Page 103 of Wicked Duty
When I’m not memorizing faces and names, I’m staring at the bright yellow umbrella balanced against the rim of my glass, anxiety eating me alive.
Veronika, Kiara, and the twins chat easily, like they’ve been friends since childhood. I’ve never had a big family or even a big friend group, so I feel woefully out of my depth.
I barely sip my margarita, growing restless as the women jump from topic to topic. Harper’s into fashion herself and can’t stop gushing over the excitement of the competition. Riley works at a women’s shelter, and I gather Veronika’s shared some of my history with her because she seems really impressed with my accomplishments.
You know, for a penniless orphan and former trafficking victim.
I wince. Riley’s treated me with nothing but kindness and respect, giving me no reason to believe she pities me. The negative voice in my head is my own, courtesy of my insecurities. I need to stop listening. I can’t allow anything to derail my mission.
My focus needs to remain fixed on Callum and the wallet. I have to find a way to talk to him.
As enjoyable as their company is, there’s no time to continue sitting around gossiping and brunching with the girls.
Harper’s gasp pulls my attention back to the conversation. “What do you mean, he disappeared?”
“Who?” Nika twirls her little umbrella between her thumb and pointer finger.
Riley lowers her voice. “Our accountant, Nolan Doyle. As in, the guy who’s overseen the Kings’ operations for the past two decades, at least.”
Even though I don’t grasp the significance of the announcement, this news rattles the room.
Kiara gulps down the last of her drink. “Does Finn know what happened to him?”
Riley shakes her head. “He’s got several of our best operatives investigating, including our cousin Kellin, but so far, the preliminary reports paint the picture that he may’ve been poached. All signs point to the Port Kings as the culprits.”
“The California faction of the Gallaghers?” Harper gives her sister a grave look, which Riley returns.
“That’s what Finn says.” Riley shrugs. “I don’t think Shane’s decided how to approach Declan yet.”
Kiara clears her throat. “Well, we’ll worry about all that later. Right now, all we can do is be here. Together. And enjoy ourselves. So, on a happier note, Rory and I have been talking about getting to work on kid number one.”
She says it so easily, like they’re going shopping for a succulent.
I can’t help but gawk while the rest of the women drop the bad news about the accountant to preen with happiness and congratulations for her.
“Can you imagine?” Harper giggles, tucking her pink margarita umbrella behind her ear. “What if we all got pregnant at the same time?”
“Guess I’d be drinking by myself for nine months.” Nika holds up her glass. “Cheers to that.”
“To good booze and future babies.” Riley knocks her glass against Nika’s.
Everyone toasts except me. They knock back whatever’s left of their margaritas as the depth of my discomfort intensifies.
Kiara, Harper, and Riley all seem friendly and fun to be around. I’m amazed that even Nika—who’s always been as resistant to new people and connections as Maya and me—seems to fit in so well with them.
But my hurt and anxiety spiral with every mention of their men.
All their happy exchanges about their relationships only serve to remind me that for a few splendid hours yesterday, I thought Callum and I shared a similar connection.
Now I’m not sure what to believe, and with each passing second, that uncertainty penetrates deeper. I just need to find him and ask about the crypto wallet.
I turn to Nika, but before I get the words out, Harper smacks my knee.
“Lucy, you don’t have to be shy.” She gives me a wise smile.
“Yes, no shyness allowed.” Kiara grins and wiggles her dark eyebrows. “I’m so curious to know what Callum’s like under that cold exterior.”
Alarm accelerates my pulse. How do they know about Callum and me? The twins look vaguely familiar, but I can’t quite place their faces. There should be no way for them to tell that Callum and I…
