Page 28 of Blind Prophet

I understand her concern, but I believe he expected me for reasons entirely unrelated to our plans. After all, we’ve both put this off for far too long.

“What’re your plans?”

“I’m going to explore.”

“Be careful,” she reiterates.

I understand they believe Dorian is dangerous, but they’re wrong. He’s closed off, uncommunicative, and ambitious, but at his heart, he’s a good person. We weren’t a good match, but he’s not evil or dangerous.

I step into the en suite bathroom, change into jeans, running shoes, and a lightweight sweater, grab my phone and the water bottle Dorian gave me, and head off to explore.

CHAPTER7

DORIAN

My temples throb with such intensity that my vision blurs at the edges. I reach for my collar to loosen my tie, but there is no tie. I’m not wearing one.

I pace the room, the world outside a blur. I could grab my glasses, which might help my headache.

Where’s the Vicodin?

My fingers pause on the drawer pull.I don’t need to pop more pills.

The voice is my father’s. His curmudgeonly tone almost has me smiling. Almost. His doctors have him popping a pharmacy.

Caroline’s here. In Colorado. On the property.

Without enough consideration, I dial my one friend who knows her well.

Clicks sound.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

My thumb hovers over the red circle when I hear, “What the bloody hell? You can’t leave well enough alone? Got a pressing need to gloat?”

I press the speaker phone option but keep the phone in my hand.

“What have I done that deserves a boast?”

“Well, my house is blown to bits.”

He was pissy the last time we spoke. “Already told you. I’m not responsible.”

His country home was blown to smithereens a week ago. Images all over the BBC. Didn’t hit the wire in the States, but not much international news does.

“You took out a bloody two hundred and fifty million bounty on me, you bastard!”

“Not me. We’ve been over this. Can’t believe you’re still going on about it.”

Like Nick, I have a team of cyber analysts tracking the source. But I’m told whoever did it is good. That’s code forit’s unlikely the brainiacs I employ will solve the puzzle.

“I threatened you with a counter bounty, and the bloody bounty mysteriously lifted. Don’t go playing tickle fuck with me.”

I open my mouth and half-chuckle. Tickle fuck. Always liked that phrase.

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