Page 56 of The Claiming

He glances up as I approach.

“I’m arranging some surveillance for the dungeon.”

My mouth curves into a smile because Ali is the practical one in our group and he will be angry at what happened last night.

“I’m ordering some cameras that are small enough to be concealed in every tunnel, entrance and passageway. They should arrive on Monday in time for The Claiming on Friday.”

“It’s a good idea.” I sit beside him, my hands wrapped around my coffee mug and take a deep, satisfying sip.

“Any word on Abigail?”

Ali would have set up the line of communication regarding that and he shakes his head. “I haven’t heard. I’ll check with the girl’s house after breakfast.”

Santi stumbles in bleary-eyed and looking like shit and he groans.

“Damn, what a night. I had fucking nightmares about that place. I’m definitely taking door sentry next time.”

“But you were so good in your role.” I tease him and he nods, a satisfied smile on his face. “I was, I admit that, and I particularly liked the part where you kneeled before me.”

“Idiot.” I roll my eyes. “Where’s Jack?”

“Out running. That guy is a machine.”

Ali snorts. “Rather him than me. Did you know he’s set on the military? Apparently, it’s a family tradition.”

“There’s nothing wrong with family tradition. We all have that cross to bear.”

The guys say nothing because they are aware of my heritage. They asked me once, and I didn’t sugar coat my reply. When I leave Rockwell, it’s to work with my father in the family business. When you are born into the mafia, it’s kind of expected.

We glance up as Jack enters the room and heads straight for the fridge.

He fills a glass with fresh water and chugs it down almost in one.

“Good run?” Santi asks with a slight shake of his head. “You love to punish yourself.”

“It’s good for the soul.” He answers and then asks, “Any news on Abigail?”

“No.” I shrug. “We had better hope she’s safely tucked up in bed, otherwise this place will be crawling with cops before the day is done.”

“I guess.”

He kicks out one of the stools as Ali remarks, “Her father is the governor. It won’t be good for us if she’s missing.”

“She’ll turn up.” Santi shrugs. “I’m guessing she slipped past Ali while his attention was diverted. Come to think of it, maybe she set it up with Susan Harper in advance. You were played, Ali.”

“Impossible.” Ali shrugs. “Despite what happened, we never moved away from the door. She absolutely never came through it.”

Santi groans. “I fucking hate this shit.”

I reach for my phone and tap out a text.

“Who was that?” Ali asks.

“Kennedy. I asked if Abigail was home.”

The phone vibrates and I note the message on the screen.

Sleeping like a baby

---