“Tonight.” Jagoda met Finley’s gaze, challenging him to back out.
Finley bristled.That’s quick.He nodded once.
“You have an hour to change and discuss the basics with Tom. Then, just listen to the guy in command and don’t get killed.OK?” Her lips thinned into a line. “It’s hard to find trust-worthy staff with muscles and brains. I want you back. Is that clear?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He stood up and had a weird feeling he should bow in thanks, as if he was leaving a royal court.
Tom was already waiting for him by the bunker exit door, his arms crossed over a thick black vest. “Glad to have you on board. Let’s get you some gear. And not the leather kind for a change.” His smirk and his easy swagger made Finley analyse on which side of D/S he was at. Or maybe a bit on both?
Finley snorted and followed Tom to a room packed with Kevlar vests and weaponry along the walls. Tom relayed more details of the operation while tossing military-grade gear for Finley to wear.
“They got a tip and will attack our money convoy tonight. Hence the last minute notice. The cops will be waiting for them. Don’t worry, they’re ours.” He clapped Finley on the back, then continued detailing the evening’s plan.
Finley had been hoping for an opportunity like this one, but that didn’t mean he was ready for it. As his stomach refused to settle, his thoughts drifted to the person who would be able to calm him down now. But it was safer for Kage to not know what Finley was about to do.
Kage was working today so he would see Finley was missing his shift. Would he be worried?
You’ll be going at your own risk.
Jagoda’s words rang in his head and he pulled out his phone. What if he didn’t come back?
I had to leave early. See you tomorrow.
Finley sent the text to Kage, but he continued typing. His thumb hovered over sent as the wordsI love youglowed on his phone.
He held his breath until his lungs burned, then he deleted the text. This was not the way to make a confession, but seeing thewords on his screen made Finley realise how true they were. Now he knew what that weird new feeling that had been growing in his chest for weeks was.
“Ready?” Tom asked.
Finley nodded. “Let’s go.”
The pouring rain cut through the stream of light coming from the streetlamp by the back exit. It reminded Finley of the gloomy moment he’d received the tragic information about Max. The sound of his emergency phone ringing in the dead of night had been a constant visitor to his nightmares ever since.
The transport van was already parked outside and Tom knocked on the rear double doors. They opened from the inside to reveal a bed of boxes, seats on the sides, and Latif dressed in the same black military garb Finley and Tom were wearing.
“Wha—what are you doing here?” Finley didn’t hide his bewilderment at seeing his friend.
“Me? I’m making sure no one does anything stupid. I’m the only one with military experience. Oh, don’t act so surprised.” Latif patted Finley’s cheek.
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting that.” Finley hopped on the bed of the van, once again marvelling at Latif’s talents, including how quickly he could change from Lucy to military garb.
“Four years in Afghanistan. But my nicknameGI Janereached too many ears and I wasn’t welcome anymore. So now that you know you’re in good hands, strap yourself in. Tom is driving.”
Finley’s initial astonishment evaporated, as he latched onto an explanation of how easily Lucy curbed drunk patrons with one glare or command.
Just as Latif locked them in, someone banged on the door.
“What now?” Latif murmured, but unlocked the door again, and sighed in exasperation. “I told you nothing will happen to—”
“I’m coming. You can’t stop me.”
That voice.
“Kage?” Finley craned his neck to see through the cracked door.
“Stubborn Dom. Jump in.”
Kage did and took a seat next to Finley. He wore the same gear with the addition of a hip brace connected to a thick belt and steel rods along his thigh.
