Page 97 of Risky Passion

"I know. I’m sorry. But listen, I don't have much time." Speaking low enough so the couple couldn’t hear, I quickly outlined Jaxson's rescue, the corrupt cops, the orphanage fire, and the boxes we saved.

"Damn, girl. That’s one hell of a story. You okaythough?"

Deciding to skip the bullet wound, I said, "Just tired. But Whisper, this evidence is huge, and now that we know corrupt cops are involved, we need to keep this between us and find somewhere secure to take the boxes and for us to stay under the radar. Any ideas?"

"For you, I'll find the Batcave itself. Give me five to work my magic. What's this number?"

I nodded at the couple who hadn’t said a word, possibly because they were trying to hear me. "I borrowed this phone, so I'll call back after I reach Jaxson’s brother, Parker."

"Fine, but, girlfriend, you better be ready to dish out all the details later. The suspense is already killing me.”

"Of course. Hey, Whisper, we heard about the warehouse explosion on the radio. They said two people were missing?"

"Yeah." Her voice lost its playful edge. "Blade and Viper.”

"Jesus. I hope they’re okay."

"Yeah, me too. They're trying to get some cranes in, but that section of the wharf is older than my gran's knickers." She forced a chuckle.

At the counter, the teenage clerk kept sneaking glances my way while restocking cigarettes.

“Jaxson is coming with Onyx to help search."

"Great idea." She paused. "Everyone's gonna flip when they hear you're alive."

"About that . . .. You can’t tell anyone. We need B to think we're dead."

"Oh right . . . sneaky sneaky. I like it. But I'm telling Ryder. He’s been wearing holes in the carpet worrying about you."

I sighed. Jaxson wouldn't be happy. "Fine, but just him. And make sure he understands why we need to keep it under wraps. Do you know if my parents have been told about my plane crash?”

She sucked in air. “I don’t know. Ryder would have handled that.”

“Okay. I’ll get Parker to call you so you can tell him where we’re going."

"Copy that, secret agent. Give me five and ring me back. And Tory? I want every juicy detail about being rescued by Mr. Tall, Dark, and Brooding.”

"Goodbye, Whisper." I couldn't help smiling as I hung up, though itfaded when I caught my reflection in the window. Jaxson was watching me, his face half-hidden in the shadows.

The couple had finished their burgers, and as they slurped massive thick shakes, the husband's eyes narrowed at me. I had a feeling his suspicion of me was growing. My stomach growled at the sight of their leftover chips, reminding me I hadn't eaten since God knew when.

"Would it be okay if I made one more call?" I asked, trying to look pathetically grateful. "My brother's been searching for me."

The lie slipped out smoothly, which probably should have worried me more than it did.

"Of course, dear," the woman said, though her husband's frown deepened as he wiped his chin with a napkin.

I dialed Parker's number, painfully aware of their attention.

"Parker Foster." His voice was clipped and professional.

"Oh hi, Parker, it's your sis!" I chirped, watching the couple from the corner of my eye.

Silence crackled over the line.

"I'm with Jaxson and Whitney. You know me, nothing like a bit of mud to get me lost!" I forced a laugh, praying he would catch on.

"Tory?"

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