Page 44 of His Puppet
My mouth opens, and I let out a nervous laugh, all the while a coat of ice covers my spine. I shake my head. “But you said that’s a rumor, right? You weren’t actually around? I mean, the guy might be dangerous, but he isn’t psychotic.”
Franco opens his mouth, but before he gets the chance to respond, the door to the barn opens and Blade, dressed in a suit and tie, steps in. Immediately, all conversation halts, and a tension fills the space. No one stops working, and no one turns his way. Their movements are slow and deliberate now, like they’re afraid of making a mistake.
Suddenly, I believe Franco.
“Get back to work,” Franco orders, bringing his book back around the table and shoving another bag that way.
There’s no need to answer my earlier question with words. The room does it for me. No, it isn’t just a rumor.
I can feel Blade walking up behind me, but I don’t look back. I pull the money from the bag and start counting, my back hunched.
“How’s she doing?” Blade asks Franco. He’s standing close enough that he brushes my hip.
I peek up at Franco to see his face serious. “She’s a great addition to the team, boss.”
“Really? Because you both should’ve been done with this an hour ago.”
“It takes time to adjust, sir. She’s new.”
“It’s counting dirty money. She’s plenty practiced at it.”
Franco glances at me with an apology written on his face. “You’re right, sir. My apologies for not managing her better.”
I stare down at the bills in my hand, even though I’m making no move to actually count them. I feel like a kid waiting for a lecture.
“Emily.”
I turn slightly to glance up at Blade. The last time I saw him was this morning when he prodded my shoulder, waking me, and told me I had five minutes to get dressed and be outside his house for Franco to pick me up.
“Yes … sir?”
Blade gestures toward the barn door, his face expressionless. “Let’s go. You’re coming with me.”
“Where?”
I peek at Franco and can read the question in his mind by the look he gives me.What the fuck are you doing?
I look back at Blade whose expression hasn’t changed.
“The city. There’re some people I want you to meet.”
I nod and bite my lip. The fear in the room must be contagious because Blade suddenlydoeslook like a stone-cold killer.
He takes me by the arm and starts pulling me toward the door. I walk to keep up with him, and neither of us say anything when we get into his car and start off the property. Goosebumps have broken out over my flesh, and I can’t bring myself to look at him.
Who the hell is he?
14
Blade
She’s been quiet for miles.
I look over at Emily who’s staring straight out the windshield, her hands in her lap. Before turning back to the road, I notice the way she picks at her nails.
She’s nervous.
Why?