I search the face I just called stupid, even though it’s the last thing I should be calling him, and lock eyes with his beautiful blues. After a long pause, some of my pretenses fall away, and I’m left staring at one of the only men I’ll probably ever love. “Do you really hate me this much?” My voice is small but clear.
Remy’s mouth parts, and I hear the gasping breath he sucks in. “I couldn’t hate you if I wanted to, doll.”
“Seems like you might have tried,” I admit with way too much emotion in my voice. Remy’s expression softens, and he wraps one hand over my shoulder and tugs me against his chest in an embrace. I let out a soft sigh that I would deny if questioned and inhale his scent.
I feel the weight and heat of Felix’s palm as he makes soothing circles on my back. The only thing missing is Grayson. I feel his absence even more keenly, knowing where he is. A phone buzzes and I pat my pocket out of habit, but it’s not mine, mine is still dead. I step back from Remy’s warm embrace, and he lets out a soft huff before retrieving his phone from his pocket.
“It’s your dad.” He holds the phone out to me.
“Thanks.” The call is already connected, so I place the phone to my ear. “Hey,” is my greeting.
“Frankie.” Dad’s voice is filled with emotion. There’s a pause, as if he’s waiting for me to say something, but I don’t fill the silence. “Murrey called. He doesn’t have an ID yet, but he thinks the victim’s head was crushed, something about the tears in the flesh being too jagged to be caused by a tool.” He pauses again. “I was thinking about going back to the scene. Would you be interested in having another look around with me?”
It’s his form of a peace offering. “Can you pick me up?” It might be dirty to use it to my advantage, but what can I say? It’s part of my training.
“Wait, pick you up from where?” Felix asks, proving he’s eavesdropping.
“Nah, we’ll take her,” Remy tells him without any concern. “She’s not getting rid of us that easily.”
“What time are you going to be there?” I huff.
“How about six o’clock? Most of the shops will be closing up, and we won’t have to worry about the looky-loos.”
“I’ll be there at six. Can you drive by Mickey’s and see if my car is still in the lot? I’m going to need it this evening to drive home.” I don’t look at Remy or Felix when I ask this. I don’t want to see their faces, and I’m a chicken.
“Okay, kiddo.” Dad sounds a little sad, but agreeable.
“See you in a few hours,” I reply and end the call, returning the phone to Remy. “I left my bag in the car. I’m going to run out so I can get my charger and laptop.”
“I’ll get it,” Felix pipes up quickly and takes off before I can.
Damnit. I wanted to check on Grayson, not that I would see anything that would make me happy, but it may make me more resolved. Every time I mention leaving town, I get this sick feeling in my stomach that keeps getting worse.
I watch Felix’s back as he heads to the door in a near jog. He picks up an overnight bag near the entry that I didn’t notice when we came in and totes it out with him. Once he clears the door, I glance at Remy, who’s standing in front of me as if he’s been waiting for my attention. “Sorry I intruded on your plans,” I snark tartly.
“Not my plans.” He shrugs. “I’ll let Gray explain that one.” He’s acting as if it’s not a big deal, but it is to me.
I hear the door open again, and Grayson and Felix both enter. Grayson has his eyes lowered like he needs to watch his footing, but knowing him as well as I do, I think it’s shame that has him averting his gaze.
I look away because watching him makes me want to reassure him that everything is fine, but I can’t do that because nothing is okay. Felix is carrying my bag over his shoulder. His stance is a little rigid, but not as uncertain as Grayson’s.
I meet Felix halfway across the room and take my bag, using the excuse of looking for my phone charger as a reason to avoid analyzing their every move. I’d much rather submerge myself in work than talk with them, but I know I wouldn’t be able to concentrate anyway, not that I will be able to after either.What a mess.
“You can set up in my office if you want,” Felix offers.
“Sure,” I accept, gripping my bag close to my side and holding my charger in my other hand. I follow Felix down the hall, and we pass the study I slept in last night. Felix eventually pushes a door open and stands back, allowing me to catch up and enter before him, while the guys are trailing behind me.
Chapter 13
Alcohol may not be the answer, but it’s a good start.
If I would have stumbled across this room last night, I would have known it was Felix’s. The air smells of ozone, clean yet charged, and underneath that is the slightest scent of his woodsy soap. The floor has a wood grain effect, but I’m confident it’s tile, something easy to keep clean and dust free, unlike carpet. The room itself is pretty stark, however, all the workbenches scattered throughout are a complete contrast to the unadorned room. Some are littered with computer parts, while others have stacks of drawings and rolled up schematics here and there. There’s also a desk that has a couple of monitors, but I can’t even see a keyboard.
“Sorry about the mess.” Felix rushes over and shifts a few things around, not really cleaning anything up. Only he would think this is a mess. “Take the desk,” he suggests, nodding in that direction.
“Thanks, Felix.” I don’t bother telling him not to risk messing anything up on my account, he wouldn’t listen anyway. I lower myself into his chair and search the area for a plug or USB port. Sensing my issue, Felix abandons his task, hustles over to the desk, and then touches the corner where there’s an inlaid circle. It pops up, revealing several plugs and ports.
I busy myself by plugging in my phone and computer just to have something to do. I have no idea how to start the conversation that is desperately needed.
