“Yeah, that works. Bye.”
“See you soon.” Janelle hung up in stunned silence. She could feel Nate behind her, knew he was waiting for her to say something, but she remained quiet.
“What’s going on?”
His quiet question brought her back to reality and Janelle turned to face him. She couldn’t help noticing the expectant expression on his face.
The sight of it made her stomach sour.
“I’m meeting her in an hour. I need to take a shower.” She started to get up but he gripped her by the shoulder. “What?”
“No way in hell you’re meeting her alone. I’m going in with you.” His voice was quiet, and she knew he was dead serious.
Janelle shook her head. “No, Nate. I can’t do that to her. She’d freak out if I brought a stranger with me. She’s probably freaking out right now over meeting me and I’m her sister for God’s sake.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, it’s not safe. What if Diaz shows up? What will you do then?”
“Nothing’s happened since that one time. You called off the tail a week ago. Let me do this.” Janelle smiled, trying to reassure him, reassure herself but he didn’t look so convinced.
And really, she wasn’t that convinced either. He did have a point. Billy Diaz was dangerous and on the run, as was her sister.
“He’s desperate, Janelle. She’s his weakness, the one thing he wants but can’t have.” He paused, rubbed a hand against his stubble covered jaw. “We’ve uncovered more information about the two of them. They have some sort of sick co-dependency on each other. If he finds her, he’ll do anything to get her back. He’s still looking for her. Trust me.”
“Look, I know he thinks he’s in love with my sister or whatever, but even he’s not that stupid. The feds are looking for him. Why would he be searching for Ginger? I bet he’s long gone.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll have breakfast with her and then I’ll bring her here. She’ll be safe with me—and you.”
He sighed. “I’ll need to call the DEA and let them know what’s going on once you bring her back here.”
“Of course. But she needs to be approached carefully. She’s scared, strung out and a little bit desperate.” Janelle moved closer to him, resting her hand on his bristly cheek. He remained quiet, studying her and despair suddenly consumed her. Would this be the last time she touched him like this, slept in his bed?
Would he turn her away once he had what he truly wanted?
“I’ve been handling Ginger for years, you know.” Janelle tried to smile but her mouth felt broken. It was silly, she asked for his trust when she didn’t trust him.
At the very least, she didn’t trust her silly, sick heart.
“I know, but this is different. It’s more dangerous. You don’t understand who you’re messing with. Billy is a cold blooded murderer. And now he’s desperate and on the run.” He rubbed his cheek against the palm of her hand and her eyes slid closed for the quickest moment.
“I know.” Her voice was an aching whisper, her heart hurt for him, but she wasn’t going to back down.
“Ginger said she doesn’t want to see Billy ever again. I believe her.” God, she hoped what Ginger said was true.
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Nate.” Her voice grew firm and she dropped her hand from his cheek. “I can’t have you going into the café with me. She’ll leave the second she spots you by my side and then we’re back to square one.”
He blew out a frustrated sigh. “Okay. I’ll wait for you out in the parking lot and I won’t let her see me. You’ll have your cell on you so I can call if anything goes down.”
Relief flooded her. He was right. She couldn’t do this completely alone. “I never leave home without it.” Pressing a quick kiss to his mouth, she climbed out of bed, heading toward her bathroom. “That should work. I’m going to take a shower,” she tossed over her shoulder.
She padded into the bathroom toward the shower stall and twisted the faucet on full blast, waiting for the water to warm. Nerves tickled her stomach like a thousand butterflies beating their wings at once and she pressed a hand to her front.
Everything will be fine. You’ll talk Ginger into coming back here. Nate will keep her safe. And you. He promised.
God, she hoped that was true.
Stripping off her thin cotton nightgown Janelle stepped into the stall and stood under the hot spray of water, letting it sluice over her head. It was going to be all right. Ginger would get help, Nate would get her off of the DEA charges and they’ll eventually find Billy. It won’t be his problem anymore.