Page 35 of Collateral Claim

“As often as I can.”

“I’ve never been on a boat.”

He turns his head toward me. “No?”

“No, never had a chance.”

“You’ll have to ferry to the island from the mainland when you leave for your work assignment.”

“How do you know about my assignment?”

“I asked.”

“Have you been there?”

Endo nods. “Twice. It’s a highly volatile region. Not a good place for you.”

“What is a good place for me?”

He shrugs. “Not there.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I know everything.”

“Except where your brother is.”

“Correct.” Endo turns with coldness in his gaze, our reprieve broken. “Today, my meeting went sideways.”

“You came back bloody.” I’m trying hard not to care. It’s enough that I helped his pastry chef with her case of bad indigestion and a possible ulcer.

“The blood was Marquis’s, who, besides being the head of my staff, is a dear friend of mine.”

Oh no.Don’t care. Do not care.

Endo crosses his arms and appears uncomfortable. “I need your help.”

Noooo.

The answer is no.

But…

Don’t do it. Those puppy-dog eyes are fake. It’s bait. He’s found a way to exploit my kind nature. He said he knows everything, which means he knows that I try to be useful and helpful wherever and whenever I can. Solving problems and helping people feel better brings me joy.

My mother told me I should be more careful about who I extend a hand to. She said people will use me. Dangerous people like Endo, who will exploit me for my skills.

I can’t let him do that.

“The bullet is still inside him,” he says. “If he moves even an inch, his lung might collapse.”

“That is a serious injury. I’m sure you’ll arrange for an excellent surgical team.”

“He has me and you.”

I shake my head. “I’m not a surgeon. Or a trauma doctor. Not even close.”

“You will do fine.”