Xavier (Vigilance 4)

“We’ve got him restrained, and Giorgio and Niall are standing guard, but he probably has information we need.”

“I’ll be there shortly.”

I took Emilio’s hand and tugged him toward the door. “Come on. They’ve caught the intruder, and I want your read on him.”

Emilio frowned. “I’m a lot better at reading code than people.”

“You’re also pretty good at identifying anyone you’ve seen online.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

I held his hand, deciding I didn’t care who saw us. If I wanted to show him affection, I damn well would.

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, an unusual sound had me pushing Emilio behind me and drawing my weapon. I froze, waiting for someone to appear.

A small monkey raced through the foyer, screeching. When he saw us, he stopped and began hopping up and down, flailing his little arms.

28

Xavier

Emilio stared at the animal in front of us. “That’s a monkey.”

I let out a breath. “At least I’m not hallucinating… or not the only one.”

“No, that’s definitely a monkey. I didn’t know there were monkeys on the island.”

“There aren’t.”

“Then where…”

We watched as the little creature danced around. Where the hell had it come from? “This better not be Devil’s idea of a fucking joke.”

Emilio frowned. “The cats sure as hell aren’t going to like it.”

I nodded in agreement. I slowly started down the stairs, and Emilio followed. The monkey waited for us rather than running away.

To my horror, Emilio crouched down and held out his hand. “Hey, little guy. How’d you get in here?”

I reached to pull him back. “Don’t do that. You don’t know how dangerous he might be.”

He was no larger than a chihuahua. What did I think he was going to do? Small or not, he could bite Emilio, and I wouldn’t have it.

“He’s adorable,” Emilio cooed.

“Don’t—”

The monkey ran toward him, skittered up his leg, and perched on his shoulder. Emilio grinned at me. “See? He’s not dangerous. He’s got to be someone’s pet.”

“Great. We’ll bring him with us. Maybe we can create an entire circus by the end of the day.”

Emilio laughed. “If Lancelot Theriot really managed to get onto the island without any of us realizing it, at least we know he’s going to be a good asset.”

“And I’m definitely going to consider killing him.”

Emilio squeezed my hand. “Let’s just see what’s going on. You usually carefully consider your actions, unlike Devil.”

“I suppose the fact that Devil hasn’t killed Theriot yet means there’s a possibility he’ll be useful.”

When we entered the sunroom where Lancelot was restrained, Niall, Giorgio, and Devil noticed our clasped hands before they spotted the monkey on Emilio’s shoulder.

“I didn’t know there were—”

Niall’s words were cut off as the man they’d captured cried, “Tony!”

The monkey jumped down and raced to him, climbing onto his lap and screeching happily.

“You snuck onto my island with a fucking monkey?” I hated that my voice held a touch of amazement along with the outrage, though I did have to admit—if only to myself—that the accomplishment was fucking impressive.

“Sure,” Lancelot said. “This is Tony.”

“Explain yourself,” I demanded.

“Lucien Marchesi said you needed help, so here I am.”

“And you thought it was a good idea to show up without contacting me first?”

“I came to help.”

Devil stared at the man like he’d lost his mind. “Did Lucien and Remy not explain to you who X is? You don’t just show up on his island.”

Lance snorted. “Like you wouldn’t.”

“I wouldn’t bring a fucking monkey.”

“Tony goes everywhere I go.”

My phone rang, and I grimaced as I looked at the screen. “It’s a New Orleans number. Do you think it’s someone you know?”

Lance laughed. “Probably my brother Remy.”

I answered the phone.

“This is Remington Theriot. I’m afraid my little brother is there as an uninvited guest.”

“He is. Along with his monkey.”

Remington let out what sounded like a weary sigh. I’d often heard Lucien make the same sound when talking about Angelo or Devil.

“Please allow me to apologize for his behavior. He was told to look into JW and pieced together what was going on. When he heard they were planning to come for you, he took it upon himself to offer you his assistance.”

“I don’t like uninvited guests.”

“Who does? Believe me, my brother will be reprimanded for his impertinence. He has information you need, but once he passes it on, I will see that he’s brought home if that’s what you wish. If you’d like his assistance, he’ll stay, and I’m willing to send more of my men.”

“I understand that in exchange you’d like some help with a gunrunning problem you have.”

“You understand correctly. I would greatly appreciate your help with a little issue we’ve got with a man who seems to think it’s okay to bring weapons into our city without going through the proper channels.”

“I think it’s possible we can work something out.”

“My brother is an impulsive asshole, but he shoots true every time, and I’ve seen him fight five men at once and come out without a single injury.”