Page 63 of Finally Forever
“Yep. You need more?” He digs in the duffle bag near his feet.
“One more.”
He removes one and turns in his chair, wanting an explanation.
“I told you. The less you know, the better.” This is for Nathan’s contact. The other was for his contact after the guy reached out to me. I can’t tell him this.
Xavier folds his arms over his big chest. “That doesn’t work when I’m here to protect you.”
“I don’t need protection from myself.”
“You sure about that?”
I laugh through my nose. “I told you. I’m tying up a loose end. I am capable of handling things on my own.”
“I know you are. I also know you’re functioning with over a year of your past missing. If you let me help, I can fill in any gaps, make sure things go smoothly and that you’re protected.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’m good on this. Trust me.”
He exhales, not happy, but concedes. “I can hop in anytime to help. Just say the word.”
“Thanks. Keep the household safe, and we’ll be good.”
With the burner phone, I lock myself in the privacy of my bedroom to make the call.
Thirty minutes later, I’ve worked out the details with my new informant, the same as I did with Rick, the contact Xavier sent me. These guys act as handlers for other, more ruthless men—the kind who won’t mind getting their hands soaked in blood if it comes down to it. Rick is good, but he doesn’t have the right connections for this job. I hope Antoine will have better options.
I’m getting so close. Nothing can derail me from this mission. It’s essential to my future and the future of the people in this house, mostly Ainsley. Being around me shouldn’t cause them to worry about their safety. This will ensure we are all free to live however we want, wherever we want, and engage with whomever we want, with zero concerns. The freedom I long for will finally be mine.
For now, I need to conduct interviews, collect intel on the new candidates from Antoine, and pretend like nothing is going on behind the scenes. At this point, I can’t have my memories returning and clouding my judgement regarding what I have planned. I also can’t have anyone, like Ainsley, Nathan, or Riley—when he arrives tonight—growing suspicious. When I leave here, it will be at night, undetected. My actions will be explained later, if I’m lucky enough to have a later.
I received three texts while I was on the phone with Antoine. Two from Nathan and one from Ainsley, each seeking my whereabouts.
I shuffle down the stairs and follow the sound of voices coming from the great room. On the couches near the stone fireplace, sit Nathan, his fiancée, and Ainsley. Smiles light up their faces.
Nathan stands. “There he is. We were just talking about you.”
I grin as I stroll over and don’t ask for them to elaborate. “You must be Kensington.” I extend my hand to the pretty woman with light brown hair as long as Ainsley’s. In the engagement photo, the color had been maroon.
She stands and greets me with a solid handshake. I’d expect nothing less from the woman who claimed Nathan’s heart. He wouldn’t settle for shy or weak.
“It’s nice to meet you, although based on all of Nathan’s stories, I feel like I already know you.” Her smile radiates with as much vibrancy as her turquoise eyes.
“You probably do, at least who I was back in college.” I wink at the last second to soften the comment, which suddenly seemed a bit telling. Nathan picks up on those too easily as it is.
I sit on one of two chairs. All the furniture circles an oversized coffee table. Ainsley sits on the couch opposite Nathan and Kensington.
I don’t miss the way Kensington gazes from Ainsley to me, as if assessing the situation and how I’m not sitting next to Ainsley.
“How was your flight here, Kensington?” I ask, making small talk.
“Call me, Kensie. Kensington is a mouthful.” I nod and she continues, “It was good. Thanks. I’ve never been to Montana.”
“What do you think so far?”
“It’s beautiful but colder and snowier than I thought it’d be for spring.”
Ainsley giggles. “I said something similar when we arrived. I don’t know if I could live here, but I wouldn’t mind visiting once a year.”
