Page 8 of Code Name: Dante

She raised her chin. “A few things.”

“Whatthings, Lark?”

“There’s a list.”

“Show me.”

I sensed she was about to refuse until she looked past me and out the window. “It’s over here,” she said, motioning to the back counter.

Most everything appeared to be in the kitchen rather than the front of the place. “Turn off the lights in the table area,” I said, crowding her in the direction of the kitchen.

Just as the swinging door closed behind us, my cell vibrated. “Excuse me,” I muttered, pulling it out to read what was on the screen.

Black sedan out front,read the message.

Take care of it,I responded.

Roger that.

“What’s going on?” Lark asked.

“Have you seen that vehicle before?” I motioned in the direction of the street.

She tightened her folded arms. “Yes,” she responded, raising her chin like she had earlier.

“How many times?”

“It’s probably just someone who lives?—”

“How many times, Lark?” I snapped at her, hating that it would only push her further away, but right now, I cared about her safety more than anything else.

“I don’t know.”

“More than five?”

“Maybe.”

I raised the phone that was still in my hand, punched the screen, and brought it to my ear.

“Lark and her grandmother need to be relocated.”

“What?No!No way.” She tried to grab the phone from my hand, but I was taller, stronger, and quicker. “We aren’t going anywhere. Do you hear me?”

“Thanks, Admiral.” My eyes bored into hers as I ended the call.

“How would you feel if something happened to Gram?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Don’t call her that.”

I stepped closer, hating that she flinched when I cupped her cheek with my palm. “How would you feel, Lark?” I asked, keeping my voice soft and low.

“I’d be devastated,” she whispered.

“That’s exactly how I’d feel if anything happened to you.”

4

LARK