“I hate that word. Let’s just say I take care of things faster than the FBI or the CIA can.”
I walked over to grab her bag, and she immediately grabbed my hand. “I got it,” she said.
“What’s in there?”
“You shouldn’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answers to,” she said.
“Fine. Follow me.” I headed up the stairs and led her to one of the guestrooms. “You can sleep in here.”
“Thanks. Do you have a security system?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s the keypad?” she asked.
“In the laundry room off the kitchen.”
I followed her downstairs and into the laundry room. She looked at the keypad and shook her head.
“This isn’t good enough. I’ll go tomorrow after I drop you off at work and get what I need for an upgrade.”
“You’re driving me to work?” My brows furrowed.
“Yes. And to and from the courthouse, if necessary. I don’t think you understand the severity of this situation, Parker. They will kill you the first chance they get.”
“I have a friend who is a detective at the LAPD. I’m going to call him.”
“NO!” she shouted. “No cops. Do you really want anyone to get hurt? The moment you make that call, and the cops start talking amongst themselves, Elias will find out. In fact, I can guarantee he has dirty cops on his payroll.”
“I’m going to bed.” I shook my head and went upstairs.
After changing out of my clothes, I pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms and climbed into bed. I didn’t know what to think. My mind was spinning out of control, and I couldn’t stop it. I was shaken by the events of tonight. Throwing the covers back, I climbed out of bed, went to Paige’s room, and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and saw her pulling a tank top over her head, her back to me. Before she could pull it down, I noticed the scars.
“What’s up?” She turned and stared at me.
I stood, frozen. The only reason I didn’t notice her back last night was that it was dark in the bedroom.
“What happened to your back?”
“Nothing.” She walked over to her bag on the bed and pulled out her hairbrush.
“Bullshit, Paige. I saw the scars.”
“Okay? And? That’s what they are, scars.”
“From what?”
“Now, Mr. Hamilton, that isn’t any of your business. What do you need?”
“Nothing.” I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.
Chapter Six
Paige