Page 44 of The Hitman and the Psychic

“I guess he wants more money, because he’s suing me for mental cruelty that occurred after the accident. He’s claiming the divorce is my fault because I changed. It just makes me so angry I could scream.”

“That asshole.”

“Yeah.” I contemplated telling her about bumping into Brandon last night, but decided I didn’t have time to go into it. I glanced at Stone, and found him eating a bagel, so I hoped he didn’t mind if I kept talking.

“Well… hang in there. I know you’re busy, but I just wanted to make sure you’re bringing the chips and dip to Gracie’s birthday party tomorrow.”

My heart dropped. I’d totally spaced it. “Oh… yeah… uh… I’m not sure I can make it. This is one of those jobs where I can’t leave my client… alone. But… maybe I’ll have the case solved by then.” I winced, knowing that was a lame excuse.

“What are you talking about? You can’t miss Gracie’s seventh birthday party. She’s expecting you. I get that you’re busy, but… can’t you take a couple of hours off?”

I squirmed. “Well… I’m a little stuck since I agreed to being on the case twenty-four seven. With the way things are going, I don’t think I’ll have a choice.”

Felicity huffed out a breath. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Sen… you have to come. Think about Gracie. You’ll break her heart.”

I closed my eyes. “I know… you’re right, but this job is not like the others. It’s a lot more intense. But listen… I’ll try and get away for a half hour or so. I know that’s not much, butit’s better than nothing, right? When this case is over, I’ll do something fun with Gracie. I promise.”

I glanced at Stone and found him leaning against the counter, his brows dipped. Was he mad that I was still on the phone?

“Uh… I’ve got to go. Why don’t I call you tonight when we can talk. I’ll explain everything then.”

“Fine. But youhaveto come tomorrow. No excuses, so figure it out, okay?”

“Sure. I’ll do my best.”

She sighed. “Okay. Bye.”

“Bye.” I disconnected and let out a breath. Damn. Why did everything always have to happen at the same time? I finally get a good-paying job, and now I have to let down my niece because of it. Life just wasn’t fair.

“Sounded like your sister wasn’t happy with you.” Stone’s low voice sent a shiver down my spine. “What’s going on?”

I huffed out a breath. “It’s my niece’s seventh birthday tomorrow, and they’re having a party for her. But don’t worry about it. I’ll just make it up to her on another day.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine without you for a couple of hours. You should go.”

I shook my head. “No. We have to stick together. It’s in my contract. I’ll just have to figure something else out.”

Stone shook his head. Then his eyes lit up. “Hey… I could come with you.”

“What? No.”

He flinched, and his brows dipped. “Why not?”

Oops. Had I hurt his feelings… again? Backtracking, I shrugged. “Oh… well, sure you can come if you really want to. Let’s just hope we solve the case by tonight. Then it won’t matter, right?”

His right brow rose, and his lips turned down like I was full of crap. “With the way things are going, I wouldn’t count on it.”

I huffed. “Yeah. Maybe not.”

He gave me a half-smile full of sarcasm. “If you’re worried about me, I usually get along fine with most people.”

I blinked. “So, you really want to come? Why?”

He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well… I don’t think you should let your niece down because of me. Family is important. And it’s only an hour or two.”

“Oh… well… yeah. Of course.” I bit my lips. “Hey, I’m sorry if I made you mad, earlier.”

“You didn’t.” He smiled tightly. “Don’t worry about it.”

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