Page 97 of War Within
“What exactly happened with him?” I slid my hands in my pocket since Jane would not let me hold her.
She started to pace a small area in front of me, running her fingers through her hair as her body quivered. “He died while working and I went to his funeral.” She spun to me, gripping the sides of her head. “I went to his funeral!”
“Do you know what he does for a living, Jane?” I folded my arms over my body, arching a brow.
“Hewasa homicide detective after being a cop.” Her mouth fell agape. “I need to get away from here!” She took several steps sideways, her face turning to fear. “You're friends with him. Oh God, this was a set u—”
“Jane, Jane.” Stretching out, I gripped her wrist, tugging her to my body. “I’m not friends with him. I've been doing business with him.”
Twisting out of my grip, she adjusted her posture, trying to make herself authoritative. “I want to talk to him, now!”
“Um, me too!” Lily chimed in from Carmine’s arms.
“Shhh.” Carmine lifted his hand.
“No,” I ran my fingers through my hair, shaking my head. “It isn’t happening.”
“He has seen me so wouldn't it be awkward if I didn't speak to him?” Lips pursed, she raised her eyebrows.
“Fine.” I sighed, throwing my hand up. She was right. He would be suspicious if I did not let her speak to him. “But you're not going to be alone with him.”
“Fine.” She smacked her lips, shifting her weight.
“And you’re not running away.”
She nodded just as Emilio entered the room behind her. She spun around when she saw the three of us had shifted our attention on the doorway. He strode causally up to her, coming to a stop. He crossed his arms, a smirk appearing on his face.
“I'm just as excited as you too, trust me.” He lifted his chin, keeping his eyes on her. “Xavier is asking about your girlfriend.”
“We're on the way downstairs.”
“You're really full of surprises aren't you, Jane?” The grin never left his face. “Things always have a way of catching up to us.” He winked.
“Emil, enough.” I growled.
Tearing his gaze away from her, he rolled his tongue over his bottom lip before looking at me.
“Have him wait in the office.”
He nodded once before turning to leave. On the way out, a deep chuckle reverberated in his chest as he passed Jane. “Tick tock, tick tock.” It was almost impossible to decipher because he kept his voice down.
The moment he was out of sight, Jane’s eyes turned sad. “He is so unstable.” She gasped. “Sorry, I know you don’t like when I sa—”
“It’s okay.” I sighed. “He’ll get used to you. He’s just really hard to get to know.”
Carmine snorted. “Something like that.”
“Are you ready to go speak to him?” I took her palm in mine, circling the back of her hand with my thumb.
She nodded.
After ordering Carmine and Lily to remain upstairs or out of sight, I escorted Jane to the office. I allowed her to speak to him alone, but I needed to listen outside in the hallway. I no longer trusted him. Now I was beyond confused. Something was definitelyoff.
As she entered the room, I leaned on the wall, just outside the door, hand resting on the handle of my gun in case I needed to act promptly. I hoped Emir successfully ridded the property of Xavier’s men. The last thing I needed tonight was a fucking massacre in my home.
Jane, I don't know what to say. He was the first to speak.
What are you doing alive? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you're not dead, but you made me think you were dead!Her voice cracked.
