Page 87 of The Billionaire Who Saved My Cat From The Mafia

“Where are you headed?”

“I’m weighing a couple of options—not really sure yet.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“I’m in the hospitality industry.”

“Are you here alone?”

“Yep, just me and Pussy.”

“Do you have everything you need?”

“Yes, thank you.Special K has delivered some supplies.He’s been very thoughtful when he really didn’t have to be.”

“Do you plan to stay long?”

“No, not too much longer.I’ll be heading out soon.”

There is one moment when Summer can’t keep it in any longer and she blurts out, “Help me out here.Are you and Special K—?”

Phoebe places her hand on Summer’s knee, and her lips snap shut.

Conversation then moves on to weddings, past and future.Babies, future.Wedding dresses.Pregnancy.Horses.Houses.Cows.

They stay until late morning.I get a hug from each one of them before they leave.I’m actually sorry to see them go, and as I watch them ride through the pines, I wish I could’ve been honest with them.

I’m pretty sure I’ve just made four new friends.

Pity I’ll never see them again.

CHAPTER 42

Special K

Logistics.Recon.Transport.A local safe haven and at least two backups.Security.Comms.Gear.Supply chain.

I think like a SEAL.I can’t help it.And as I leave my house, double-timing it to Cal’s for our meeting, the details are swirling around my brain.

There’s a lot of moving parts.But I know I can count on my brothers to walk through all the steps with me.Once we talk it out, I’ll head back to the ridge for Frankie.

I know she doesn’t want my help.I know she thinks she can take care of herself.But I also know that every time she lets another detail slip, the issues and risks escalate in my mind, and the whole thing gets stickier and stickier.

It’s no longer about respecting Frankie’s wishes.It’s about keeping her safe.I’d much rather have her alive and hating me than dead because I didn’t do what had to be done.

I’m running past Dad’s house when I see Aunt Phyllis standing in the doorway, peering inside like she’s waiting for someone.I start to wave and say good morning when she puts her finger to her lips in the universal “shushing” signal and frowns at me.

Something’s up.Something not good.I slow down.

Shit.

Harper steps out of Dad’s house and Phyllis rolls her eyes.

“Special K!”Harper races down the steps in her running shoes.“Hi!I’ve been looking all over for you!”

“I don’t have time,” I say, resuming my run to Cal’s.

“Can’t we just sit down and have a conversation?It’s almost like you’re avoiding me.”