Page 115 of Hot Momosa

“I take it that was Beth.” My side hurt like hell, but I had to keep moving. Not only for my safety, for Gunnar and Leo, for Stuart and Beth, for their kids.

What had happened to Enzo would haunt me for the rest of my life. I didn’t want any more collateral damage.

“Yes. I don’t usually bring her along, but the police confiscated my SUV. I needed a ride.” He dialed again.

I started to ask why they’d held his vehicle, but then I remembered Enzo pulling me inside and the blood.

So much blood.

Gunnar’s cries came to me in stereo. Half from behind, and half from the receiver as Stuart relayed the new plan to Leo.

“Dahlia, I’ve been looking all over for you.” Robert Becker called from down the hall.

Shit.

His presence surprised me. I was pretty loopy from the pain meds, but I didn’t recall my father mentioning Robert was with him. “Is my dad still here? I thought he left a while ago.”

Clamping a hand on my shoulder, Stuart whispered, “Who is that?”

“Robert Becker. He works for my father.”

The bodyguard repeated the name to Leo. “We need to keep moving.”

“Waylon went back to Baton Rouge, but he asked me to stick around and make sure you were all right.” He smiled and held out his arms as if greeting a long-lost friend.

I didn’t have it in me worry about my manners or playing nice with Robert for my Dad’s sake. There was no way in hell I was getting close enough to hug him. “As you can see. I’m fine. We’re on our way home now.”

“Who’s this?” He motioned to Stuart with the flip phone in his hand.

Robert Becker had been a permanent fixture in my house since I was a child. While I didn’t know much about his personal life or if he even had one, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he was an iPhone snob.

I’d watched enough action movies with Leo to know that not all car bombs went off when the victim started the engine. Some were remotely detonated with things like cell phones.

“My bodyguard.” My voice came out higher than normal. I needed to get a grip and get the hell out of there before Leo and Gunnar caught up to us. I changed my tactics and flashed him my brightest smile. “It was nice of you to wait around, but we really do need to get home.”

Stuart took a step to the side and opened his jacket enough to reveal his gun.

“Good night, Dahlia. I hope to see you and Gunnar soon.” Robert grinned. “Bring Leo next time you visit.”

“I will. Drive safe.” I fought to keep my expression neutral.

Robert stepped around us at the same time I dipped my chin.

His shoes.

He wore brownish orange Italian loafers.

Blood whooshed behind my ear drums and I struggled to force air into my lungs.

“Are you okay?” Stuart rested his hand on the small of my back.

“No.” I worked hard to keep my voice down for fear of drawing Robert’s attention. “His shoes… I saw them on the sidewalk.”

“Where?”

I’d never had a panic attack, but I was definitely verge of one. “He’s the shooter. Tell Leo. Tell him to hide.”

Stuart put his phone to his ear. “Did you hear that?”

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