Page 64 of One Little Mistake
Ashton sighs, and for the first time, I notice how haggard he looks.
“Ash, are you okay? Talk to me. You look like shit.”
A humorless chuckle leaves his throat. “Our world is spiraling, East. Bombs are flying from every side.”
“Jesus Christ, Ash. What the hell is going on?” I don’t scare easily, but fear has crept up my spine and has me on edge.
“All I can tell you is, Loki isn’t answering his phone, and he missed his last check-in with SIA.”
When I stare blankly, he finally caves.
“SIA, the Select Intelligence Agency we work for. He has to make the next mark, or I don’t know what will happen. Then …”
“What? What else?” I bark. The fact that our brother is missing isn’t all that’s weighing heavily on Ashton’s mind.
“Just keep Lexi close.”
“Is she in danger?” New fear rises like a freight train and thrums loudly in my ears.
“No, but when the shit hits the fan, you’re going to need each other.” Knowing I’m about to interrupt, he keeps going. “I think we have a mole in The Westbrook Group. I can’t track it, but things aren’t adding up. There are too many coincidences, too many lost bids we should have won.”
Air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. I’ve also been worried about this.
“Any idea who? Or what department the leaks are coming from?”
“Not yet. As soon as I locate Loki, I’m going to find out.” Ashton leans forward and lowers his voice. “When I get a track on Loki, I’m going to update our infrastructure. Trevor is working on a new program for us. Once it’s up and running, I should be able to narrow it down. Or at least give us a starting point.”
“Does Preston know?”
“Not yet. He’s … well, he’s got other things going on right now that are more important. I’m telling you so if it comes to it, we’ll be ready to handle anything.”
“What aren’t you telling me?” I stare at my baby brother and see the turmoil he’s living swimming in his eyes. I also see the minute he shuts down.
“I’ve told you all I can, East. Just be ready for anything, okay?”
I eye him curiously. Ashton is nervous, and it leaves me uneasy. “I’ll be ready, Ash. Can you tell me what’s going on with Lex? Why we really need to stay married?”
He searches my face for a long time before speaking. “I’m helping Pacen. Lexi was right; she’s in trouble.”
My gut clenches. Pacen is still a baby; she’s … actually, she’s Ashton’s age. Right around twenty-five.
“And it’s no secret,” he continues, “Macombs hates you. Hates us, hates the world really, but I think he’s gotten in too deep this time. He’s looking for easy money. If there is a paper trail leading Lexi to you, she could become a target. For now, I buried your marriage license because the judge had some illegal, extramarital activities I could unearth. As long as Macomb thinks she’s only your assistant, she’s in the clear.”
“Fuck.”
“It’s all a safety precaution, East. With everything else going on, I’m triple checking every base, every corner, every possible outcome. I know Lexi isn’t happy with the idea, but staying married is the fastest and safest way for me to protect everyone right now.”
“How can I help, Ash? I wasn’t kidding when I said you look like shit. When is the last time you slept? You can’t play hero if you run yourself into the ground.”
“I’m good, East. Just keep an eye on Lexi so I can focus my attention elsewhere, okay?”
Swallowing the bile that’s suddenly making an appearance, I stand and round the desk. Wrapping Ash into a Westbrook special, I’m surprised by how strong he’s become.
“Okay. But when she kicks me in the balls, I’m blaming you.” I go for lighthearted, even though the atmosphere around Ashton is anything but.
“She’s a firecracker that lost her spark. Give her a light, East, and she’ll find her way home.”
“What if her home isn’t where I want her?” I sound like a fucking pussy, but this girl is a marathon I haven’t trained for.
