Page 33 of Sweet Lies

We’re a restaurant called Mikey’s when she blurts out, “What do you think of me going with you when you go on your next job?” Her hands clench the paper napkin. Her lip’s part surprised by her outburst.

I have half a meat lover’s pizza slice hanging from my mouth.

Placing the other half on the plate, I wipe my mouth before speaking. “No.” There will be no debate. The waitress is making her way to our table, but I wave her off. The water refill can wait. There were plenty of other tables to take her attention. The place is packed and is on a waitlist.

Rebecca picks up her red plastic cup and takes a sip of her Sprite. “Why?” she asks quickly—she already knew I would say no.

“I think you’ve had too many hits to the head in practice.” I’m trying to keep calm, but the more she pushes this, the more pissed I’ll get.

“Why not?”

I hate the begging tone in her voice.

My face hardens. “You’re not coming with me. You’re not invited and unwelcome.”

Standing, I pull my wallet out and fling some cash on the table. “I’ll see you back at the hotel.”

With that, I leave her at the table with a pint of beer and most of the pizza. I feel her heated gaze on me till I’m out the door.

I watch her from outside the restaurant. She appears scared to be left alone for a moment, but soon enough, resilience forms on her face. I smile and move away from the window, knowing she’ll be fine. She needs to get used to being on her own—I’d received a call this morning demanding to know when I was returning to Italy.

Time was running out, but Rebecca didn’t need to know just how little time was left yet. It was best she stayed focused on the mission at hand. I didn’t need her distracted by something not in her control.

I’m concerned she won’t be able to pull the trigger when it comes down to it. Even with all her practice and skill, that moment when she meets their gaze will be the ultimate test. And tomorrow will be that day. I have the addresses for most of the men and women on her list. I’ll help with a few and then do what I do best and disappear into the night. It’ll be better for her that way. She can move on to a safe world—a better world not marred by death and blood.

* * *

She’s sound asleep with a slight smile on her lips. I want to know what’s put that smile on her face. What’s she dreaming about? Instead of letting her enjoy, I shake her awake.

She jerks as she sits up with a panicked expression. “What’s wrong?” she demands, searching the room.

“Get dressed.”

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she asks, “Why?”

“We’re leaving. Don’t make me ask again,” I hiss in frustration, stepping from the room.

My hand rips through my hair, and I start to pace in front of the door. Why can she never do what I ask the first time?

After a few minutes, she appears in the doorway.

“Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” she asks as the door shuts.

“No.”

I grab her arm and pull her down the hall toward the elevator.

She pouts in the car and sends questioning glances my way as we take one highway after another until we turn off into a small town. The railroad neighborhood is where she breaks her silence.

“Why are we here?” she whispers, but she already knows the answer.

“Because you’re ready.” I hand her a page with only one name on it.Derek Hardson.

Her hand shakes against the paper as she reads the name. “Don’t you think I need more time?”

“No. It’s today. You can do this, Bec. I’m right here.”

Her eyes close, and her hand grips the door handle till the flesh turns from red to white. “You promise you’ll be with me?”

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