Tori:Tell them that the sparrow went outside.
I stared at my phone in confusion.
Tori:They’ll know that means to wait outside for you. You might as well bring them up.They’ll tear this place apart until they find me.
Tori:Whatever happens next, I’m so sorry.
I looked up at the aggressive looking giant who was staring at me. “The sparrow went outside.”
His eyes narrowed, then he gave me a chin tilt and exited the store, the other man in his wake.
“What is going on?” Hannah asked curiously. “Who are those guys?”
“I’ll tell you later. Do you mind if I clock out fifteen minutes early?”
“Go ahead,” my coworker said. “It’s quiet now anyway.”
I hung up my apron, grabbed my bag, then went out the front door to where the men were waiting.
“This way.”
They glowered at me but followed me around the building and up the stairs. When I opened the door, Tori was sitting at my kitchen table, looking miserable. As soon as the men entered the kitchen, her face smoothed into an emotionless mask.
“Hey Rick. Steve. How you guys doing?”
They didn’t seem to move, but in an instant they were at her side, blocking me from view.
“Everyone’s been worried about you, Miss Cross. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Rick. I’m sorry I gave you guys the slip, but I needed a break.”
The man looked around with obvious distaste. “But what are you doing in this… place?”
“This is my friend Hailey’s place,” she said firmly, inclining her head in my direction. “She’s been a great hostess during my visit.”
Rick sent me another suspicious look before turning back to Tori.
“You need to get back to L.A.,” Rick said. “Your mother is going crazy. So is everyone else.”
“You work for me, not my mother,” she reminded him. “And I’ve been in contact with Pepper. I’m an adult for God’s sake.”
“Whatever you’ve been doing here, it’s not safe,” Rick said. “You know this. We haven’t even done a security sweep on this place. Or a background check on your… friend.”
Tori sighed. “I’ve been fine here.”
“Until someone hears where you are, then the shit will hit the fan. Remember that time you went to the Farmer’s Market in disguise? You were almost mobbed when people figured out who you are.”
Tori’s eyes looked bleak, even though her expression stayed neutral.
“I’ll head back tomorrow morning. Thanks for coming.”
“You can’t stay here any longer,” Rick said, his tone brooking no argument. “There are too many risks to manage.”
She stood up to her full height, giving him a glare that would freeze fire. It was magnificent.
“I’ll head back tomorrow. You’re welcome to stay outside if you’re worried, but I will have one more night with… with my friend.”
“Very well Miss Cross. We’ll set up in the alley.”
