Page 174 of Depths of Destruction

As much as I want to hop on a plane and get home to Naomi, there is one more thing I need to do. I turn to Kalim. "Where is Santiago?"

"He's in Belize, not far from here."

"How many men are with him?"

"About a dozen. He hasn't recouped from the shoot-out from when we rescued you and Naomi. His guys are spread out in different countries right now. The last two onslaughts from us have hurt his army pretty badly."

"Take me there."

"No. If you're going, we're all going."

"It won't be sanctioned—"

"Andre, we all saw Naomi. We're past the point of whether it's sanctioned or not."

I nod, gratefully. "Then let's go give the bastard what he has coming to him."

32

Naomi

"I'mglad some of the techniques we discussed are helping you with your anxiety." Sloane puts her pen down. "I'm full tomorrow, but I'll stop by the day after and check on you if that works for you? I can bring some more groceries, too."

"Sure. That's very kind of you." Since Andre is still gone and I can't go anywhere unless I'm on the beach with Blaise, Sloane offered to bring groceries.

I like Sloane a lot. She is really kind, and she hasn't pushed me on anything I haven't been able to discuss.

She puts her items in her bag. "Are you sure you don't want anything to help you sleep better?"

"No. I want to stay away from medication if I can."

She smiles. "Okay." Her gaze drifts out the window. Blaise is done with his swim and walking toward the house.

"Well, I better go," she quickly states.

"Do you want to say hi to Blaise?" It's the third day she's been here, but they still haven't seen each other. Blaise magically seems to disappear when she is due to arrive.

"Some other time. I need to get to the office for my next appointment."

"Okay. I'll see you in a few days, then."

She hurries out of the house, and I step out on the deck and wave to him.

He jogs over. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Sloane said she'd be back in a few days and bring some groceries."

He nods and looks out at the water.

"Are you going to tell me why you and Sloane are avoiding each other?"

He freezes then turns. "Did she say something?"

I point at him. "Busted."

His jaw clenches.

"Blaise?"