Page 118 of Hunter's Revenge

“Eat. I think you’re going to love these.” Jeanne points to the sandwiches then pours us each a glass of juice.

I grab a sandwich and start nibbling on it. It’s chicken with mayo, but there’s a tangy flavor to it that instantly makes my tastebuds water.

“Oh my gosh, wow. This is amazing.” I can’t help myself. I grew up around people whose sole purpose was to create good food, so when I get some, I know the labor of love a person puts in to it.

Jeanne issues me with a satisfied grin. “I’m thrilled you like it. It’s mango and herb chicken with homemade mayo.”

Grams used to make her own mayo, too. She’d use the vegetables and dairy from Marybeth’s farm because everything was organic. “It is absolutely delicious.”

“Good,” she says then gives me a cautious look. “I thought you might like eating out here. I also thought you looked like you needed to talk. I know a lot has happened over the last few days.”

“It has.”

I stare back at her, not really knowing what I should say. She answers to Malik. That’s where her loyalty lies.

She’s probably just taking pity on me because she’s a decent enough person to do so.

“But it’s okay if you don’t want to talk. I understand that, too.” She smiles. “I just wanted you to know I’m here.”

“I appreciate that. I guess I understand, too.” I think for a moment, and a few things come to mind that I wouldn’t care if she reported back to Malik. “Malik and Kelly seem awfully close. Does shejustwork for him?”

“Yes.” Her voice waivers. “To my knowledge.”

The churn in my stomach tightens. “Oh. Thank you for being honest with me.”

“Honesty is what you’ll get from me. They’re close because they grew up that way. Their relationship is different to what he has with everyone else.”

“She can’t like my presence here very much, then.” I swallow hard.

“I wouldn’t say that. And realistically, it doesn’t matter. You are Kelly’s employer, and she is to show you the same respect she gives Malik, which I think she does.”

“She does. She’s been as nice as you have been to me.” I say that to be fair. “I think I’d just like to know if there’s more going on. I don’t make a fool of myself.”

I glance at my wedding band, and she does, too.

“I understand completely.” She nods. “And as far as I know, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” It’s encouraging to hear her say that, but at the same time, it doesn’t make me feel any better.

“Thank you. I know you didn’t have to tell me that.”

“I could see it was bugging you before you even asked.”

Hearing her correct assumptions makes me feel more at ease.

“How much do you know about what’s happening with me?” I assumed she was already aware of certain things, but I don’t know to what extent Malik has spoken to her.

“I know everything,” she confirms in a gentle tone. “Aside from his brothers, I’m one of the few people Malik shares his many secrets with.”

I hold her gaze. The declaration makes me think about his plans to take me.

“So, you knew he was looking for me in Wilmington and what he planned to do with me.”

“Yes.” This time, there’s no emotion in her eyes.

“It’s strange that he seems to have so much, and there’s probably more I don’t know, but he wants the cartel.”

“I think that’s a conversation better placed between you and him.”

I take that to mean she either thinks it’s not her place to talk about that with me, or Malik has secret plans I’m not aware of.

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