Page 2 of The Echo of Forever
Carmen tossed an expression that said a lot, but she would never express feelings that put her at odds with my plans.
Not here, at least.
“Can’t wait to hear what that look is about,” I said, standing to tug at my limbs.
My body was fighting against me at the moment. Even my joints were locked up and working my last nerve.
“Is the address accurate for his office?”
His family’s compound would take time to infiltrate, though there wasn’t a building in the city I couldn’t get into. But with it being late afternoon, my best course of action was walking through the front door to inquire about renting.
“Yes. It’s in the neutral zone. His sister works across the street. And as for Oliver…”
Oliver.
I smiled and dropped down to put on my sneakers.
“You two on a first-name basis?”
Silence.
“I’ll take that as a yes. You can head out, I’ll go scope the scene solo.”
“This is me officially clocking out,” she said, waiting a beat before starting her bullshit. “Forever, you need to give that job to somebody else. We’re already on strict orders to ensure you make it down the aisle in one piece.”
I ignored my best friend and slipped into an all black Nike windbreaker. Luckily, I’d dressed down today and could move about the city without stopping at home.
“I’m not changing how I move to please the powers that be. Taking this contract is well within my rights as the broker. What’s the problem?”
Carmen and I were groomed to be friends.
From the moment our mothers birthed us, we shared space. The baby pictures proved it, but only part of me felt like I could completely trust her.
When it came to society shit, I knew who to rely on, and my right hand was one of them.
But lately, Carmen and I seemed to be worlds apart on everything.
It’s why I refused to drink the tea.
Did they want to kill me?
“Nothing, you’re right,” she said after a while. “My dad is on me about keeping you in check. I’m sure that order came from yours.”
I shrugged.
“Your father and mine are retired from these positions, Carmen…” I stood in front of her. “Next time, tell him to fuck off.”
She wouldn’t, but I had no problem being the bearer of a bad attitude and smart mouth.
“Whatever. I have a dick appointment.”
My lips curled as she side-stepped me to leave.
“With Oliver Cannon?”
Carmen pulled the door open before eyeing me over her shoulder. The knowing twinkle dancing in that brown hue was answer enough.
“Be careful,” we said in tandem, nodding to agree.
