Page 19 of The Ghost Assassin

“We’re not going to Mexico,” I say. “Kane’s already on a plane here.”

“He contacted you?”

“No. The director of Homeland Security was trying to impress me.”

“Impress you or threaten Kane?”

“Both,” I say.

“How’d that go for him?”

“Not as bad as you might expect,” I assure him. “But I was just getting warmed up. I need to get inside Purgatory and start working this case.” He starts the engine as my cellphone rings. I answer with, “Yes, cousin?”

“Cameras weren’t off, but there seems to be a loop.”

“A loop?”

“You aren’t good with technology, so you might as well say the cameras were off. You’re going to need to talk to witnesses.”

“How hard is that to do?”

“It takes someone with tech skills, but nothing I’d call expert level.”

“I don’t like the idea of you and Andrew being out on the island. Come here to us.”

“Andrew’s driving us so I can work. We’re halfway there already. We didn’t want to risk a flight right now. Not only will that register our location, Kane’s dive into the ocean isn’t confidence-building. We’re going to Andrew’s new apartment up there unless you want us with you.”

“Put my brother on.”

There’s shuffling about before Andrew says, “Yes, my dear, sweet sister?”

“Why the fuck don’t I know you have an apartment in the city?”

“I told you I was going to take the job.”

“Like two days ago. Clearly, you told me after you actually took the job. Otherwise, you wouldn’t already have an apartment.”

“I’ll text you the address, Lilah,” is all he says.

“You took the job before you talked to me.”

“No, but I’m not going to explain when and why I did certain things to you at this very moment, if ever.”

“How safe is your apartment?”

“I’m a Love should say it all, but I’m also a Love whose mother was murdered and whose father is corrupt. It’s Fort fucking Knox.”

“We’re talking professional assassin here, Andrew.”

“I get that. We’re locking down. The place is well stocked. We won’t stop on the way, and we won’t leave until we get the all-clear.”

My lips flatten. “Put that other irritating guy in the car back on.”

“Lilah,” Lucas says. “How’s it going?”

“Like Hallmark’s Christmas in July. Irritating as fuck. What about the cameras on the street?”

“Looped. Every single one that would give us anything helpful.”

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