Page 82 of Unexpected Complication

“Where has he been all morning? I went to see him, and he didn’t answer.”

“He was taking care of a personal matter. But he’s back and wants to see you now.”

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance, and grabbed my jacket, slipping it on. “Come on, Carlo.”

Rex shook his head. “He wants you alone.”

Small shards of ice began to trickle down my spine, tiny fragments of sharp spikes driving into my body. I felt a flicker of fear at the dead look on Rex’s face, and my gut told me the same thing Sean’s had—something was up.

“I gotta piss. I’ll be right there.”

“I’ll wait.”

The fear kicked up another notch.

“Whatever.”

I left him standing in the door and walked past Sean, who barely moved his head, but his gaze was intense. “Did that shipment arrive?” I asked quietly. “I need to know the merchandise is safe.”

“I’ll see if it’s been updated.”

“Do that.”

In the bathroom, I grabbed my gun from under the sink and slipped it in the back of my pants. Another smaller one went in my ankle holster and I tucked my knife under my belt. I didn’t know if I was walking into a trap, but I was going to be ready. I quickly added my earpiece and, after a deep breath, exited the bathroom.

Rex hadn’t moved, his large frame filling the door. Sean’s forehead was furrowed.

“Problem?”

“Nothing I can’t handle. A small glitch with the tracking.”

I frowned. “Anything else?”

“Nope. The rest is working.”

“See you in a few.”

He glanced up at me, his jaw tight, our eyes holding a silent conversation. We both knew there was a situation brewing—we simply didn’t know what.

“In a few.”

I knew he’d follow.

I joined Rex, trailing slightly behind him. “I do know the way. No need for an escort.”

“Orson asked me to bring you. What Orson wants, I do,” he muttered in his low, cement-thick voice.

“Don’t we all,” I returned.

He didn’t reply, not that I expected him to. He rarely spoke unless he had to.

We passed Larry, who only nodded and kept going in the direction we’d come from. The hair on the back of my neck rose at the satisfied smirk I’d seen on his face.

“Where is Larry going?” I asked, knowing Sean could hear me. “Why is he heading toward my room?”

“No idea. Maybe he’s going elsewhere. There’re lots of rooms here. Besides, it’s not your house.”

He swung open the office door, stepping back and indicating for me to enter. Sean’s voice was quiet in my ear. “Skylar’s phone was off. It’s on now, so I’ll get her location. Stay sharp—and keep this open. I want to hear what’s going on.”