Page 7 of When Sinners Rise
“An OBE for outstanding services to Media and Culture isn’t enough?”
He takes a sip of his wine. “No. I want my knighthood. You’ll both have to curtsey after that.”
Willow laughs. “Not a hope in hell.” He keeps staring at her. She blushes. “Well, maybe I will, on occasion.” I don’t know what they’re talking about, but it seems private and personal. I shift in my seat and grab the menu to hide behind.
The meal and the company are lovely. I even managed to laugh at something Willow said, which made me stop for a second. When was the last time I laughed? Properly, wholeheartedly, with no reserve? Probably with Naja.
I push my dessert around the plate as I remember who I am and why I’m here again. All this is a lie. It’s not real. It is on the face of it. I’m secure and should be looking forward to the future I’m being gifted.
“Miri? What do you think?”
My head rears up. “Sorry, what?”
“Landon suggested we go to Paris for the weekend. Just you and me. We can catch up with Seffi and see all the touristy things. Maybe a spa day?” I stare at her, confused. Does she think that’s what I want? That that will somehow rid me of this dread and fear? “I think you could do with a break.”
“A break?”
“Yes. Some time away. We could relax and unwind.”
“You think I need a break?” She smiles and reaches her hand over to mine. I snatch it back.
“I don’t need a break. I need some answers. Like where’s Naja, and why hasn’t she even tried to be in contact?” Landon sighs. My gaze goes straight to him. “What?” He frowns and shakes his head. “Why do you both seem to think I won’t have questions or want answers? Where is she? Have you heard from Jackson?” He looks at Willow. She’s lost her smile now and purses her lips. “You have, haven’t you? You know something?”
“Miri …” Willow starts.
“This isn’t the right place for this conversation,” Landon cuts in and stands. He walks off towards the bar as if he’s about to pay the bill. I look straight back at Willow.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“We’ll talk about it in the car.”
“No, tell me now.”
She glances around but doesn’t answer. She stands and pulls on her coat, seeking Landon as he comes back toward us.
Frustration and anger boil under my skin. “Willow? Landon? Please.”
He ushers me up and leads us out of the restaurant in reply. The moment we’re outside, I swing around and plant my feet. “No. I want to know what’s going on now. I’m not waiting for a car journey. Please tell me. Is Naja okay? Is she safe?”
Willow reaches for my hand. “Miri. It’s not good news, and I’m so sorry you’re having to hear this.” My eyes flip betweenboth of them as I pull my hand from hers. Dread punches deep in my gut. This isn’t the way to deliver good news.
“Jackson was murdered a while ago. In New York,” Landon says. The words sink in slowly and start my mind racing in a million directions.
Murdered?
“What does that mean for my sister?”
I look at both of them, pleading with my eyes for better news about her.
Willow’s eyes mist before she looks back to Landon.
“I’m sorry, Miri,” Landon says. “As far as I’m aware, Naja is back with the Cortez family.”
CHAPTER THREE
SHAW
Cutting through a mass of people, I make my way through customs at Heathrow and keep my head forward. I’m not bringing anything in that I shouldn’t, but I don’t need the hassle of interviews about why I’m here. What would I even say? Visiting friends? On vacation on my own? Stealing a woman and bringing her home? A snort comes out of me as I’m passing a female cop. She looks at me. I wink. She smirks and looks elsewhere, and then I’m through the doors and making my way out.
