Page 35
Nope. No, I don’t fucking think so.
Not today, Satan.
CHAPTER 11 CADE
The kick of the nail gun jerks in my hand as I keep it steady under my grip. The last nail goes in as I test the step. This was overdue, since I got sidetracked last time I intended to fix it.
“Perfect,” I say under my breath. No more squeaking. I look up to see Calli shooting daggers at me.
“Why the fuck are you doing that first thing in the morning? I have a headache,” she says with a groan.
“Not my problem,” I say, moving out of the way as she heads downstairs.
“Where’d you put the Tylenol?” she yells from the kitchen as I check the rest of the steps.
“Top shelf in the cupboard above the toaster.”
“I can’t reach it; why the hell would you put Tylenol where I can’t reach it?”
I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen, reaching above her head and handing her the pills.
“Thanks,” she says, opening the bottle, popping two in her mouth. “So, what were you really doing with Gen yesterday?”
I grab a glass and fill it with some water, taking a long drink. “Like I said, I took her to the store and got her some clothes and necessities. She didn’t exactly pack anything when we left.”
“Oh, that was nice of you. You acted like you were going on a mission or something.” She relaxes, smacking me on my shoulder with the back of her hand, forgetting that’s one of the spots where I was injured. “Oh fuck! I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. But I’m not fully recovered yet, so I won’t be heading out like that anytime soon,” I say pointedly.
“Gods, you’re always so serious. You looked like you were going to murder Jack yesterday the way you were looking at him.”
“I still might.” I mean it, though a wave of discomfort washes over me.
“Can you please get over it? It’s behind us…” She speaks harshly, but doesn’t look me in the eyes.
I lean against the counter, staying silent. Knowing she will go on if I give her the opportunity. I inhale deeply, searching the air for my anchor. I don’t want to be here.
The urge to walk away becomes strong when Calli speaks again.
“I know we betrayed your trust. But I can’t stand the friction. I just really want to put it behind me and move on.” She looks at me, as if asking for my permission.
“I haven’t forgiven Jack for lying to me, but the issue has nothing to do with you,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.
She shoots me a curious look. “What do you mean? Did something else happen?”
“Honestly, that is none of your business, but yes. I believe Jack may be compromised,” I say, drinking the rest of my water, then rinsing out my glass and placing it on the strainer. The discomfort is growing.
“I’m sorry, I don’t speak superspy,” she says, sipping her coffee.
“If he acts off to you, come to me,” I command, pushing off the counter.
“I think you’re being paranoid.” She’s acting casual, but I see her hand tremble. “Gods, it’s freezing in here,” she says, gripping her sweater.
“Put some more clothes on, then.” I walk away quickly, desperate to exit the situation. She may be right. I am paranoid, but that doesn’t negate my instincts. I grab my tools and take them back to the garage as Gen’s words echo in my mind.
You may find the answers in your past.
Throughout the day I was unable to shake Gen’s words, so now I enter the library, where the golden light from the sunset makes the room feel more serene.
