Page 37 of Five Fingers of Death

“I just wish I had been there sooner,” I admitted, rubbing my hand over my eyes.

“What made you go out there?”

I hadn’t told anyone about it. Well, besides Johnny and Jack. They were the only two who knew about my fascination with Leah. Hell, nobody else even knew about her.

That wasn’t entirely true. Rae knew, but that was only because she dug up information on anyone once she sniffed out a story.

But I wasn’t about to tell Lock that I decided to pull my head out of my ass and take a chance on Leah. The last fucking thing I needed was anyone to pity me. “I was just going to see her. I had some time off.”

He nodded, but I wasn’t entirely sure he believed me.

“I’m sorry it ended that way.”

“The question is, how the hell did Knight and Cash know? And why didn’t they call?”

“I’d like to know that as well, but I doubt we’ll get answers anytime soon.”

“Maybe we’ll find out something from Asher.”

We headed toward the elevators to greet Asher and Holly. But when the elevator doors opened to the main floor, I was more than shocked at what I saw and heard.

“—didn’t kiss you on the plane!”

“Oh please! I might have been half unconscious, but I know lips when I feel them on me. You just can’t admit that you like me!”

“Like you? Why would I like you?”

“Because you think I’m sexy. I heard you talking with Holly about how you loved seeing me in my coveralls.”

“Another fucking mechanic,” Lock grumbled beside me.

A loud whistle tore through the yelling, breaking up the fight instantly. I didn’t know who all these people were, and I really didn’t care. The last thing I wanted was introductions.

“Hey!” Asher shouted. “Enough! For fuck’s sake. We’re all adults here. Can we act like it?”

“I will if he will,” the woman snapped.

“I really hope that’s not Holly,” I whispered to Lock.

“Pretty sure it’s not.” Lock stepped forward, holding up his hands to get everyone’s attention. “I know tensions are high right now, but let’s try to keep a level head about this. Now, I know you’re all tired from your journey, so I won’t keep you waiting longer than you have to. I’ve made a welcome packet for each of you,” he said, walking over to the counter, picking up folders. “You’ll all be staying in the main house. Inside these folders, you’ll find your room number and the location of the facilities. I’ve taken the liberty of color-coding the pages for your convenience, along with creating a bathroom schedule for all of you to keep the line moving. Also, if you flip to the green section, you’ll see we’ve stocked the fridge and made sure you have everything you need to make your stay comfortable.”

The man raised his hand, tearing out one of the sheets. “Is this a cleaning schedule?”

Lock’s jaw clenched as he stared at the page. “You just tore that out of the folder.”

“Right, but is this seriously a cleaning schedule?”

Lock’s left eye started to twitch as he stared at the paper. I walked over and snatched the page from the man’s hand, then the folder. After creating my own holes in the sheet, I slid the paper back into place. It didn’t line up with the others, but it would have to do.

“Don’t fuck with his folders again,” I hissed, slapping it against his chest.

The man turned to Asher. “I thought you said you were rescuing us.”

Asher smirked, shaking his head at Lock. “FNG, can you take everyone to the house while I fill Lock in on what happened?”

He rolled his eyes dramatically. “Sure. Why not? It’s not like I flew out there and risked life and limb to get you out alive. Why should I be in on the meeting?”

Asher slapped him on the back. “I hear you tell one hell of a story.”

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