Page 61 of A Game of Secrets

“He found us!” is all I manage to choke out before she picks up the phone and answers the lady still shouting “hello” repeatedly down the phone.

“No, he doesn’t have authorisation,” she says calmly then hangs up.

Thank God she’s keeping it together because I surely am not, then suddenly something clicks. The unease, the feeling of being watched when I dropped Teddy off this morning, the guy in the waiting area. My eyes practically bulge from my head as I gasp. “I knew it!” I gasp, the realization washing over me.

“Knew what Luci, what is it?” Kat pries gently.

“He was here, he’s been watching me. There was a man this morning asking for me but when I went to him, he had gone.” I snap my eyes to hers. “Kat, he watched me drop Teddy off this morning. I didn’t see him but I felt him, Iknowit was him.” I screech, becoming hysterical once more. I need them, I need my men.

“Give me my phone,” I say, holding my hand out. The first person I can think of is Cole. I know he’ll come. I press his number and it begins to ring as soon as he answers I break again, the sobs wracking my entire body as they bring me to my knees. “Cole, I need you. I need you now, he’s tried to get to him. He found us. He can’t ever take him from me.”

Chapter 32

Cole

Water rains down on my body, washing away all traces of blood and dirt from my skin, the water is stained red. Remembering the way it felt to extract every organ from our enemy's minion's body. I felt every scream and every second his life drained from his body and I was greeted with a sense of retribution. After all, the thug tried to shoot at my men and had been abusing his son. If he'd have just been acting on orders to shoot at us, I may not have hunted him but the abuse his son had been receiving was not just physical, it was sexual and emotional, which tipped me over the edge. Memories of my past were triggered making the sick son of a bitch my prey. The fucker didn't know I had been watching him for months, waiting for my chance to pounce. His son is now free of the bastard. I'd made sure to arrange with some associates that he be placed in a safe house and helped get some support before going to a family that would keep him safe.

I feel myself relax under the soothing warmth of the shower and just as I close my eyes, I hear Avicii - Addicted To You, echoing through the room. My eyes immediately snap open and I rush out of the shower to answer the phone, the water dripping down my still naked body.

"Il mio topolino, what a pleasant surprise." I purr down the phone to her. Her breathing is labored, making me panic instantly. "Topolino, is everything OK?" I ask quickly.

"Cole, I need you, I need you now, he's tried to get to him. He found us. He can't ever take him from me." Her words are hysterical and I can hear her tears through the phone.

"Slow down, tell me where you are, I will come to you," I instruct her, praying this is a misunderstanding.

"Cole, I have to get Teddy, he's at kindergarten. Can you meet me there? I’m already on my way. I'm freaking out Cole." She rushes out. It sounds like she's running. Fuck this is insane.

"Topolino, I'll meet you there. Please be safe, wait for me once you’re there." I order her, unsure she’ll listen.

"I just have to get to him, Cole, please hurry," she begs and the call ends.

Before I know it, I’ve thrown some dark denim jeans on and a white plain t-shirt, slipping on my Doc's. I'm rushing out the door grabbing the Range Rover keys. I call Silas and Linc as soon as my phone connects to the car.

"I'm heading to Teddy's kindergarten. Lucille is in a panic, I’m not really sure what’s happened. I'll call you both once I know what’s going on." I tell them.

"Does she need us too? I'll drop this meeting now if she needs me, Cole" Silas advises me.

"No brother, continue the meeting but keep your phone on you in case the situation changes." I reply.

"I'll be going to get Alesso shortly but if she needs me in any way, do not hesitate. I will not have her safety at risk." Linc states.

"Don't worry, she and Teddy will be in safe hands."

I hang up and put my foot down. I'm at the kindergarten in record time, I pull up outside and park. Jumping out of the car I see Lucille hugging Teddy at the gate, I rush over. As I get closer to them both, I notice Lucille's bloodshot eyes from her crying and it pangs deep in my chest.

"Ciao piccolo uomo, ciao Topolino, fancy seeing you both here." I say, trying to sound cheerful, like running into them was an honest coincidence, I’m just relieved to see them both in one piece.

"Silly Cole, this is my kindergarten. What are you doing here? Mommy looks like she's been crying. Are you here to make her laugh?" Teddy explains hugging Lucille a little tighter.

I swallow down the lump that fills my throat. "Well, I'd be happy to try. I came here to check how you are doing and wondering if maybe I could join you guys for dinner tonight?" I look to Lucille for some kind of reassurance that she is okay.

"Of course, sweetie. I invited Cole to have dinner with us and asked him to pick us up as Mommy didn't bring her car today," Lucille explains to Teddy. She gives me a warm smile and a short nod. My heart races knowing that my presence is comforting her, this is a new concept for me. Being the source of someone else's comfort.

"Let's go, I'm parked just over here, do you have everything?" I ask, not taking my eyes off Lucille.

"Exactly how many cars do you have?" Lucille questions raising her brows in disbelief.

"This is so cool!" Teddy shouts jumping into the back seat. Lucille is close behind, strapping him into the car.

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