“I’m sorry. I’ve upset you more.”
“It’s not hard to do that these days,” he said, tears glistening in his eyes. “But I think I’m going to be bold and get out of this bed.”
Julia grinned at him as she rose and lifted the tray. “Going to spend some time downstairs with us? We can game, put on a movie…whatever you want.”
“Actually, umm, I was going to go for a walk on the beach. Just…get out of the house, get out of this bed, clear my mind.”
Julia shifted her weight, concern etching into her delicate features. “Oh, umm, well that sounds great. I can come with you. Or Kyle would be happy to, I’m sure.”
“That’s really kind, but I kind of just want to go alone. I’m sure I’m going to cry,” he said with a forced laugh. “And I’d really like to do that alone.”
“Alex, no one is judging you. I fully expect you to fall apart. But I can be a shoulder for you to cry on.”
Alex offered her a fleeting smile. “I appreciate it, Julia. But I really want to do this alone.”
Julia studied him for a moment before she bobbed her head. “Okay. You’re an adult. But please take your phone and if you need anything, call or text. I can run right out, and we can sit in the sand and just talk or…say nothing, just listen to the sound of the waves crashing.”
“Thanks, Sunshine,” he answered as he slid his phone into pocket and tugged on a hoodie.
He followed her downstairs, ducking out the front door to avoid the Harringtons in his living room. He circled around the house and headed for the beach, hurrying down the sand to make it to the beach resort.
A glance at his watch showed that he’d be late. He cursed under his breath, quickening his pace until he arrived at the old resort property.
He slowed his steps, puffing for breath as his eyes darted around in search of Raven.
He found no one. With a sigh, he shook his head. He’d been too late. The man hadn’t waited.
With his phone in his hand, he started to type a message, telling his aviary ally that he’d arrived and apologizing for being late.
Before he finished it, a robotic voice sounded behind him. “You’re late.”
Alex’s heart thudded hard against his ribs as he spun to find the man striding toward him. “Raven.”
His voice broke a little, and he struggled to infuse it with more strength by clearing his throat.
“There’s something we need to discuss,” Raven answered.
“What is it?” Alex asked.
“Not here. We’ll take my van–”
“Uhh, no. I’m not…cool with that at all, my feathered friend. I really would prefer that I don’t go anywhere with you.” Alex backed a few steps away. “Also, please don’t spray one of those canisters of knock-out juice into my face.”
Raven heaved a sigh before he stretched his arms to the side. “I’m not going to hurt you, but you need to come with me.”
Alex arched an eyebrow. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“I’m not giving you a choice. We need–”
“Freeze! Nobody move!” a voice boomed from behind Alex.
He instinctively raised his arms as he froze.
Raven snapped his gaze over Alex’s shoulder before he started to back away. “One thirty-seven Mountain View Road.”
After those words, he spun on his heel and raced away from Alex down the beach.
“What?” Alex asked as two men darted past him, guns drawn as they raced past him. One of them fired before continuing the chase. Alex started after them, noting the reflective letters FBI on the back of their jackets.
