The elevator dings and I step off it, entering the garage. I press the key fob to unlock my truck and am about to open the door, when a man, dressed in all black, appears from around the corner.
“Horatio? What the hell are you doing here?” I’ve been supplying his company for years with weapons, but we’re not due for another shipment until next month.
“Isaac, I need you to come with me.”
I glance at the all-black BMW, confused as fuck. “You’re going to have to explain what’s going on.” Sure, I’ve known this guy for years, but I learned a long time ago to never trust anyone completely.
“I will, but time is of the essence. This is a matter of life and death.”
I follow him to his car and get in, and as we’re driving out, he says, “Hand me your keys and phone.”
I do as he says, and he presses the button on his window and chucks my phone across the garage. It smashes against the side of my truck, then hits the ground.
“What the hell?” I’m about to get out and go grab it, when he presses the button that automatically starts my vehicle—it’s great for those cold as hell mornings when I want my truck to be nice and hot when I get in it. Before I can ask him what he’s doing, he throws the keys at my truck as well and then takes off out of the garage. A second later, an explosion rattles the vehicle, and I whip my head around as flames lick the walls of the garage.
“What the fuck!” We’re already down the road, but I’m still looking back in shock. “Was that my truck?”
“That was your entire garage, and most likely, part of your building, depending on how long it takes for the fire department to arrive and put it out.”
My first thought is Cam. “My fiancée is in the building.”
“She’ll be fine. The cameras have all been shut down, and your security system has been blocked, but the alarm will still sound and she’ll have plenty of time to get out before the fire catches.”
“You want to tell me what the hell is going on and why you just blew up several million dollars’ worth of vehicles and property?”
“Two weeks ago, my company was hired to take you out. The request was anonymous and for the price they paid, I normally wouldn’t ask questions. But when the information came in, and I saw it was you, the game changed. I considered turning down the job and telling you, but for someone to pay that much money, I imagine they’d just find someone else.”
Holy shit. It’s like my parents’ assassination all over again, only I’m still alive.
“As you know, your father and I go way back. I owed him a lot before he was killed, so consider this repayment.”
“Thank you. Mind if I ask where we’re going?”
“I’m going to take you back to my headquarters so we can debrief properly.”
When we arrive, I’m told the specifics on the order to take me out. The only person I can imagine that would do this is James, but I have no proof, and I’m not sure he has that kind of money to spend. When I mention needing to call Camilla to let her know what’s going on, Horatio shakes his head.
“Whoever wanted you dead meant business. As of now, he, or she, thinks you’re dead. If you show up right now, you won’t be any closer to finding out who’s responsible and they can try again. Your fiancée was never mentioned, which tells me whoever wanted you dead, wasn’t going after her. With you dead, she’s safer than if you show up right now.”
“So, what do you suggest I do?”
Present
“After going over the plan with Horatio, he called Frank. I explained what happened and for him to go through the motions as if I died. He didn’t actually file a death certificate, but he handled the funeral and reading of the will. Everyone would think I was dead while I worked to figure out who put a hit out on me.”
Camilla’s sitting across from me, frozen in her spot and glaring at me. “So, let me get this straight. You let me believe for months you were dead, and this entire time you were alive.”
She stands and starts pacing the floor. “I cried… for days… weeks… for fucking months! I lost myself in grief.” Her eyes, now glassy with emotion, meet mine. “Do you have any idea what I went through? Our home, everything I owned… I lost it all on top of losing you. I found out I was pregnant… without you!” She releases a harsh breath, and I go to her, wanting to hold her, to comfort her. Finding out she’s pregnant should be a happy moment, but it’s been tainted because of what’s happened.