“You’re not scared of him, are you?” Al asks, amazed. I don’t want to act like I know about Cole’s background story. I know there is a lot more to him than that.
“Of Cole? No, why would I be?”
Al sets his fork down. “I’ve watched him snap a man’s neck as he strolled by like it was nothing.” I close my eyes at the image. “He’s not exactly warm and fuzzy.”
“I spent seven months with men who made me beg for my next meal and beat me so I could hardly walk. So, no, Cole doesn’t scare me at all. He’s been nothing but nice to me.”
“Point taken,” Al adds quickly. “If it counts, I really like your cookies.”
I laugh, and York looks a little irritated. I ignore him.
“Thanks. So, what is it that you guys normally do?”
“We’re normally traveling and aren’t often at the house,” Dell answers. “It’s nice to have a break. We step in when Team Blackstone is called out.”
Blackstone. “How often is Blackstone called out?” I ask, sipping my wine.
“Depends. They’re the Alpha team here at Shadows. They handle the high-risk stuff, and they’re called out, oh, maybe once or twice a month.” Dell takes a swig of beer. “We’re at a level five because of your case. Things are a bit tense along the border.Los Sirvientes Del Diablosare stirring up a lot of dust since you dropped off their radar.”
“I still don’t understand why I’m such a big deal to them. You’d think they’d cut their losses and move on. Christ, it’s just fifty grand.”
“No, Savannah, you’re worth more to them than just fifty grand. I mean, they’re blackmailing—”
“Dell!” York snaps.
I flinch and knock over my empty water glass.What the hell?
“Sorry, Quinn, ah…did you catch the game last night?” Dell tries lamely to change the topic.
“Oh, no,” I hold my hand up to York, “you don’t get to shut him up. This case involves me, and I get to hear all the details. Dell—out with it.”
“Not a word, Dell,” York warns.
“Stop, York,” I hiss. “Who are they blackmailing? My father? Lynn? Why? With what?”
Dell shakes his head. “I’m really sorry, Savannah, I shouldn’t have said anything—”
“Like hell you shouldn’t.”
“Savannah, enough.” York stands and places his hands on the table, staring me down.
I stand also and meet his stare. My hands are vibrating with anger.
“Shut your mouth.”
Abigail suddenly leaves the table.
“Pardon me?” The table grows silent. “Why are you angry? Because Dell didn’t trap me on the patio to tell me this?”
His eyes narrow at me as he clenches his fists.
“Stop, or I’ll make you shut up.” He bites out each word.
I raise my chin, feeling my emotions change. I need to pull off a huge lie.
“You. Don’t. Scare. Me,” I say as I hold my gaze steady on his.
“I should.” A few of the guys rise to their feet, ready to step in if need be.