We step out into the brightly lit hall and wait for Jennifer to lock the door behind us. Usually, we don’t stay in America long enough to rent property, but my father has a dummy corporation set up for occasions such as this. When you do the work we do, it’s important to be prepared. You never know when shit will hit the fan, so we have a contingency plan for just about every scenario.
Jennifer leads the way back to the elevator when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I remove it to see a slew of messages bouncing across the screen. It’s Siân, and if her text is any indication, I know she’s found my note. A smile creeps on my lips as I read them.
Siân: Where are you?
Siân: I’ve called you four times, Taj.
Three dots pop up, showing that he’s typing, but then they disappear.
Siân: I need you to pick up the phone.
Taj: I can’t right now...
Siân: Did you leave a note when you left last night?
Taj: What? Look, I’m really busy.
Taj: Can this wait?
Siân: Answer the phone.
There’s a brief pause, and my steps slow right along with it. It’s not until Tony calls my name from a few feet away that I realize they have engrossed me in my phone for far too long.
Taj: I told you, I can’t talk right now.
Siân: I need to know if you left a note. If it wasn’t you, then I think someone was in the house.
Taj: You were with me until I left. How could I have left a note? Who was in the house?
Taj: I’ll call you when I’m done here. It’s probably nothing.
That’s it?
This piece of shit never ceases to amaze me. This is who she’s chosen to waste her time and energy on? Giving herself away to scum, a motherfucker who takes her safety as a joke. And yes, I get how ironic it is that I’m getting angry when I’m the one who’s endangered her. But it’s the principle. If he wears the title of being her man, then keeping her safe, even if he will fail, should be his priority.
Fire spreads through my veins as I realize that she even thought to call him. Everything about her changes the moment he walks into a room. He drains her, holds her down, and dulls her shine. She’s not happy with him, so why hasn’t she ended this? I realize now that if I want this to work, Taj has got to go.
We board the elevator on the lobby level and bid Jennifer another farewell. Once we’re outside, I stop Tony with a grip on his bicep, waiting until Jennifer is out of earshot.
“What?” He frowns.
“I need to handle something. You’re not riding.” I step off the curb, back to my car.
“And how the hell am I supposed to get to the meeting? I rode here with you, remember?” he argues.
I shrug. “You’re a smart man. Figure it out.”
After dialing Siân’s number, I unlock the Ferrari and put the speaker to my ear.
“Questa è una stronzata, Christian,” Tony yells from across the street. This is bullshit, Christian.
She answers on the first ring. “Finally,” she blurts without a greeting.
“You were waiting for me to call?” I tease, putting on my best show.
She sighs, and it takes her a second. “Oh, Christian. Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
“Ouch,” I feign being offended.
She doesn’t take the bait. “Christian. I—it’s nice of you to call, but now isn’t a good time.” Her voice is strained, like she’s afraid and trying desperately to keep it together.
“That doesn’t sound too good.” I hop behind the wheel and let the door slam shut. “What’s going on?”
Siân sighs, followed by a brief pause. “Nothing,” she pushes out, but by her tone, I know she doesn’t believe what she’s just said.
“Beautiful,” I bite out.
She doesn’t speak. The only sounds coming through the line are her heavy breaths and a low rumble from what I assume to be the radio.
“I can hear it in your voice. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help,” I promise.
Another deep breath. “I’m waiting for the cops to arrive.”
Adjusting in my seat, I give my best fake expression of shock. “Did something happen?”
“I-I don’t know. But... I think someone was in my house,” she admits, her fear and frustration ringing loud and clear.
“Where are you?” I know the answer, but I just need her to tell me.
“I’m home. Me and Kyla, we’re waiting for an officer to arrive.”
I start the car. “I’m on my way,” I exclaim, working extra hard to give her the impression that I’m concerned.
“No. No. Christian, you don’t have to do that. I’m fine, or I will be when Taj gets here.”
I grit my teeth at the mention of that asshole, but keep my anger from spilling out. “Siân. I’m here for you. I’ll see you soon.”