Page 85 of Collateral Claim

“Got villains to kill is all.”

“Villains?” I chuckle. “There’s a delusional world you live in where you are on the side of the good guys who are taking out villains. Whatever you’re taking should be shared. Can I have some?”

Endo laughs. “How are you feeling?”

“Rested.”

“Good, because you need to pack.”

Hope blossoms. “No way.”

“Yes way.”

“My dad came through?” I rise from the couch, sloshing the coffee in the cup.

Endo doesn’t step back, so I invade his space. “He called bright and early this morning.”

I scream in excitement and hug Endo with one arm, taking care not to spill coffee on his white shirt. “Oh my God, I’m free.” Once my body recognizes his hard body and starts melting all over him, I stand back and collect myself. “And you get your brother back.”

“And I get my brother.” Endo smiles tightly.

“Is there a problem?”

He shakes his head. “No.” He checks his watch. “You have three hours. I hope that’s enough time to gather all your belongings.”

“When does our flight leave?”

“Whenever we’re ready. You think you can be ready in three hours?”

“Oh, I thought you chartered the plane already. I can get my affairs in order by then.” Mentally, I start making notes of what I need to do, starting with the people I need to call first.

He frowns. “What affairs?”

“I need to speak with my staff and Fiada.”

“I’ll take care of them.”

“I would like to say goodbye.”

Endo shakes his head. “I said I’ll handle them. Those are my people.”

“I feel bad the town will be out a physician. Maybe I could recommend someone.”

“Maybe.”

And just like that, Endo and I are having a “normal” conversation, not as enemies but as allies. It’s nice. He’s not so bad when he’s made happy and his demands are met. In another world or under different circumstances, I could, possibly, be interested in this man. Handsome, wealthy, supportive of my career. What’s there not to like?

His job,my conscience supplies.

“Be sure you keep your ring on your finger until the exchange is made.” He taps his own ring. “Your dad needs a reminder that you are my collateral until the very end.”

“Endo Macarley, I like it when you smile and don’t speak.”

Endo leans in. “I don’t speak while Ieat. Maybe you want to feed me.” With that, he winks and disappears into the foyer.

The mirror over the fireplace reflects my blushing cheeks. I down the rest of the dark roast in a single gulp.

In the foyer, Slada converses with Marquis in hushed tones. When I appear, she stops talking and nods at me. “Going home today, huh?”