Page 174 of Inferno

Unlocking her door, I push it open and she walks in.

“Clothes are in the wardrobe. Shower and get cleaned up. Emilia will be preparing dinner soon, she will bring it up. I’ll get you a notepad and pen for Enzo’s task. This will be your new home until he is done with you.”

She doesn’t look back at me, she just heads into the room towards the en-suite.

“Any questions?”

I tighten my grasp on the handle.

“You told me not to speak.” Her voice is quiet.

“Speak when I ask questions. Better?”

“I guess.”

I sigh. She was going to shoot my brother. She tried to escape.

The thought of her leaving me abruptly again hurt, more than I’d like to admit.

I open my mouth, intending to tell her I’ll be in the next room, but I stop myself, leaving us in an awkward staring contest.

“I’ll go shower then.”

Closing the door and locking it, I head back down the stairs and pour a coffee, shooting a text to Finn for him and Con to meet me here. She’s a flight risk, and I can’t trust anyone with her.

Luckily, Conan unloaded his gun before he went in.

The man is smarter than he lets on, it’s all part of his tactic.

It’s really how the Quinn brothers all thrive.

“Everything okay, sir?” Emilia asks as she comes out from the laundry room.

“We have a guest staying for a while. She will be staying in her room, but will require meals and laundry.”

She gives me a sweet smile, making her eyes wrinkle. She worked for my father for thirty-five years. I didn’t think she would want to relocate to America, but after her own husband's passing, she chose to come with us.

“That wasn’t my question, Declan.” She shoves her hand on her hip and drops down the washing on the counter.

“Yes. Everything is fine, Mrs. Richards.”

She steps forward and squints at me.

“Is that chocolate on your face?”

“Yes. Long story.”

“You seem stressed. Is it to do with the girl upstairs?”

“Partially.”

“Why’s she here?”

The questions give me a headache. She was my mom’s best friend over the years. Basically part of the family. She’s watched us all grow up.

“She’s a ghost from my past and causing me problems again.”

She smiles like she knows something I don’t.

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