“Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”
“I’m fine.” He held me.
“Are you sure?” I cupped his face in my hands.
“Simon?” Parker said, looking over my shoulder.
Turning around, Simon stood at the door, staring at the man who lay dead on the concrete floor.
“I guess you don’t need me after all.” He smirked.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked.
“Roman called me. After listening to your and Gabriel’s conversation this morning, I knew this is where you’d be. I was supposed to be your backup. Parker, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Simon.”
“No, he’s not,” I said.
“I’ll call Grayson and have him meet us at Parker’s house,” Simon said. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Take him to my car,” I told Simon. “There’s something I have to do first.”
As soon as Simon helped Parker out of the gallery, I grabbed my black bag, took out multiple devices, and placed them underground. Then I moved up to the gallery's main floor and placed more. Each device was placed strategically. If this place were going down, it would go down completely. No evidence, and no trace of anything else inside this place but an art gallery.
Placing my hand in my pocket, I walked out of the building and pressed the button on the detonator. I slowly counted to ten in my head as I walked to my car.
“Get down on the other side of the car,” I shouted to Simon and Parker.
“Why?” Simon’s brows furrowed.
“Do it!” I ran to them.
The first blast tore through the streets, setting off car alarms. Then came the second, and then the third. The building exploded, and the blast could be heard from miles away.
“Jesus Christ.” Simon looked at me.
“There can be no evidence of what really went on here,” I said.
Within seconds, the building collapsed, reduced to nothing but ash.
“Let’s get out of here.” I helped Parker into my car.
“Grayson is on his way to your house. I’ll meet you there,” Simon said.
Chapter Twenty-Six
One Month Later
Parker
I opened my eyes as I felt the breeze blowing through the open windows. Paige’s head rested on my chest as my arm was secured around her. We never talked about what Gerald had told her. I tried once, and she immediately shut the conversation down. I didn’t push because I promised I wouldn’t. Paige had her own way of dealing with things, and I needed to respect that. She stirred, lifted her head, and smiled.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.” I grinned, kissing her lips.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked.