Am I being followed?
I rush home and slam the gate behind me with a clang before leaning against the brick and fishing out my phone. I start talking as soon as Keira answers with a cautious greeting.
“I need to talk to Mount. I need to know if they’re going to come after me, because I think I’m being followed.”
“Whoa. Whoa. What are you talking about?” My boss’s tone takes on a panicked edge. “Where are you?”
“I’m at my apartment, but I think someone was following me when I went for coffee this morning. I thought with Rafe gone they wouldn’t keep coming after me.”
“I’ll call him right now.”
Before she hangs up, I quickly add, “Can you ask him what happened to the Tahoe and my sculpture? I’d like that back. Actually, I need it delivered to Noble Art.”
Is it a lot to ask my boss? Yes. Do I care? No.
Do I have a death wish giving orders to Mount? Not exactly, but I also have nothing to lose. I won’t cower and be intimidated by him or anyone else, including whoever was following me. They can fuck off too. I refuse to live in fear.
That’s when I make the decision—I’m done hiding from the world. I’m going to live and livefearlessly.
“It’s good to have you back among the living, Temperance,” Keira says quietly before she hangs up.
It doesn’t take long before I get a text.
Keira:The Tahoe is on its way to the distillery. V will come get you.
Temperance: Thank you.
Keira: Your answers will be there too.
Finally.Ask and you shall receive. Magic.
With newfound determination, I prepare to get on with whatever comes next for me.
Thirty minutes later, I’m in a parking lot I haven’t stood in for over a month, staring up at the building that no longer feels like my second home. Shockingly, it’s not a lackey standing beside the Tahoe with the keys. It’s Mount.
He wastes no time getting to the point.
“With Rafe gone, you’re no longer a target. No one should be following you, but just in case, I’ll have someone continue to keep tabs on you.”
My gaze jerks to his in surprise. “Continue?”
He nods but doesn’t explain why he’s still having someone watch me. Instead, he cuts to the only thing he clearly cares about. “Don’t bring Keira into this again. If you need something, you call me. My number is on the card in the glove compartment.”
I give him a nod. “Okay.”
“The keys to your warehouse are in there too.”
“How did you know about the warehouse?” Shock permeates my tone.
Mount doesn’t answer, just turns away as another black car pulls up.
“Take care, Temperance.” He slips into the backseat and he’s gone.
I watch the car drive out of the fenced parking lot and release a long breath. As much as I want to go inside and give Keira a hug and thank her, I won’t. Mount doesn’t want me near her, and I can respect that.
Instead, I shoot her a quick text thanking her before checking the back of the Tahoe.
When I see my sculpture inside, my lips stretch into a genuine smile.