I shake my head and focus through a teary haze.
Shit.
I’m being watched. Several passers-by frown in my direction, and a guy’s trying to look like he’s not, but I see him watching me anyway. Probably a reporter, looking for his latest scoop.
Fuck.
I must look insane, with my mental argument written on my face, and tears too.
I take a breath and move.
Get to Blacks. To Ash.
The rest can come later—much later. Alone, if I have to.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
‘THREE VISITS IN one month?’ Jackson’s brows almost hit the overhanging glassware as I approach the bar. ‘This has to be a record, Ash.’
I’m in no mood for his teasing and he clocks that quickly enough. He says no more as he turns away and pulls down two shot glasses and goes for a bottle.
‘Save it.’ I hold my palm out to him as I slide onto one of his swan
ky high-backed bar stools. ‘Not tonight.’
He turns back to me and rests his elbows on the bar, leaning in to look at me properly. ‘Jesus, what is it this time?’
‘I need your help.’
‘You’re telling me? I thought you were finally getting some...putting a smile back on that grim face of yours—you certainly looked—’
I shake my head and he stops short. ‘What do you need?’
‘You found your leak yet?’
‘No. People talk—it might simply be a case of Chinese whispers getting out of hand—but I have my people looking into some of our newer members.’
‘Sounds wise.’ I pull out my phone and pull up a photo of Bower. ‘You had any enquiry from this guy? The name’s Bower—Eric Bower?’
He frowns at the screen. ‘No. Should I have?’
‘He’s a PI. I think that bastard Philip Lauren’s hired him.’
He cocks a brow. ‘In addition to you?’
I nod. ‘I wouldn’t give him what he needs so he’s obviously decided to get someone else on the case.’
‘Why do I get the feeling it’s not occupational pride that bothers you?’
I swallow. I wish I’d taken up his offer of a drink. I need the hit. I also need something to do with my hands, which are constantly fisting and flexing. But not only do I need to drive, I need my wits about me to ensure we’re not tailed.
‘She doesn’t deserve any of this.’
‘No,’ Jackson says. ‘I tried to tell you that.’
‘Yeah, well...consider me told.’
‘You’re more than told,’ he says, squinting into my eyes like he can see right through me. ‘You’re falling for her, aren’t you?’