Page 9 of Invincible
“She’s better than she should be.They stopped somewhere along the way to change a tire so they let everyone out while they were there.”
“That’s odd.Why would they go to the trouble?”
“I thought the same thing.She didn’t know, but she did get a better look at the freight they’re hauling.Some company named Unified Instruments.”
Picking up his phone, Knox relayed the information to Dex in Washington, DC so he could begin tracing the shipment.Hanging up, he sat up on the edge of the bed.“He said he’ll let me know as soon as he learns anything.I’m to report in again after we talk to Tyler.”
“Okay, I promised Mia I would go back tonight to check on her.”Standing, Memphis started toward the door.“Come on, you owe me something to eat for stealing my soda.”
“How does taking one soda translate into having to buy you dinner?”Knox asked, sliding out the door behind him.Checking to make sure the door locked, they headed for the rental car.
“Consider it interest.”With a laugh, Knox followed his brother as they began the argument on where to eat.
After dinner, they headed toward a sketchier part of Houston that sat near the docks.Pulling up across the street from an old apartment building, Knox turned off the car, rolling down both of their windows.There was at least a slight breeze now, helping to ease the blasting furnace of air that continued to make them miserable.
“She lives here?”Memphis asked.“The building looks like it’s seen better days at least a century ago.”
There were several young men hanging around outside that appeared to have nowhere better to be.Old window unit air conditioners hung in the windows and a rusted looking fire escape was attached to the side of the building.They watched as one of the residents pushed through the front door without using a key.
“This is what I was told.She lives here with a roommate.”Neither man made a move to get out of the car, mesmerized by the activity outside of the building.“She did play defensive end for the high school football team, I’m sure she’s fine,” Knox said.
“Are you trying to reassure me or yourself?”
“Tyler can throw both of us out of the window if she wants.”
“Yeah, but is she faster than a speeding bullet?”Memphis replied, nodding toward the men.
Opening the car door, they stepped out.With any luck, the car would still be here when they returned.Maybe even with all four tires.
Crossing the street, Knox nodded at the men as they parted like waves to let him pass.It was a definite advantage, being well over six feet.Few people wanted to find out what you were made out of.
Checking the mailboxes, Knox verified what apartment she lived in.They climbed the stairs to the second floor, noticing that even though it was an old building, it seemed to be clean and in good repair.There was none of the trash they had expected on the floor nor was it very loud.
Most of the doors had a small decoration hung up, welcoming you to the apartment.Knox looked back at Memphis, shrugging in surprise.
Locating apartment twenty-two, Knox raised his fist to pound on the door while Memphis waited behind him.Before he could bring his fist down, the door was whipped open as a woman ran smack into his chest.He looked down in surprise, estimating her to be at least a foot shorter than he was.
Expecting her to step back, Knox tried to hide his amusement when her hands slowly raised to feel their way up his stomach, landing on his chest before making their journey back down his body.
“Much lower and you’ll owe me dinner,” he growled out as her hands found their way to his waist.With a gasp, she jumped back, looking up at him.In the few seconds as their eyes met, Knox felt something stir deep inside him.
Then she let out a scream, pushing him into action.Taking one step toward her, he spun her against his chest, clamping a hand over her mouth.
“For the love of God, what is going on out here?”Tyler said, walking out of the back bedroom.“Mr.Monroe?”Everyone froze as she stared at Knox in confusion.“What are you—?”she began, then stopped, shaking her head.
“Hey, Tyler,” Knox said with a nod before leaning down to growl in the other woman’s ear.“If I turn you loose, will you scream again?”When she shook her head, he slowly loosened his grip on her.“That’s a shame.”
Taking a step away, she spun, balling up her fist.He barely moved when she punched him in the chest.
“You’re an asshole,” she said, turning her cool-blue eyes on him.Looking at Tyler, she huffed in exasperation.“I thought they had built a damn wall outside our door.Not that, well...you know.”
“No, I don’t know,” Knox growled at the woman, who was staring at him like he was ground zero for leprosy.Well, two could play this game.
Taking a step toward her so he was towering over her small frame, he scowled down, waiting for an answer.“Feel free to finish your sentence.”
“I’ve just felt better, is all.I don’t want the wall comment going to your head, although I’m sure there’s plenty of room in there for it to fit.”Knox felt a rumble deep down in his chest as he loomed over her.He couldn’t remember ever managing to piss off a woman this fast.Usually he just scared them with his size.But this one?This one had her hands on her hips, glaring back up at him like she could wipe the ground with him and walk away.
“Doubt it,” he rumbled.She didn’t even flinch.
