Page 61 of The Ghost Assassin

“I’m apparently paranoid right now, but my approach to things is fuck it, let’s go with it. So, let’s follow that philosophy now. Do it quickly, too. I don’t think I’ve had a chance to tell you, but Murphy claimed my uncle was about to turn on my father. Shortly after, my mother and uncle were dead. I don’t believe Lucas had anything to do with that, but he doesn’t hide his reactions well. He’s a little too off the deep end over you digging into his father in my book.”

“I’d say it’s just that we stirred up his loss, but…”

“Yes, but. Let’s get it done.”

He offers a grim shake of his head and when he would leave, I hold up a finger. “One last thing. Are you and Jack a thing?”

He laughs. “No. In case you forgot, I’m gay. Jack is straight and has a crush on you, if I’m not mistaken. But he’s also afraid of Kane. Of course, so am I. Where is he now?”

That’s a good question, I think. Where is he and what murder is he plotting? “Picking up ammunition to kill everyone who’s invaded his space.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m not laughing. Go get me my answers before he gets home.”

He leaves the kitchen and I dial Kane. He doesn’t answer.

Chapter Forty-Six

My next call is to Kit, who doesn’t answer.

Enrique calls me back five minutes later. “Kit is with Kane. I’m your guy. I’m here in the building.”

So much for Kit being my guy. The very fact that I wasn’t told about the change and Enrique called me back for Kit says Kane and Kit are avoiding me. “Where are they, Enrique?”

“I don’t know.”

“Bring your ass up here and tell me to my face. I’ll leave the door unlocked.” I hang up and use my phone to dismantle the security for thirty minutes.

I join the team in the living room and claim my favorite chair at the end of the coffee table. My brother’s at the window on the phone. Tic Tac and Jack are on the couch, both already working on their MacBooks. Jay is just sitting in a chair looking uncomfortable.

Andrew disconnects his call. “I don’t know what to do here. I’m no help. I can’t hack. I can’t go ask questions because you say they won’t let us.”

“Who won’t let us?” Jack asks.

“This is why you can’t be here, Jack. You do not work for the FBI.”

“Neither does Jay or your brother.”

“Jay works for me, and Andrew works for the future governor.” I eye Andrew. “You want to help, Andrew, go back to the Hamptons and find out where this diner employee disappeared to. Go to Nashville, if that’s what it takes. Murphy left me that card for a reason.” I pick up the baggies with the two cards I found at Murphy’s place from the table where I’ve set them and read the message. 1900. You know where. Maybe 1900 isn’t a time. Maybe it’s part of the message Murphy left for me. Maybe it’s an address or part of a phone number.”

“I’m on it,” Tic Tac says.

“I’ll check the dark web,” Jack offers.

“I’ll go dig around,” Andrew replies, pushing to his feet.

Andrew leaves, and I can hear the voices at the door. Enrique is here and when he walks into the living room with my pie, a fork in his hand, and food in his mouth. I’m contemplating adding another murder to the list.

“Oh, no,” Tic Tac murmurs, and I point Enrique to the kitchen and follow him. Once we’re there, I confiscate my pie, shove it in the refrigerator and stare at him. “What is going on with Kane?”

“I have no idea.”

I believe him. That’s the problem. Kane intentionally left someone with me who knows nothing.

I’m going to have words with my husband, but he expects that, so whatever he’s doing is bad. It’s the whole do it and live with the consequences thing, and I’m at least one of the consequences.

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