Page 59 of The Soul of Archer
“Maybe you should talk to Ethan. He’s probably the best one to ask advice on this.” Grant suggested.
“Yeah, yeah I think I will. He in his office?”
“Last time I checked.”
Lance patted Grant on the shoulder and headed for Ethan’s office. He found the man behind his desk growling at the computer. “Hey boss man, you got a sec?”
“Please yes! Anything to keep me from going cross-eyed on the damned budget.” Ethan replied.
Lance would normally chuckle at that, but his gut was too twisted. He quickly filled Ethan in and showed him Helix’s findings. “Christ man, should I tell her or keep it to myself?”
Ethan leaned back in his chair. “This is a tough one buddy. If it was Krista I’d tell her, but then we all know how Krista is about being kept in the dark. Do you think it would help or hinder her by telling her Lance?”
Lance dropped into one of the visitor’s chairs, then ran a hand over his face. He leaned back, stroking his beard covered chin. “My gut says to tell her. She and I promised to be honest with each other and damned knows I’m trying. I just don’t want to cause her more worry or worse. Put that fear back in her eyes I saw the day she walked in here.”
“It’s been my experience, especially with women like Krista and Alora to go with your gut. I’ll call Danny and Wilson and see if we can’t add another team on the street. If they can’t I’ll pull in Delta for it.” Ethan said.
Lance felt a little of the weight lift knowing his woman would have a bit more security. “Thanks Ethan. I… hell, thanks.”
“No need to thank me. You protected my wife last year not once, but twice. I will do what I can to protect your woman, hell any of our guys women if I can.” Ethan rejoined.
Chapter 22
‘Friday. Thank god it was Friday.’Was all Alora could think as she took off her chef’s coat.
This week had been long and a roller coaster. The fight with Lance, making up, then finding out someone had been outside her house possibly watching her and Lance again, just like in North Carolina. To make things worse, Sam and his father still hadn’t been found and Monica Malconi was still in Costa Rica. She just wanted this damn mess over so that she and Lance could move forward and not have to look over their shoulders at every turn. Tonight, they were going to attempt to be a normal couple. They had plans to go out to dinner and a bar with Ethan and Krista, which Alora was looking forward to. She slipped out the back and walked to her car when her cell rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey Tigress.”
She giggled. “I have to stop at the cleaners on the way home, but I’m leaving the shop now. Want me to swing by and pick you up?”
Lance sighed,“That’s why I’m calling. We’re heading to meet up with Danny. He got a tip that Sam and Ian were spotted in a hotel in Temple. Me and Ethan will meet you and Krista at the restaurant.”
“Lance, you and the others be careful. You got me? If you get so much as a scratch because of the Malconi’s I’m kicking their ass THEN I’m going after yours.” Alora ordered.
“I promise babe, I’ll be careful.”Lance chuckled.“I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll see you at the restaurant.”
“See you… Oh you four can kiss my fucking ass!”Lance yelled before clicking off.
Laughing, Alora unlocked her car and moved toward the back to put her things in.
“Hello Alora?”
***
Lance charged through the door with Danny, Ethan and Gage right behind them while Tony and Grant were covering the back with some of Danny’s men. The hotel room was empty except for a note and a cell phone resting on the table by the window. Holstering his weapon, Lance and Danny approached the table. The note simply said,ANSWER ME. Lance and Danny exchanged a bewildered look.
“There’s no one here.” Gage said.
A second later the cell rang. With dread, Lance picked it up and answered, “Hello?”
“Why hello Mr. Archer.”
“What do you want Malconi?” Lance demanded.
