Page 79

He shakily nods.

I step out and call Smith. He comes over quickly and I lead him into the room. With a flick of a switch, the room is illuminated. “Show him your tattoo,” I say to Smith, who moves closer and shows his neck.

“Yeah, that’s the same tattoo,” Eric says. “But he was a white guy not black,”

“Make sure I never, ever, see your face again.” I threaten in a deep voice

He shakily nods. I turn to Smith. “Get him out of here.”

I leave and head back to my office, upset because now I must tell Jola that her rapist wasn’t Eric, but most likely that guy that tried to choke her to death. Fuck!

Chapter forty-seven

Bruce

My phone rings, and I see it’s Jonah. In the past, I never liked seeing his name on my phone, but now, I flat-out hate it. Jola and I are happy in our own universe, a place where Jonah doesn’t exist. In truth, he’s the obvious elephant in the room that we deliberately ignore. Lexi’s safety is paramount, even as my anxiety about it persists. Nothing has surfaced, which makes me think they’re waiting for us to relax and get complacent, then they strike and take her out. Every time I run through those worst-case scenarios, my whole body reacts with fear and anger. The phone’s persistent ringing cuts through my thoughts.

Jonah has proven to be a double-edged sword, a blessing and a curse wrapped into one sharp, powerful person. The ringing continues, filling the air until I finally answer.

“Lloyd.”

“Hey, is Lexi available?”

“Hello to you, Lloyd. She’s at work,” I snap, not even sure why I picked up, except for the fact that he’s fucking important to her.

“Okay, I’ll be stopping by the day after tomorrow to pick her up.”

What the fuck?

“Can I ask why?”

“Her birthday is in two weeks, and I’ll be out of town.”

I sigh.

“I don’t want to miss our usual tradition. I’ll pick her up Wednesday evening and bring her back Saturday night.”

What the fuck? I don’t like this.

“Where are you taking her?” I calmly ask

“New York.”

My scowl comes instantly. “Why?” My tone stays controlled, but my mind is screaming, Fuck no.

“To visit New York and spend time with her.” He pauses. “Not sure why I have to explain this to you, but I’m coming to get her. Make sure she knows and is ready,” he says, like it’s already decided.

“Ice goes with you,” I tell him.

“No,” he snaps.

“Yes, or she doesn’t go.” I’m not backing down on this.

“Why? You think I can’t keep her safe?” he mutters.

I need to handle this carefully, or he might actually take her anyway. I’ll find her if it comes to that, but I’d rather avoid the mess. Still, I don’t like the idea of him taking her to New York on such short notice.

“I didn’t say that, but her safety is what we both want, right?” I say, reminding and questioning at the same time. “Besides, you know how she gets around new people.”