He nodded. “Things are kicking up in town. I need someone I trust to go check it out.”
That made me put my mug down before I closed the fridge door. “What’s happened? Did King and his guys find something while patrolling?”
“Among other things, yes.”
“What’s happened, Boss?”
He gave me a pointed look. “There’s been another kidnapping. This time in King’s territory.”
My eyes widened. “You’re fucking kidding me.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not, so while they’re doing shit in their territory, I need someone I trust patrolling ours. You’re in civilian clothes today. I need someone keeping an eye on our businesses.”
“You’ve got it, Boss,” I said as I ripped the fridge door open and pulled things out to cook. “I’ll do another outside patrol as well before I head out. I’ll go half a mile in each direction from the house. Make sure there isn’t any evidence of someone already having found us.”
“You always know what’s on my mind.”
I pulled out pans for the stovetop. “Nope, first thing that crossed my mind. If there’s a kidnapping in King’s territory, it can’t be a coincidence since we’re also in King’s territory.”
“You want me to cook so you can get at it?”
I slowly looked over at him. “Are you that worried that you want to take over breakfast?”
He tilted his head. “I think I should act that way.”
I handed him the spatula. “Then, by all means, take over. I’ll start my patrols now.”
The instant he took the utensil from me, I grabbed my mug of coffee. I downed it in three gulps, then splashed some water in my face at the sink in the kitchen. I clapped my hands against my cheeks, still smelling the faint aroma of last night’s activities. It made my heart beat quicker as I reached for some paper towels and dried myself off.
“After your patrol of the outside, report back to me one last time before you head out,” Cap said.
“You got it, Boss,” I said as I headed out of the kitchen.
“And Brutus?”
“Yeah, Boss?” I asked as I turned in the doorway and faced him.
He shot me another grin. “It’s about damn time.”
I rolled my eyes and flipped him off.
It only made his laughter follow me down the hallway as I made my way to the exit.
I couldn’t leave this place until I knew it was absolutely safe.
Then, and only then, would I leave Anna’s home without my presence.
15
ANNA
I felt the sun first, but the second sensation made my stomach curdle.
Brutus was gone.
I sighed heavily as I flopped over in bed, my arm dropping against the spot where he should have been. The cold made me shiver as my gaze slowly focused on the ceiling above me.
Why did they always leave?
