“A wife, but no children. She has been contacted,” Cole chokes out.
“Why?” I ask, unable to make sense of it all.
“York admitted to Frank that he had been selling certain information to the Cartel.” He looks directly down at me. “And to poisoning Savannah.”
I shake my head in disbelief.
“He swore he didn’t give up the location of the house, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they forced his hand, and he wanted out. Seems he got in over his head, thought he could be selective as to what he would tell them. He was wrong.”
“Frank is all right?” Mike asks from behind me.
“Yes.” Cole looks around the assembled group. “I’ve known York for ten years. I truly believe he didn’t give up the location of Shadows. He got greedy, but even his moral compass wouldn’t allow him to go that far.”
A few people start to get up, but Cole clears his throat. “One more thing.” He looks at me. “This morning, Blackstone got word that we are on standby.”
My heartrate drops. I know this means when they get word, they will have to leave almost immediately.
“Frank has confirmation of The American’s location. We have the green light to take him out, dead or alive.”Holy shit.
“Did Frank give you any indication of when you might leave?” his mother asks, holding onto his father’s arm.
Cole takes a drink. “It could be any time. We’re waiting to get a visual before we leave.” His eyes flicker over to mine again, but I break our connection. I feel too raw.
“For now, we keep on doing what we’re doing. I don’t believe the house is in any immediate danger. That’s all for now. I’ll keep you updated as we know more.”
It takes everyone a few moments to move. I, on the other hand, fly off the couch, needing some space. I make it to the kitchen before I hear him.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Cole reaches for my arm, “don’t run.”
“I’m not.” I close my eyes, hating that I just lied. “Okay, yeah, I was.”
He moves closer and slides his hand down my arm to lace our fingers together. He brings our hands up to his mouth, giving mine a kiss.
“Everything is going to work out.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because fate would not have brought you to me only to take you away.” He smiles and kisses my lips. “And now that I have someone to come back to, I’ll have to be extra careful.” He kisses me again.
I try to clear my head, remembering he could be leaving at any point. “Can you promise me something?”
His jaw twitches, but he nods.
“Promise me that whenever you get the call, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you’ll see me before you leave.” A tear slips down my cheek; he catches it with his finger.
He runs his hand along the back of my neck and kisses me with such passion I forget to breathe. He backs away. “Oh, God, baby, I promise.”
I nod as he reaches for a tissue for me. I dry my cheeks and take a deep breath.
“There you are,” Derek says. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.”Please go away.
“You know what fine stands for, right?” he says with a grin.
“Freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional,” I reply. “I’m an Edward Norton fan.”
Derek throws his head back and laughs. “I heard you were funny, but you’re quick too. I like you.”