 of Web of Lies
"Send me a quick message when it's done."
"Sure."
"Good. Have a good night, Riley."
"You too, sir." The connection ends with a static buzz.
I slump back into my seat and pull the earpiece out. My gaze shifts to Ethan, who is still standing beside the open door. He holds a cigarette in one hand; the other hangs loosely at his side, gripping a hidden pistol. To any passerby, he looks like a man who has stepped away for a quiet smoke break.
"Ethan, can I have one, too?" I ask, glancing up at him.
He looks down at me with a raised brow. "Of course." He traps his cigarette between his lips and reaches into the inner pocketof his jacket to pull out a lighter and a pack. With a practiced flick of his thumb, he pops one loose and holds it out.
"Thanks," I say as I take it and bring the filter between my lips. Next, he holds out the lighter. With a flick of his wrist, the flame catches. I take a long, deep breath as the familiar burn settles deep in my lungs. I close my eyes and hold it in for a moment before slowly exhaling, watching the smoke disappear into the night air.
"I didn't know you smoked."
"I don't," I say with a dry smile, watching the smoke curl from the tip of my cigarette. "I'm more of a social smoker, or when I'm in a stressful situation. It helps me feel less wired."
Ethan huffs a quiet laugh. "Right. The illusion of calm. Classic."
I keep my eyes on the ground as I bring it to my lips again and inhale.
"You handled yourself well in there," he adds after a moment, his tone sincere. I tilt my head back and find him looking down at me.
"Thank you." I offer him a smile, and the corners of his mouth twitch into a soft one.
When my phone suddenly vibrates inside my clutch, I pull it out and see the new text message. A familiar warmth fills my chest, and my smile widens.
Sidekick:Got time tonight?
Me:Yes. I'm about to head home from work. Does 11 sound good to you?
Sidekick:Great. I'll pick you up at 11.
When I lower my phone again, I catch Ethan watching me out of the corner of his eye. "Someone's put a smile on your face," he comments with a half-smirk. "Got more plans tonight?"
"I do," I say with a soft chuckle. I flick the ash from my cigarette onto the ground and take another slow drag. "How about you? Will you come back?"
"No, I'm leaving too. I'm going to an art show at midnight."
"Art show?" I raise an eyebrow. "I didn't take you for an art lover."
"Well, I'm full of surprises."
A jingle from my laptop cuts through the quiet, signaling the transfer's completion. I whip around and glance at the message confirming the success on my screen. Then I turn back to Ethan.
"We can go," I say, pulling up a chat with Mr. Hunt and shooting him a quick message to let him know we're done.
"Okay," he says, circling around the car, stubbing out his cigarette before climbing into the driver's seat. I flick mine away too and pull the door shut, and he starts the engine and maneuvers us out of the parking lot with practiced ease.
My attention drifts back to my phone. My thumb hovers over Kyle's contact image. A swarm of excited butterflies flutters in my stomach, tugging at my insides.
I can't wait to see him.
Chapter 16
Riley
