35

My room. The seven men had Lea and I surrounded as we made our way through the hall to the opposite corridor.
The few members that were up quickly stepped to the side. I caught Tara’s eyes as she pressed against the wall. As they trailed the sleeping beauty in my arms, Tara’s face contorted, anger and disgust filling it. I would deal with her later.
Lynx and Miller entered my room first, sweeping it carefully as I waited outside the doors with Lea and her guards.
Clear, Boss. Miller called from inside.
I crossed the room as Lynx threw the covers back. I carefully laid Lea down, brushing a finger over her brow before pulling the blanket over her.
Lynx, secure the car. Miller, send out a notice to all members there will be a mandatory meeting tomorrow at one. You two I turned to Lewis and Leon, stand guard with Paul and Samuel til I get back. I want one on the outside of the bedroom doors, two in here, and one outside the patio doors. I’ll return as soon as I speak with Darrell and Darrien.
The men all knew the seriousness of us being followed, especially since we knew we had a mole in the house. I left the men as they scrambled to take on the roles assigned to them.
I made my way to the office, but stopped in the main room as Darrell and Darrien walked through the front doors, their faces telling me the answer to my unasked question.
We didn’t speak as we walked down the hall. Something didn’t feel right as we reached my office and I shook my head, continuing to the interrogation room instead. I keyed in the code and stepped in, securing the doors behind Darrien.
We stood in silence as I took in the grim expressions of the younger men standing before me.
Darrell was the one to speak. It was two un-affiliates. Both men were only twenty three.
I clenched my fist. Unaffiliated men, or women for that matter, took bids to do jobs that members of an organization either did not want to do, or could not do for whatever reason.
All they would admit to was being contacted from a restricted number and being offered ten grand each to run you off the road once you crossed over the waterway.
Did they say whether it was a man or woman who contacted them ? I was hoping to be able to narrow down who the mole was based on gender.
Neither. I raised my brow as Darrell continued, They said the voice was mechanical.
Shit. I paced the room, curling and uncurling my fingers by my side. So someone would have had to have privileged knowledge that I was taking Lea out tonight and what our approximate time of arrival home would have been.
Darrell held my eyes as he nodded, Yes.
Son of a bitch, I hissed as the realization hit me that the mole was someone I had absolute and complete trust in.
You need to think back to everyone you spoke to about tonight’s agenda. Once you make a list, then we can go to work on narrowing it down and make a plan to flush the bastard out.
I nodded in agreement to Darrell’s plan.
Have my office swept as well. Something seemed off when we passed by. Darrien nodded in understanding as I continued, We will be having a mandatory meeting at one. I’ll meet with you two before brunch with the list of names.
We’ll keep her safe Carter.
Thank you.
I turned and walked out of the interrogation room, leaving Darrell and Darrien shaking their heads at my politeness. I did not want to know how the two disposed of the un-affiliates, I just needed to get back to my room and make sure Lea was safe.
I shook my head at the sound of Lewis’ voice scolding Lea. I had come to the conclusion that other than myself and Darrell, he was the only other person in the house that could reason with her when she was pissed.
Calm down Lea.
You two babysitters are suppose to have the night off.
Boss will explain when he gets back.
I freaking hope so. Just because I allowed him to kiss me doesn’t mean that…
Lea immediately quieted down as I pushed the door open.
I held up my hands, Lea put the lamp down.
I’m not sleeping with you.
I shook my head as I slowly approached the angry beauty. I have no intentions of trying to take advantage of you tonight.
Then why am I in your room ? And why won’t these baboons let me leave ?
Because, after you fell asleep on the way back here, someone started following us. They had orders to run us off the road. Your in my room, because right now, it’s the safest one for you to be in.
Lea tightened her grip on the lamp. How do you know for sure that’s what they were going to do ?
I ran a hand down my face. I didn’t want Lea to know any more than what was absolutely necessary and I didn’t want her thinking badly on the twins for dealing with and disposing of the two men.
Please, just trust me on this Lea. I would never play around or joke about your safety. You should realize by now exactly what you mean to me.
She studied my face for a moment before sighing and putting the lamp back on the bedside table.
So sleeping in my room is out of the question ?
Yes.
Can I at least go and get something to change into ?
No. I walked to my dresser and pulled out a t-shirt and the smallest pair of sweats I had. I walked over and handed the clothing out to Lea. The bath is through those doors.
She looked from me to the bed and back again.
And just how are the sleeping arrangements going to work ?
For fuck’s sake Lea. The bed is a California King. You will sleep on one side and I will sleep on the other. There will be plenty of room between us that you wouldn’t even feel it if I were to bang some cheap rental right beside you.
Lea’s eyes could burn daggers through mine as she snatched the shirt and pants from my hand and stormed into the bath and slammed the door.
Even I have to admit that was a bit cruder than normal, Boss. Miller spoke from his post by the bath door. I turned my cold, steel eyes to him as he continued. What else did they find out that your not saying ?
I sat on the edge of the bed and hung my head. I would need to apologize to Lea for my comment, but I needed her to know that this was not some ploy to get in her pants.
The two men were unaffiliated. They had received a restricted call with the instructions and approximate time of when we would be coming back into town, along with the price they would each be paid.
My heart stopped as Lea opened the bath doors and leaned against the frame, her eyes red and tear stains down her cheek. As she spoke, I realized she had been listening from the other side of the door.
That would mean that it is someone close to you then, someone who knew you were taking me out and where we were going.
I nodded as she looked at each man in the room, her voice breaking at the implication, It could be any one of you.
We all sat in silence, no one knowing what to say. Lea glanced around once more before crossing her arms over her chest and walking quietly to the bed. She climbed in and faced away from me, curling herself into a protective ball as she pulled the covers to her neck.
Paul and Samuel are to remain on duty. The rest of you, get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
The men left, but I didn’t move from my spot.
I didn’t ask for any of this. Lea’s voice was low and strained as she spoke.
I smiled at the weeks old argument. I know, Lea.
A bullet would have kept your life a lot simpler.
I tensed as she threw my words back at me. I heard Lea roll over in the bed and looked over my shoulder at her. She curled up on her side and tucked her arm under her head as she watched me.
I’m sorr.. I started to speak as Lea asked Who have…
We both stopped and I gestured for Lea to continue.
I was just going to ask who have you, or your family, crossed or pissed off in the house to the point where they would want revenge on you through me ?
I shook my head. That was not a question I was prepared to answer. I don’t know.
I swiped my hand down my face and ran it back up and through my hair.
I’m sorry for what I said earlier, but I need you to know how serious this is. Your safety is my first priority right now. If something happens to you, it could, I couldn’t help the break in my voice as I finished the sentence, and would destroy me.