Page 56 of Monsters
A couple of hours later, I push back from my desk and stretch, yawning as my inbox pings. Since I deal with assets, part of my days are spent working with existing clients and insuring their heirlooms. I correspond with auction houses, assistants, and the clients themselves. I take on a few new status clients every quarter, helping them with opening a safety deposit box if needed, and handling their succession plans or investments. I like my job, but I can’t say that I love it. After my mom died, I decided I wanted a certain kind of life, and that lifestyle was attainable with banking. I never really spent time with the part of me who enjoyed history, and art. One day, maybe.
I look up from my computer and press the speaker button for Rosie, my executive assistant. It rings a couple of times before she picks up.
“Hi, Benedict,” she says, her voice light and lilting. I told her on her first day that formalities—more specifically, calling me Mr. Martin—were unnecessary. I rarely phone her directly, which is why her amused voice makes me smile.
“I was wondering if you’d be able to book me a hotel in Edinburgh for this weekend?”
“Of course. One room?”
I look at my nails. “Two, please.” I don’t want to be presumptuous with Evelyn, especially after last weekend. “Actually, three. Mr. Sullivan also requires a room.”
“No problem. The Balmoral?”
“That’s fine. Thank you, Rosie.”
I hang up the phone as I chew on my pen and lean back in my chair. I know this weekend will be a risk. I knew it a long time ago. And I didn’t expect to have Evelyn with me when I agreed to this part of our plan. It was supposed to be Hayes and I—the risk fell on our shoulders. I knew Hayes would go to the depths of hell to take them down, and I was committed to do the same—until Evelyn got involved. Now, I’m second guessing everything, trying to formulate a safer plan, a plan that doesn’t involve us going into the line of fire. But I know in order to get results, we must take risks.Imust take risks. And I also know that Evelyn will find a way to be involved, whether or not I want her to be. I can’t fathom lying to her, and she’s not going to let me do this alone. The only thing I can do is pray that things go according to plan, and that Hayes is able to keep her safe—and keep me safe. For the first time in a long time, I actually care about staying alive.
There’s a knock at the door, and before I can answer, Hayes saunters in. Seeing the disparities between Brotherhood Hayes and Banking Hayes is always so jarring—the businessman with button-ups, and the guy in ripped jeans who stalks society leaders for fun.
“Hey,” he says, closing the door and taking a seat across from me. Even here in my office, his dominance is obvious. He lays on his alpha-ness wherever he goes. People bow to Hayes Sullivan, and his presence is thick and masculine anywhere we go.
“Hey,” I answer, leaning further back in my chair.
“All set for this weekend?” he asks, looking at his tie. His long sleeves cover every single one of his tattoos. None of our co-workers know he has skin full of ink hidden beneath his work attire.
I nod. “Rosie booked our hotel rooms. You’re all set.”
His eyebrows quirk up. “So, it’s really happening, then?”
I slowly sit up and lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk. “I don’t need your judgement.”
He frowns. “I’m not judging you.”
“Then what?”
“What happens if you get caught? Our plan was that I run—but now I have your girlfriend to contend with. You really think she’s going to leave you in the pit like that?”
My jaw ticks. He has a fair point. “So don’t give her a choice,” I say slowly, narrowing my eyes.
He scowls, the creases between his brows deepening. “She’s small, but she’s strong. I can’t guarantee—”
“I’m going to need your word, Hayes,” I interrupt. “I’m going to need you to promise to grab her, despite what happens to me, despite what kind of fight she puts up.”
He looks at the floor. I can tell he doesn’t like my answer by his clenched jaw. “So, our plan has changed?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. “Yeah. Our plan has changed. Evelyn is strong, but she will put up a fight if something goes wrong. When she does, I need you to make sure she gets out safely.”
His eyes meet mine, and for a second, I see fear behind his blue irises. Fear, and apprehension.
“Very well.”
I sigh, rubbing my jaw with my hands. “We’ve had this planned out for months. Solid, tangible plans. Your guys know what to do—you know what to do. Evelyn’s involvement shouldn’t change anything.”
He watches me, his expression rigid and skeptical. “I hope you’re right.”
“Nothing changes,” I repeat. “Get yourselves out. That was always the plan.”
He nods. “Yep, I can do that.” He stands, straightening his suit jacket. “This is all so fucked. I can’t wait for it to be over.”
