“Unless Leo is the dragon in this scenario,” Nico said, shaking his head. “Anything else?”
Felix nodded. “‘The rat came again today. I didn’t call for him—he just showed up. He kept looking around like he was afraid someone was watching us. I asked if he had talked to the pig yet. He told me he’d get to it. He said I should just play along. That he treats his girls really well. When I pressed, he lost it, telling me that if I didn’t learn to keep my mouth shut, the pig would bethe least of my problems. I can’t figure out if he’s afraid or if he has something on him. Or maybe he’s protecting him.’”
“Whoever was harassing her is intimidating enough to make even his boss fall in line,” Arsen asked. “That’s not good.”
“They did say Frankie was a psychopath, right? Maybe he’s the pig?” Nico pondered.
“There are only two more entries,” Felix said warily.
Nico shifted on Mal’s lap. “Are they dated?”
Felix shook his head. “No. ‘The rat cornered me today. He looked scared and furious, more than I’ve ever seen. He said he’d already warned me once. That the pig wasn’t happy that I was still refusing him. He said he was trying to look out for me and that I clearly didn’t love my daughter at all. I asked if he was threatening Casey, but he didn’t answer. He just said it was my final warning.’”
“They’re threatening Casey to get her to give in to this pig’s advances?” Mal asked. “Fucking scumbags. What’s the final entry say?”
Felix’s eyes scanned the words, his face tense. “‘It’s useless. I gave him what he wanted but it’s still not enough. No matter how much of myself I give him, it’s never enough. He seems to get off on hurting me. On humiliating me. I feel dirty every time he touches me. He says he owns me now. That I belong to him. I guess he’s right. As long as they keep threatening my baby, I have to play along. At least until we can run. We have to get out of here.’”
“Is it time to call Calliope yet?” Nico asked.
Mal nodded. “Yeah, Fidget. I think it is.”
“Well, I’m off. I have to get home to Zaney and the boys.”
Nico waved at Felix. “See ya. Thanks for your help.”
He gave a wave from over his shoulder as he sashayed away.
Mal was reaching for his phone when the door to Jericho’s office opened and the two inside emerged.
Nico bit down on his lip so hard he tasted blood, trying not to laugh. Freckles’ hair was a mess, his shirt was buttoned wrong. Jericho hadn’t even bothered to pull his overalls up all the way. They were tied around his waist, his black tank top visible. They were both visibly sweaty. Glowing, even.
“Uh, I gotta go pick up the boys,” Freckles said. “I’ll see you at home.”
Jericho kissed his cheek, then slapped his ass. When he spotted them staring, he gave them all a stern look. “What are you looking at?” To Arsen, he said, “Get back to work. I’m sure your lunch break’s over.”
Arsen gave him a wide grin in return. “I’m pretty sure yours ended hours ago as well.”
Jericho’s lips twitched in an aborted smile before he returned to his office.
“I’m going upstairs,” Ever said, smacking a wet kiss on Arsen’s lips.
“Okay,besanok. I’ll be up in a while. We’ll go to the bookstore after work.”
Ever’s face lit up like he said he was taking him to Disney.
They were so cute.
Once they were alone, Mal grabbed his phone and pulled up Calliope’s number. “I think it’s time we did some digging into Jason and Frankie.”
Nico eyed him with trepidation but nodded. Mal hit the call button then put it on speakerphone.
It took three rings before a voice chirped, “What’s up, my adorable dancing dumpling?”
Mal felt his face heat up as Nico bit his lip to hold back his laughter. “Morning, Calliope.”
“Are you calling to check on Casey?” she asked.
Guilt lanced through him. He had only called to check on her once since she went with Calliope and Lola. He’d been so caught up in trying to find Amy and trying to navigate Nico’s anxiety, he hadn’t really checked on her at all. He was an asshole. “I know you’re taking good care of her. Is she around?”
