Page 37 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

Nodding, I toss an unconscious Burlone over my shoulder, then reach for her handcuffs and pull her toward the back entrance that leads to my car. I’ll be back for Regina in a second.

The sound of Mr. Carbonne’s voice is cut off when the heavy door closes with a thud.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dex

The car is tense as we drive to Kingston’s estate. Regina is sitting in the front seat, looking beautiful yet exhausted at the same time. My jaw tightens as I examine the blossoming bruise on her face that Sei gifted her with while I was helping the other passion fruit out of the car earlier this evening.

Gently, I run my finger across it another time, and she looks over at me. “It doesn’t hurt, Dex. I promise. Stop beating yourself up about it. We made it out of there, and that’s all that matters.”

Regina must sense my unease because she puts her hand on top of mine before lacing our fingers and resting them in her lap. “Seriously, Dex. I’m fine. We can play doctor later, and you can bring me back to health, okay?” She winks for good measure, fizzling out a bit of the guilt rolling in my stomach.

“Deal.”

As I accelerate, Burlone’s body rolls around in the trunk, making me smile until I remember to check my rearview mirror. The girl I was supposed to protect––but failed to do so––sits in the back by herself with her arms wrapped around her chest, staring blankly out the window. Again.

With an unsure voice, Regina turns in her seat and asks, “Hey. Are you okay?”

I’m not surprised when the girl doesn’t answer.

“I’m Regina. I was taken two weeks ago. Just like you. What’s your name?”

Not bothering to give us her full attention, the girl whispers, “Quenna. You can call me Q.”

“Can I ask you something, Q?” Regina probes.

“Sure.”

“Do you really work for the FBI?”

I watch as her tongue darts out from between her lips, and she looks over at me through the rearview mirror. “Will you think I’m lying if I say no?”

She isn’t asking Regina. She’s asking me. And I already know the answer. There’s no way in hell she’s working for the Feds. Or at least…I don’t think so. Regardless, it doesn’t matter. She saved us back there, and I won’t forget it.

“No, Q. I won’t think you’re lying,” I reply, turning my attention back to the winding road as we make our way to Kingston’s estate.

“Then I guess you have your answer.”

“But why lie to those men?” I prod. I’m happy she did it, but I can’t help but search for an explanation when I have so many questions.

“Because I was going to die, anyway. Might as well make Burlone join me, right?”

Next to me, Regina laughs. “Amen, Q. Maybe my brother will let us get in a few good swings with a baseball bat before he finishes Burlone off. What do you say to that?”

And for the first time since I’ve met her, I see Q smile. “I think that sounds fan-freaking-tastic.”

* * *

As we pull up to the house, Ace rushes toward us and swings the passenger door open on my car before practically tackling Regina with hugs.

“G! I’ve missed you so much! I can’t believe you’re Kingston’s sister! I had no idea. Neither of us did. Your brother thought it was hilarious, by the way. Are you okay? I couldn’t find you. I’ve been freaking out. I’m so glad you’re here.” The words keep tumbling out of her as she squeezes the shit out of my Little Bird.

With a soft laugh, Regina returns her embrace. “I’ll be okay, Ace. And I’m glad my brother doesn’t want to shoot me for putting all of you through the wringer.”

“You’ll be fine. Promise. Come on.” Ace grabs her hand and starts to lead her into the house when Regina stops her.

“I’ll be right there. Do you think you could take Q in for me?”

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