Page 62 of The Bronze Garza
“You’re about to meet the family,” Reuben says, smiling down at me. “That alone should tell you all you need to know.”
This pulls a frown from me. “What do you think I need to know?”
He gives me a look that conveys he knows I know what he’s talking about, but I don’t.
“Just so you know, the boss never, ever takes his work home. Let alone around his family.”
I roll my eyes. “For what Daddy’s paying him, breaking his own rules is worth it, don’t you think?”
Reuben shakes his head at me. “Lyra, Henderson’s not even in Red Cage’s top ten highest paying clients. Trust me, he’s not making you an exception because of the money.”
This gives me pause. “Then wh—”
The door swings open just then, revealing a stunning older woman. Warm, chestnut complexion, tight dark curls, and big brown eyes. “Reuben,” she greets with a smile. “I’ve been waiting.”
“Good evening, Monica.” He leans in and kisses her on the cheek, then gestures to me. “This is the lovely Lyra.”
“I don’t know about ‘lovely’,” I say with a self-deprecating smile.
Monica regards me with an unreadable expression, though her smile remains kind. And I wonder how much she knows. “Nice to meet you, Lyra.” She steps aside and wave us in. “Come, come.”
“Where do I take these?” Reuben asks of my bags.
“Second floor. Room on the right,” she answers. As Reuben goes off with my bags, she asks me, “Can I get you something to drink, Lyra?”
“Oh, no, that’s fine. Thanks,” I say, looking around the condo. It’s narrow, but tastefully designed with teal and gold accents. Open plan, with the kitchen bleeding into the dining room that bleeds into the living room. French doors that lead out to the backyard... or the front yard? The setup is a bit confusing.
“Okay, Tillie, my daughter, is out with friends so you probably won’t meet her until tomorrow morning when she’s whining about a hangover,” Monica tells me. “But we’re happy to have you here. Torin tells me you’re vegetarian?”
“Kind of, yes.”
“That’s fine. We have enough natural produce here. But the B&B kitchen is open to you if you ever need anything. Vegan options are always on the menu.”
“Okay. Thank you very much.”
“Of course. No problem.” She glances down at her watch. “I have to head back across to start preparing for the evening. Please, make yourself at home. I’ll see you in a few hours—if you’re still up.”
“Do you own the B&B?”
She laughs lightly. “No, not me, my children. I’m the operations manager.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Be back later,” she tells me as she hurries out the French doors.
Reuben is descending the stairs as I’m ascending it. “How much does she know?” I ask him.
“Nothing. You’re just a client that needs a safe place to stay for a few days,” he replies. “Everything at Red Cage is confidential. Sealed. Not even family is privy to client info.”
My shoulders sag with relief. “Okay, good. That’s good.”
“On the topic of safe, this property is well-protected. Twenty-four-hour patrol, strong surveillance, and undercover guards. But even so, in case of an emergency, there’s a panic button in every room. Just look for the Hummingbird.”
“Got it. Thanks.”
He bops my nose. “Go get some rest, Bestie. Sure I’ll be seeing you again soon.”
“You’refarfrom bestie status, my friend,” I call as I continue up the stairs.
