He hasn’t yet, but he makes me nervous as he runs back and forth. I swear the kid is in a game of chase with himself.
From across the main road, Kensley is walking with Brooks.
“I think you may have a little competition,” I joke, nudging Harper.
“Since when did they start dating?” Harper glares at me, like I’ve been keeping her best friend’s secret this entire time.
News flash: I don’t pay attention to who Kensley or any of my teammates are dating. Unless they’re flirting with Nova, in which case I’d be forced to rearrange their faces.
“Beats me.” I chase after Zeke, pretending to be a zombie as he runs and squeals, giggling as he tries to get away from me.
As he nears the end of the sidewalk, I scoop him up, grabbing him so he can’t run onto the road.
“Gosh! Zombie Ashton is super scary!” Kensley teases as she and Brooks catch up with us.
Brooks whispers something to Kensley, but I don’t eavesdrop or particularly care.
I trust Brooks around Harper, and I know Kensley is safe. She’s had a thorough vetting and background check, especially after her knowledge of Dante’s business dealings.
We’ve also tapped her phone, and she’s been squeaky clean, keeping our secrets. That’s more than I can say about Harper, who told Kensley about the mafia.
She’s lucky she’s married to Luca, because Dante isn’t a forgiving man.
I let them walk ahead of us with Harper while I stay in the back, giving Zeke a piggyback ride.
I’m on heightened alert as we near the playground, the same park where Harper had first seen one of DeLuca’s men.
There are a few kids playing, moms and dads hanging out, watching their children. No one who seems out of the ordinary.
“Down!” Zeke squeals after we cross the street, and I carefully maneuver him off my shoulders and let him tear off.
I keep my gaze on Zeke as well as constantly doing surveillance, making sure no one is walking or driving by who seems suspicious.
Harper and Kensley grab a seat on the bench. I stand a few feet away, giving the girls some privacy to talk.
Besides, I don’t need to hear their gossip or about Kensley and Brooks' love life.
No, thank you.
Brooks wanders over to me, clearly bored. “You look tense,” he says, staring at me.
“Just keeping an eye on Zeke.”
“Isn’t that Luca’s job or Harper’s?” Brooks glances back at the girls behind him.
I have the best vantage point, giving me a clear line of sight of the girls and Zeke, while also watching most of the road.
“He’s my best friend’s kid.”
“I didn’t mean to offend,” Brooks is quick to make amends. “I’m just surprised you chose to spend your afternoon with Harper.”
“We’re friends.” Brooks has no idea about the mafia, the threats, the danger that we’re constantly under. I force a smile. “I thought she shouldn’t walk alone to the park.”
“It’s the afternoon,” Brooks says, and then his eyes widen. “Oh—that’s right. I did hear about the incident at the grocery store from Kensley.”
I’m not surprised that Harper shared what happened with her best friend.
My phone buzzes. I grab it from my pocket and notice it’s Luca.