Page 78 of War Within
“I really need to see Marco.” The desperation in her voice was the anguish of someone who believed they were truly in love.
I spun around. “Marco’s dead!”
Immediately, she broke down in tears, shaking her head. Hearing his name made me burn with rage. I loved him more than anything, but he had been stalking Jane for a year. Why? Seeing the naked images of her in her own home on his phone, made me infuriated. He had broken in and placed cameras everywhere. He had her always followed. He knew exactly who she was.
Marco's young face flashed through my mind. The football games. Teaching him to ride a bike and later taking him golfing. Still, my brain could not wrap itself around his actions. How could anyone want to kill the father who raised them, who never showed them anything except love? I was never abusive. I was great at my work, but I was a fantastic husband, and father. Now, the good times and memories would only ever be a smear in depths of my heart.
“I need you to do one job for me.” I circled her unhurriedly. “Then, you are free to do as you please.”
“What?” She trembled, apprehensive of my command. “Why are you being so nice to me? I wouldn't know what to do other than this life.”
Coming to a stop in front of her, I slid my hands in my pockets. “I do not run a sex trafficking ring so I have no place for you.” I rolled my eyes. “That was Marco's thing. I have more respect for women than that.”
“I’m scared to ask what I’ll be doing.”
Tricia, nod if you can hear me.
She nodded, glancing around the room nervously. She waited in Marco’s bungalow for Tyler, wearing the micro-earpiece Leo had given her. It was our way to communicate with her while she was framing Tyler. I hoped the signal would remain clear. Three cameras were hidden in the main living area in Marco’s bungalow; two in plants, one in a wall sculpture.
It was not just for Lily. It was his involvement with Marco. He was accepting money from Marco to fuck with my family. Lily? A pawn in his game. Jane? A pawn in Marco’s game. Everything had been articulately planned, all because of me.
He's on his way to you. We'll be listening and watching the entire time. Relax. You look too nervous. He’ll suspect something.
She took a deep breath.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Tricia adjusted her cleavage in her top before exhaling and opening the door, a wide grin plastered on her face.Hi!
Hi, I'm here to see Marco.
He's out but—
Tyler pushed by her, hands on his hips, bobbing his head to an imaginary tune in his head.
Tricia closed the door.He told me to keep you busy until he gets back.
Well, he did good with you, didn’t he?He took two strides, wrapping his arm around her bare waist, tugging her into his body.He always give me the best presents. And this, he trailed his finger down her chest, circling her nipple outside the fabric,just might end up being be my favorite job yet.
Might be?She giggled, wrapping her arms around him, grinding herself on his body.Well, let's change that to a definite.
Grabbing her wrist, he twirled her around, pressing himself into her bottom.Do you like bad boys?
Mmm, no I like badmen. She rolled her eyes at one of the cameras though she did not know where it was placed.Just how bad are you?
“Boss, we should go in there.” Leo leaned forward closer to the monitors, studying Tyler’s every move. “I think he’s on to her.”
“Give it a second.”
Bad enough to only be dating my girlfriend to get intel on her best friend. Yanking her head back by her hair, he placed his lips next to her ear.
You don't love her?
Tyler spun her around, holding her against his body.I don't do love.
I don’t blame you. She giggled.
Would it turn you on more if I told you, I put a hit out on the girl?
