Page 56 of The Lieutenant

“That’s because…”

“Just say it. Go on. I know what you’re thinking.”

“If your father was around more, he’d be doing the worrying as well.”

A heavy sigh rushed up from my chest. “He’s hurting. You know that.”

“Aren’t you still hurting as well? You’re both still healing, but you needed him and he wasn’t there for you. I know this is something you feel like you must do, but your mother wouldn’t want you placed directly in danger in your need to seek revenge.”

“I’m not doing that. Please, just leave my father out of it.”

“Yes, you are, and he’s my friend, Kara. We haven’t talked in a long time, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care about him. Or you. You’re like a daughter to me.”

I hated when Jacob lectured me just like a father would. If only my father had been there by my side so I could cry on his shoulder, things would be different. “I know you care. Yes, these stories are important to me. I’ve spent my life waiting to find answers.”

“And those answers could get you killed. I’m about ready to insist you come home.”

“I’m not doing that.” Another blip on the screen caught my eye. I turned my attention to the broadcast.

“We’re coming on the air now to report the sad news that Mr. Artino died sometime yesterday only hours after making this broadcast. This wasn’t scheduled to air for a few days, but we felt it prudent to release it now. While the reports are sketchy, it’s our understanding a murder investigation is underway.”

The reporter spoke perfect English and was visibly upset. My thoughts immediately locked onto Havros. But he’d been with me the entire night. Oh, shit. What if the man needed to use me as an alibi? What if Havros had killed the guy the afternoon before returning home and acting as if he’d been there for hours?

I glanced at the time stamp on the television. It was almost eleven. “Jacob. We can talk about this later. I have a business meeting that I’m attending with Mr. Nomikos.”

“You should cancel it, Kara. I’m telling you I have a very bad feeling about this.”

“Please stop worrying. I’m perfectly safe and know what I’m doing.”

His exhale was dark and gruff. “Call me later today. I need to know you’re okay.”

“Fine. I’ll do that.”

The sharp rap on the door made me jump.

“Just be careful. I worry,” he said before hanging up.

I stared at the door for a few seconds as I lowered my phone. Maybe the man was right. Was I in way over my head on this? I thought about my mother and the last thing she’d said to me.

“When I get back, we’re going to watch a movie. Together. I love you, baby girl.”

I couldn’t abandon her or my mission when the goal line was this close.

The second knock was even harder. There was nothing I could do to get out of this. The meeting would either provide me with comfort or with acknowledgement that Jacob was right. I moved to the door, feeling the stiffness in my legs. With one last promise made I would keep this strictly professional, I opened the door.

Of course, Havros looked just as gorgeous as he had the night before. His suit was dark gray in color, a light pinstripe running through it. With his crisp white shirt and dark red tie, he looked even more powerful than the night I’d met him.

He cocked his head, his furrowed brow indicating he gathered something was off. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been up for hours working on the article.” I realized I hadn’t turned off the television the moment his eyes drifted toward the screen.

His scowl had returned, his eyes appearing darker than they had before.

I might as well hit the ground running. “Theo Artino is dead. Murder is suspected. You know who I’m talking about. The man who provided the scathing broadcast on you and your company just days ago.”

He slowly turned his head, narrowing his cold eyes. “Be very careful when making accusations, no matter how subtle, my kitten.”

“I’m not making an accusation, Havros. I’m asking you a question. And for the record, I don’t belong to you.”

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