Page 53 of Protecting his Secrets

“What the hell is this?”

Tarrant struggled, hands covering Nick’s on his jacket. “I was asked to give it to you! I don’t know!”

They were drawing attention, and Malachi picked up the discarded paper and envelope.

#3

He frowned. What did it mean? Two guards came through the crowds that had formed, standing around them but letting Nick do what was needed.

“By whom?”

“A guy at the door. He said he had to get it to you, but the guards wouldn’t let him in.”

Nick shook him. “Why, then, did you think it was a good idea to offer to bring it in?”

Tarrant’s eyes widened. “He said it was important!”

Nick cursed and dragged Tarrant with him, the two guards leading the way. Malachi followed, unsure of what was happening. What was the relevance of the number three? There was nothing he could put his finger on, but it was potentially a closely guarded secret. Whatever it was, wasn’t good. He followed them into a smaller room, and Nick shoved Tarrant tothe sofa, grabbing his gun from the holster but holding it down by his side.

“Who was it?” Nick asked.

Tarrant spread his hands. “I don’t know! I’d never seen him before.”

“Describe him.”

Tarrant rubbed his hands over his face, his eyes glazing. “Um, taller than me, brown hair, wore a suit, unkempt beard. Um…” His face flushed. “Bright green eyes. Never seen that colour before. It’s what drew me to him.”

Nick huffed. “What did he say to you, exactly?”

“Just that the envelope needed to get to you in time.”

“In time for what?” Nick stepped closer.

Tarrant shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t have time to ask because the guard shoved him away from the door.”

Nick shook his head and peered at one of the guards who’d come with them. “They secure?”

“Already on their way home,” one said.

Nick grabbed his phone, dialled and put it to his ear, walking away from them towards the window. “Yeah… Number three… Uh-huh… Do you think it’s linked?… Okay. We’re on our way back… Yeah.” He glanced over his shoulder at Tarrant. “He’ll spend the night talking with Brady. We need to figure this shit out and fast.” He ended the call and faced them. “Owen, Sam, can you please escort Tarrant to Brady? He’ll be expecting him by the time you get there.”

The two guards moved, gesturing for Tarrant to stand, and though the guy sent Malachi a questioning glance, Malachi wasn’t interrupting whatever it was. They must have their reasons for it. After they left, Nick exhaled.

“Sorry about that,” he said, and Malachi shook his head.

“Why are you sorry? There’s obviously a reason for it. You don’t just go grabbing people for no reason.” He would’ve liked to know the reason, but he wasn’t going to push.

Nick put his gun away and held out his hand for the paper, staring at it for a long moment before putting it back in the envelope and tucking it inside his jacket.

“We have to get back.”

Malachi nodded, his chest aching when no explanation was given. He understood. Nick couldn’t tell him everything; he wasn’t allowed. It still hurt, though.

They climbed into the town car and fell into silence. Nick was lost in his thoughts, and Malachi was trying to figure out the relevance of the number three. Three victims? Three chances? Three… He shook his head. He had no idea. Wishing he could help, he took a chance and covered Nick’s hand with his own.

“Are you okay?”

Nick’s gaze focused on him slowly, and he blinked as if coming out of a trance. He turned his hand over and squeezed. “Yeah. It’s… There’s…” He sighed. “Can we talk about it when we get back?”

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