“Supposed to be really nice out today,” said April. “Good day for a walk.”
I opened my mouth to say “yes” but stopped myself. It was still too dangerous for something like that. We weren’t in London, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
“Maybe sometime soon,” I said. “Not sure about today.”
“Aww,” said Willa. “Seriously?”
April and I shared a look, one that showed we were both thinking the same thing. She was in my world now, knew all about the secrets I worked so hard to keep hidden.
The two of them started chatting as I sipped my coffee, April finishing up breakfast and putting plates on the bar. I picked at my food—it was delicious, of course, but I hardly had an appetite.
When I was done, April cleaned up while Willa got ready for school. When the two of them were in the entry hall, I gave Willa another kiss on the top of her head.
“See you soon, Dad,” she said.
“See you soon, Sprout.”
“I’ll be back in a little bit,” said April.
A thought occurred to me at that moment, one I couldn’t believe was in my mind. Seeing April and Willa about to leave, not knowing whether or not they’d return…
I knew they would. New York was safe for now, but that could change. As far as I could tell, Anton didn’t know what was happening yet, but it was probably only a matter of time before he found out.
And I needed to make a move before he did.
“Actually,” I said to April. “Mind running a few errands while you’re out? Need a few things from the store.” I needed to keep her out of the house, at least for a little while.
“Um, sure,” she said. “Like what?”
“I’ve got a list in my phone—I’ll send it to you.”
“Yeah, sounds good.”
Our gaze lingered. I wanted to kiss her, desperately, but knew I couldn’t.
Then they were gone, and I was alone.
Moments later I was back in my office, a sense of purpose running through me. I took out my phone, ready to start a video call.
But with who? Scott had made his stance on the subject clear—give the company over to him and absolve myself of the situation. It was tempting, but that wouldn’t solve things. Even if he did manage to shut down the illegal side of Ryder, Anton would still remain. And the odds of him letting go without a fight were slim to none.
I opened my desk drawer, lifting out the contents and revealing a secret compartment. Inside were the usual hidden things—a gun, some money, personal documents. But what I was looking for was a card.
I found it and took it out, holding the small rectangle in my hands.
It read “Special Agent Sydney Martinez. FBI.”
At first the idea struck me as insane, just as it had when I’d first been given the card. But the longer I sat regarding the thing, the more it seemed like the only option.
I called.
An hour later, I was in my study. Across from me was the woman herself.
Agent Martinez was tall and trim, middle-aged with silver hair done up in a neat, professional bun. Her features were lean, everything about her all business.
“I have to say,” she said, adjusting her position in her chair. “This is a phone call I never expected to get. I’ve hoped for it, but…”
“I know. Believe me, however you’re feeling, it’s tenfold for me.”