Page 220 of Callan

“You said you had no family, if I remember correctly.”

She nods.

“People who come asking for you?”

She shakes her head.

“What about your friend?”

“She’ll want to talk to me. And maybe see me from time to time.”

“Uh-huh. Tell her you got the job and you’re going on a business trip tomorrow morning. You’re getting trained for the job.”

“She knows what kind of job this is. She’s not stupid.”

“Tell her,” I say, quiet and resolute at the same time.

She pats her pocket.

“I don’t have my stuff with me. I left it in the other room.”

I pull out my phone and call Goodman.

“Yes, sir. How may I help you?

“Bring Miss Prince’s things to my office. Also, she will not work for us,” I say, my eyes on the woman in front of me. “She just got some disquieting news.”

“Is everything all right, sir?”

“Yes. Overall. She has to deal with a family crisis, so she won’t be available for work for a while. I’ll escort her out. Have someone else meet the new hires. I’m leaving soon. Thanks.”

I end my call and barely put my phone back when a soft knock at the door makes me signal Mackenzie to step behind it.

“You don’t want her to see you like that,” I say, running a hand down my tie and through my hair.

Makenzie steps to the side while I open the door and take her coat, purse, and briefcase from my employee.

“Thank you,” I say before closing and locking the door.

“Here,” I add, putting everything on the chair. “I’ll get someone to help you walk out. Put your coat on.”

“You said you were escorting me out.”

“I need to take care of some things before I step out. You’ll wait for me in my car. And try not to overanalyze me. It would be better for both of us.”

Next, I call one of my bodyguards, and soon after, I open the door again, this time to invite her out.

“Guard her with your life,” I say before she vanishes with him around the corner.

I finally let the door fall shut and push out a long exhale.

MACKENZIE

I waitin his car outside for over twenty minutes, my eyes trained on the street, my mind wandering, contemplating the dumpster fire my life has become.

It’s not like I have anywhere to go.

I have no job, and I’ve been technically kidnapped by the man who stumbled into my life.

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