As much as he wanted to argue with her, he couldn’t fathom how to.Any logic he had against it fled his brain.The only excuse that came to mind was lame.
“Murder for hire is not that simple.”
She peered at him full of suspicion.“Why not?”
“People employ me.”
“Can’t you vouch for me?”she suggested.“Isn’t that how this works?”
Sort of.He couldn’t really argue with her logic, but he had to.For reasons he couldn’t quite put his finger on.“I don’t know you.How am I supposed to recommend you?That’s putting my reputation on the line.”
“Then learn about me.”
She didn’t understand.The circumstances of his profession weren’t as black and white as she saw them.
He shook his head and stepped away.“I don’t do partnerships.”
He had to get out of this.The time had come to go.
“You do now.”She followed.
The apartment was essentially a shoebox.Fleeing to another room wasn’t exactly an option.“When you take on people, they become liabilities.”
“Rude.”She scurried around him and got in his path.“I think I’ve proven I’m trustworthy.”
He shrugged but couldn’t meet her eye.
In his bones, he believed in her.Fink couldn’t explain it, but he knew she wouldn’t betray him.She hadn’t yet, but it could only be a matter of time.He couldn’t be this careless and flippant.There were too many risks involved.
“I’ll do whatever you say,” she offered.“Just teach me.”
Vrr.Vrr.
The vibration of a cell phone on the table drew both of their attention.
Vrr.Vrr.
Saved by the bell.Or buzz.Whatever.He had to get out of this conversation.“I have to take that.”
16
Sydney
AfterFinkswipedthephone from the table, he flicked the fan on in the bathroom before disappearing into her bedroom with the door closed.While she understood he’d done it for privacy, each step still made her scowl.This washerapartment.They werepartners!
Mumbling expletives to herself, she did her best to honor his wishes.They were in the middle of a conversation—an important one.Who would call him at this time of day?About what?
Oh.
The lightbulb went on in her head as she mentally replayed their earlier discussion.He worked for someone.Obviously, this murder hadn’t gone to plan.Maybe he was in trouble.
She frowned at the thought.His predicament was her fault.
Sydney hadn’t intended to get him into a jam.Cautiously, she tiptoed down the short hallway.Fink had bat-like hearing.The smallest creak could give her away.But she needed to find out what this call was about.
He might get orders to kill her.
If that were the case, she should be prepared.Glancing over her shoulder, she considered arming herself.Would he do it if his boss told him to?
