Page 47 of Smoke Screen
“Where are you?”
And, whoopsie, big brother had that I-will-fuck-you-up tone. Probably saw the news, which would put Phin firmly in the doghouse.
Phin glanced up at the escalator, damn near willing Maddy to appear. “Standing in the lobby of the Thompson Center. Maddy is upstairs getting her laptop. The press was waiting when we got here.”
“Mom saw you on the news. Arguing with a reporter about a woman’s, assuming Maddy’s, shoe.”
Someone actually filmed that?
“Jesus, Phin. What happened to only helping her get a lawyer? Now you’re playing bodyguard?”
“Was I supposed to let her get ambushed after Ash and company interrogated her?”
“Don’t even try spinning it, pal. We’re being paid to find stolen jewels. You’re way outside of scope.”
“Then we need to expand the scope.”
“Uh, no. The scope stays where it is, butyouneed to get your ass back here. We’ve got work to do.”
Phin took a few steps, aimlessly wandering, the movement helping him align his thoughts. As much as he hated it, Zeke was right. He had responsibilities to his family. Running around with Maddy wouldn’t help recover the queen’s jewels. But finding the jewels meant clearing Maddy.
“Speaking of work,” Phin said. “Can you call Thompson and get a video dump for the executive suite?”
“Sure. And why am I asking for this?”
Tricky territory. His brother had already given him a load of crap for being outside of scope. Now he had to tell him the feds had this guy going into Maddy’s apartment?
No. Family or not, Maddy had confided in him. She’d trusted him.
Besides, Ash would probably tell them.
He’d go with that theory. “We should see who’s coming and going.”
There. Not a lie. Not even a lie by omission.
A brief pause ensued, then a tap-tap-tap sound. Zeke flicking his pen against the desk. “You might be right,” he finally said. “Can’t hurt. I’ll call him. When will you be back?”
Phew. Phin peered up at the escalator again. Nothing. Dammit. “Maddy’s car is still at FBI headquarters. Cilla told us to get lost for a while until the reporters cleared out. Once she’s home, I’ll be back.”
Zeke sighed. He might not have liked Phin’s plan, but he wouldn’t stop him from making sure Maddy stayed safe. None of his brothers would.
“Lay low when you follow her home. Please. The press is camped at her condo.”
“Seriously?”
“Thatwas also on the news.”
Maddy chose that moment to appear at the top of the escalator, briefcase slung over her shoulder and a shopping bag in hand. The glum look on her face wasn’t exactly a positive sign. “Here she comes. Gotta go.”
Phin disconnected and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He’d have to break the news to Maddy about unwelcome company at her place. Wouldn’t that be fun?
She stepped off the escalator and waved at Maurice, standing behind the giant reception desk, his eye on the predators outside.
He came around the desk, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Maddy.”
“Me too, Maurice. Hopefully, I’ll see you soon.”
Hopefullyshe’d see him soon? What was that about?
