Page 29 of The Quiet Witness

“Chances are you’ll get some swelling. It’ll be difficult to use your shoulder for a couple of days. But it won’t last long.”

Their faces met, her breath tickling his aching nose. “Sorry.” It needed to be said. Even though she’d made him bleed. Twice.

Her hand clenched over his forearm, pulling him firmly toward her until he was half leaning over the bed. She pulled him even closer, whispering. “I will escape… you.”

Lucien pried her fingers off of him, fighting back the urge to jerk back from her. “I believe you.”

That goddamned promise.

Chapter 12

Actions Have...

Snow as far as the eye could see. Clouds swirling between the hills, open air a mixture of blues and greys. Tiny paw prints leaving a trail across the white blanket coating the land.

Lucien smiled at the sight of the hare bouncing over the glistening snow, watching it vanish into the open field.

Hands steepled in front of him, he glanced at the waiting letter.

Time for business.

He let his hands glide over the letter. As if he could read its contents through the sealed paper. Alas, he would have to open it. From that moment on, the game of hide and seek would begin.

Actions have consequences. He knew that better than most.

Heaving a sigh, he took out his knife. With a sharp snap, he let it glide through the seal. The crackling of paper was deafening in the silence of the house. Kate had been… intriguing, as per usual. Surprised him with her disbalancing act even. There wasn’t a lot left in life that could put him off-kilter. But she knew which buttons to press.

Pulling out the paper, he flattened it against the smooth walnut desk.

Dear Lucien,

I trust you handled the former contract with the skilled approach I’ve come to rely on you for. However, I am in dire need of specifics. As always, I prefer such measures to be spoken about in person.

Come to our usual meeting place at 00:00 tonight.

Speak soon, son.

Folding the paper, he brought it to his lips, tapping it to his chin.

Specifics. Perhaps how it could be that a certain girl had escaped. No. They couldn’t know that, not yet. For the assignment hadn’t mentioned Kate. Five people were supposed to die, and five lay dead. Mission accomplished.

Knowing what awaited traitors. He should tread lightly. He’d merely need to act blind. Perhaps shove the blame on one of his lesser liked colleagues.

He felt a small smidge of guilt at the way he would be breaking his employer’s trust.

Anderson had been nothing but good for him. Most of what he had in life was due to the man having taken him under his wing.

Of course, he had also benefited from Lucien’s skill in tying up loose ends, contracts, and anything related to his business. He was as much a right hand for him as was possible.

A win-win so to speak.

His office chair rattled as he shot up, checking his watch. Ample time left for a workout, shower, granola bar. In that order.

Everything he needed to step back into the role of loyal secondary.

Ready for whatever came his way.

Chapter 13