Page 63 of Unmasking Secrets
James: Everyone is in position. I’m headed to the elevator now. Ryan hasn’t come back to the main area. Give yourself two minutes, then head down, Arch.
It’s almost over.I stare at my watch, watching the seconds pass by slowly. Two minutes, I steady my breathing and think of Tab. It’s hard to believe it’s only been a little over a month since I took the assignment. One month of being her bodyguard and fighting my feelings and regrets. A month of learning who she’s turned into over the last ten years and falling even more in love with her. I didn’t think it was possible.
Two. Minutes.
I’m out the door, my pace steady as I walk down the hall. I approach the elevator just as the doors open and reveal James.
“Everyone is in position.” He speaks once the doors have closed and they make their way down to the basement level.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull out to see a text from Brian.
Brian: Tabitha went to the restroom, but she hasn’t come back out. It’s been too long. Keep an eye out incase she decides to not stay in the main area like she’s supposed to.
“Fuck.”I mutter and show James the message.
James runs a hand down his face. “She never was good at following orders. Have fun with that one.” He chuckles, but then his eyes soften. “Man, she’s going to be okay.”
I nod. She has to be.
When the doors finally open, it’s not a sight I was expecting to see. Maybe another party, or one that even seems more unhinged. Not a full blown battlefield of men in suits and women in risqué clothing. Feathers float in the air as smoke rolls the floor.
“What the fuck?” Brian stiffens next to me.
We step out of the elevator but don’t move forward. Not when we see guns being raised. My hand hovers over my own, hidden at my side under the suit.
“Freeze.” I see a man yell and hold up a gun to Ryan across the room.
Shots are fired.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
TABITHA
Nine Years Earlier - Age 23
I pullthe mail from the Stryker’s mailbox and walk back inside their home. I flip through it quickly before leaving it on the dining table, just to check incase there isn’t anything urgent. There’s not much I can do, but I want to be here for Archie’s parents. And honestly, it helps keep me a little distracted instead of sitting around at home. I also like being here every time the phone rings. Just in case.
Ryan’s posed that a week has passed and I’m still not back home. He told me he wanted to spend quality time with me. I tried explaining to him, this is a family emergency—he doesn’t care. He only raised his voice at me and got angry. So I hung up on him and haven’t returned his calls in two days. He’ll have to get over it.
“You really don’t have to stay.” Gracie steps up to the counter to fix a cup of tea. “I don’t even know what to do with myself. I keep thinking?—”
I turn to face her, Archie’s mom. “We have to have a little faith. Archie isn’t done doing good in this world.”
“I love you sweetie. Thank you for being here.” She moves to sit across the table from me.
“I don’t mind.” I flip open the newspaper, letting my eyes gaze across the words. I don’t actually feel like reading. Then freeze. “What?
The paper feels rough in my hands. I know these eyes, I unfold the next section and stare at the image looking back at me. I couldn’t believe. I didn’t want to believe it. But there it is, in black letters. Engaged.
My best friend was engaged and he didn’t even tell me.
Maybe it shouldn’t bother me. I’m married, but it’s not like that. We’re best friends. Archie got engaged and didn’t even tell me. I slam the paper down a little harder than I mean to.
“What’s wrong?” Gracie looks over. “Oh.”
“I didn’t even know he was seriously seeing someone. I guess we’re not as close as I thought we were.”
“Oh, shit.” Gracie stands and moves to the counter to grab the phone. “I didn’t even call her.”
