Woodcutter puts the necklace back in the box and hands it to me. “Next time you visit, use the front door, and I’ll make you some of my famous cookies.”
“It’s a date.”
He hoots. “A date? By jolly, I like this girl!”
He’s grinning as we leave.
In the truck, I ask, “Do you think Wolfe is going to believe me?”
Atticus nods. “He will. All you have to do is stick to the truth. You were shot. You laid low for a day and lost your phone. When you were able, you got the necklace and a new phone.”
“Guess that means we’re getting me a phone, then.”
“Oliver’s already taken care of it. Should be at the house when we get there.”
I look out the window. Things are moving fast. What if it’s too fast? What if we’re getting cocky? If I’m being honest, I’m not worried about what Wolfe will do to me. No, I’m worried about the three men who have changed my life. So what am I going to do about it?
12
Goldie
My hand shakes as I dial Wolfe’s phone number. The guys and I have gone over this plan a million times, but I’m still scared. Wolfe doesn’t answer, so I leave a message.
“It’s Goldie. I had to get a new phone. Call me.”
I end the call and wait. What if the guys are wrong? Will Wolfe come after me? Can I make it out of Chicago and start over somewhere? Will the guys want to come with me?
My phone rings, and I jump.
“That was fast,” I say with a shaky laugh.
Finn pushes a piece of hair from my face. “You’ve got this.”
I answer the phone. “Hello?”
“You better have a good fucking reason for not answering me. And where is my fucking necklace?”
“Nice to talk to you, too, Wolfe. Look, the last forty-eight hours have been terrible. The job went wrong and the old man freaking shot me in the shoulder. I barely made it out of there alive. And then it was raining, and I was so cold, so I took shelter in an empty house.” My breath hitches. “I lost my phone, probably when he fuckingshotme. But I was able to go back while the old man was out.”
“You have it?” His tone is entirely different. “Good. Bring it to me. Now.”
Atticus mouthsnine.
“I can’t right now. I’m bleeding again and need to patch it up.”
He huffs. “Fine. When can you be here?”
“Nine.”
“Good. I’ll send the address.” He pauses. “And don’t even think about pulling anything funny.”
“Why would I do that, Wolfe? You’ve been nothing but kind to me.”
“Damn right.”
He ends the call, and I toss my phone aside in disgust. That man really thinks he’s god’s gift.
“Now what?”