“Hey there,” John greets from his seated position in the little building.
“Hey.” I wave with fake cheerfulness.
“No need to share the code since I know you now.” He pushes a button, allowing the gate to lift up for us to enter.
“Yet you still stopped us.”
“Thank you,” I call over Boone as he slowly accelerates.
“I got distracted earlier and forgot to talk to you about what’s going to happen next.” He parks in the driveway, but he doesn’t move to exit. “With him having already gained access to the house, I have to assume he may have planted audio or video equipment.”
“Jesus.” This isn’t new information, but it doesn’t make it any easier to digest.
“He may have already heard us talking last night. In all likelihood, he would also know my interests go further than helping with your sister’s case.” I should be ashamed of how much I like hearing that, but I’ll take any bright spot I can.
“I don’t want that to set him off, so we’re going to need to dispel that notion.”
“How do we do that?” I ask when he doesn’t seem keen to share.
“I’ve been thinking about that, and I think you should be the one to… put a stop to things. I’m hoping it will endear you to him.”
“Eww.” I shiver at the thought of doing anything that wouldendearme to him.
“I know, but we don’t want to push him into doing something. Not when we aren’t ready.”
My thoughts are still occupied with being disgusted, but Boone continues. “We’ll go in, I’ll make an ass of myself after I do a little snooping, then you will kick me out.”
“You’re going to leave?” That makes me panic.
“Yes, but I promise I will make sure that no one is in that house first, and I won’t be gone long. We just can’t let him know that.”
“So you’re going to sneak back?” I start to calm down, but not completely. Just knowing I’m going to be alone in that place for even a little while is terrifying.
“With equipment to make sure I can find anything he may have left behind.”
“I can find another place to stay,” I suggest.
“Yes, you can, and to tell you the truth, it’s probably a much better idea, but how long before we’re wondering if he found you again? None of this is ideal, however, it’s the best I can come up with in the time being. Even so, Harlyn, this is short-term. If I can’t run this guy into the ground fairly quickly, then all bets are off. I will put you in a safe house. It ends how and when I say.”
“But—”
“No buts.” He talks right over me. “You either agree, or I will make a call, even if you end up hating me for it. I’m not risking your life, even doing this goes against my better judgment.”
I sink back into the seat. All the defiance and reason I thought I was going to argue with fail me. How many times have I wished I had someone who would shoulder this with me? Now, though, that I seem to have that, I can’t dictate how it happens. “Okay,” I agree, meaning it.
“I’m serious, Harlyn.” He acts as if I mounted an argument in response instead of giving in.
“I know, and I appreciate that. I wasn’t lying when I said I would do whatever you want.” I shrug and give him a small smile. “But that doesn’t mean I might not need a reminder every once in a while. I’m used to doing this alone.”
“I’ll remind you, but you aren’t alone anymore, not even when it may feel like it.”
“Wow, that isn’t fair. I mean, how am I supposed to pretend to make you leave when you say things like that?”
Boone winces. “Something tells me it won’t be hard. Now let’s go inside. I want you to stay close to the exit. If I tell you to leave, you leave, get in the car, and drive away.” He dangles his keys for me to take.
“I have my own car,” I reason while taking the offered keys.
“Yeah, and it’s locked in the garage with this one behind it. If I want you gone, I want you gone fast.”
