“Like bait?”
“My words exactly.”
“Keel-ley.”
I laugh at her very Sal-like response and continue explaining what happened, telling Paige about Sal’s plan to piss Jill off, and Austin making sure the Mikklesons found out about us, thinkingI was home alone. They wanted to hurt Sal, and we gave them the perfect opportunity.
Paige stares at me in shock, her eyes wide and her lips parted. I’ve just finished telling her about my brief interview with Zane when she stops me.
“Wait? You didn’t tell Dad you were hitting the trigger early?”
“I didn’t. We agreed not to discuss the plan after he left.”
“Jesus. He would have been going insane.”
“He was. I wish I’d thought of the idea before he left for New York, but it only came to me when you and the girls were talking about the game. I figured I’d be easier prey if the Mikklesons had proof of where I was.”
“And Storm’s first game back after a Super Bowl win was definitely going to garner attention.”
“Exactly. Zane winning the game for us was a bonus. I’m certain it would have worked either way, but a lot of people shared his interview because of that.”
“You’re crazy. You know that, right?”
“I do.”
“What if Dad didn’t see the alert because he was in an important meeting?”
“I wasn’t worried about that. I knew he’d be checking his phone and I trusted him."
“So he didn’t leave you alone and unprotected?” Her eyes flash to Sal as her face softens.
“No. He didn’t. I was in on the plan the entire time. I’m the reason he only just made it home in time. I went rogue.”
“Jesus, Keeley.” Her eyes dart back to mine. “And you couldn’t tell us the plan before we saw it on the news?”
“No, it wouldn’t have worked if you knew. If the Mikklesons had any idea I was being looked after, they wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re both insane.”
“Yep. And maybe that’s why we work. I knew he’d do anything to protect his family, and he knew I’d do the same. No questions asked.”
“Maybe next time you should ask questions.”
She comically cringes and I laugh out loud, only stopping when my eyes drift to Sal and Easton’s intense conversation.
“What happens next?” Paige asks, drawing my attention.
“One of the detectives mentioned that the intruder has been on their radar for a while now. He’s suspected of being a gun for hire, so to speak. We told them everything we knew, and they’re going to use that to their advantage. I’m hoping they offer him some kind of deal to share his secrets. At least where the Mikklesons are involved.”
“Are you sure it was them?”
“Absolut—"
“I fucking love her,” Sal’s deep voice booms through the open door, and both Paige and I stiffen.
Her wide eyes flash my way as though asking if that’s the first time I’ve heard him say that, and I laugh. “It’s true. He told me last night.”
“And you?”
