My dad wears his normal expressionless mask, and Breckin radiates irritation. I bite back a comment, praising myself for acting like I have some sort of self-control.
What can I say? I can even kid myself sometimes.
“A word, please.” I look to the two men standing beside my father, hoping they will take my dismissal without argument.
Donovan nods in acceptance and turns to Breckin. A silent conversation passes between them, and both leave the room. I move to stand next to my dad. I can see millions of questions run through his mind as he observes me, staying silent a few moments while he settles on one.
“Are you going to tell me what you were doing with Brenner? Reynolds told me you came to him last night and were with the cop.”
He rubs his chin thoughtfully, satisfied with his choice.
“I’m sure he did tell you that,” I mumble. “I ran into Brenner last night, Daddy. I know who my target is. Nothing happened.”
“Explain, baby girl.”
Hearing my dad call me “baby girl” nearly dissolves all my irritation towards him. It’s been his endearment for me for as long as I can remember. This man is my whole world, and I’m his. He’s gone through so much to protect me from my mother; the conversation I overheard between my parents and his agreeing to the arranged marriage didn’t match the man I know.
But I can’t bring myself to ask him.
I don’t want to further damage my image as the most important person in my life with an answer I may not want.
“How did that happen? You came home after your mission. From what I understand, that was a success.”
Mindlessly, I rub my temples. Day two of this mission, and it’s already a pain in my ass.
Liam motherfuckingBrenneris a pain in my ass.
“I needed to blow off some steam, so I went for a run in the city. I guess he saw me. He stopped and literally tossed me in his car. Said it was ‘too dangerous.’ He’s going to be extremely difficult to bypass, Daddy.” I all but groan my frustration.
The shit-eating grin on my dad’s face is unsettling. I imagine he finds the thought of me in danger on our streets rather amusing; I can’t stand here and deny I didn’t find it funny myself. The only danger on those streets was me. Dad’s smirk is gone as suddenly as it arrived.
“Do you think you can handle this, Malia?”
“What makes you think I can’t?” I raise a challenging eyebrow, earning another grin from him.
“I need you to have the confidence in yourself. I already know what you are capable of. You have never been one to lack confidence, but I know you have things weighing heavy on your mind. Do not question your abilities, baby girl.”
He clears his throat to bring our focus back to the matter at hand.
“Anyway. Donnie says Collins does not have a phone.”
“According to Brenner, he lost it. So, Brenner’s the key to Collins.”
“And Collins is the key to Brenner.”
I nod, relief spreading through me as understanding crosses my dad’s face.
“I just have to keep brushing off Brenner’s advances. Once I have Collins hooked, he will back off.”
“Hopefully,” he volleys.
I nod again.
“Hopefully.”
“You are my best man, Malia.”
He sucks in a breath and chuckles when I raise my eyebrow again.