Page 21 of Her Intense Protector

This was going to throw a major wrench in the works. Toni was supposed to act as a back-up. During one of the potty breaks, she was supposed to lure Phil to Toni who was going to show him pictures of the baby’s scan, and of his wife and child. Her friend had been positive that would do the trick. Deep down, Phil loved his family.

She paced some more, sucking on the spoon. She didn’t want to call Toni if the deal hadn’t been screwed up yet.

Her phone rang and she made a dive for it. The spoon fell onto her rug.

Dang it!

“Hello?”

“You can follow us in your car.”

“When?”

“Now. We’re waiting outside your apartment.”

“I need to fix my makeup. Give me two minutes.”

The man sighed. “Fine.”

She picked up the spoon and threw it in the sink, then she called Toni and explained what was going on. “As soon as I arrive wherever I’m going, I’ll text you the address.”

“But this won’t work now,” Toni wailed. “It doesn’t sound safe. I don’t want you to go.”

“You gave me a set of pictures too, remember? We still need to take bathroom breaks. It just won’t be you talking to him.”

“I don’t feel good about this. Don’t go.”

“It’s fine.”

“But—”

“I’m going. Look, they’re waiting for me. I’ll text you soon.”

As soon as she got to the street, she saw a black town car waiting out front with a large man in a black suit leaning against it. A shiver ran up her spine and she was glad that she had insisted on driving her own car.

“Miss Brooks?”

She nodded. “It’s good to meet you. Where are you parked?”

“Down the block.”

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“What’s your name?” Sam asked.

“Murray.” He kept silent after that, and she didn’t feel comfortable asking any other questions. When they got to her little red compact, she hit the key fob.

“One other thing, Miss Brooks, I’m going to need your cell phone.” Murray held out his hand.

“What?” Sam did her best to keep her face blank. “I don’t understand why you would need that.”

“It’s a precaution. We’re going to a safe, yet undisclosed location. This has been set up by the management at Goldy’s. You can trust that this is perfectly aboveboard.”

“Then why isn’t it being held at Goldy’s?” she wanted to know.

“With the money involved, we weren’t able to ensure the safety of everyone. We got some threats, so Goldy’s security decided to take it elsewhere. Miss Brooks, the same dealer who handles high-stakes poker for Goldy’s is going to be at the private club where we’re going.”

“Then why can’t I have my phone?”