Page 68 of Ghost

“My car’s parked near your place.If it hasn’t been towed.I’d rather get it now than have to take an Uber later.”

“No problem.”He got off I-95 at the next exit and the familiar area quickly registered.“By the way, your stuff’s at the Backcountry office.”

She gaped at him.

“Well, we had to check out your story.The guys brought in your bag to analyze after finding your car.The office is close to my place, though.We’ll stop there first so you can get your things.”

Her cheeks burned with a touch of indignation.

“What?”He smirked.

“Nothing.I just assumed you’d looked at what you needed to and hadn’t lifted my belongings to be scoured.”

He turned into a parking garage and drove through the levels.“At the time, all I knew about you was that you’d tried to kill me and that self-preservation wasn’t high on your list.I wanted to confirm you didn’t know shit so I didn’t feel compelled to get it out of you.”

She sighed.“I suppose that makes sense.They better not have wiped any of my files.”

“Nah.They’re pros.Everything will be exactly how you left it.”He swung into a reserved parking spot and turned off the engine.

Ghost met her on her side of the truck as she got out.She followed him into the building and then they stopped at an elevator.The doors whooshed open.Inside, he swiped a card over a keypad and hit the floor number.

“I’m not sure who’ll be here,” he said, folding his arms across his chest as the elevator flew up the shaft.“But don’t judge me based on these idiots.”

She raised her eyebrows.“That bad, huh?”

“No, just obnoxious as fuck.”

The elevator slowed then came to a stop.The doors slid open.Ghost dropped his hand to the small of her back and they entered a bright, modern office.A coffee bar was tucked against the window and a big wooden desk sat beneath the wordsBackcountry Protection Servicesin black letters on the wall.

Glass, smooth lines, and potted plants completed the space.A pit bull trotted down the hallway, its tail straight and eyes fixed on Mila.

“Um.”She took a step back.Hesitancy filled her gut.Irinia and Alexei’s dogs weren’t exactly friendly.Matter of fact, she’d witnessed their brutality more than once, and while they’d never shown aggression toward her, she’d never forgotten their capabilities.

Ghost dropped to one knee to greet the animal.“Who’s a good girl?”He scratched her neck and stood, patting her back.“This is Micha.Rami rescued her.She’s our working dog.”

Mila gave him a wobbly smile.“Is she friendly?”

“She will be if you pet her.Don’t and she might hold a grudge.”

The dog wagged her tail expectantly.Her brown eyes were warm and gentle.Mila stroked the top of her head.That sent Micha into an excited spin around Mila’s legs, making her laugh.

“All right, girl.Go lie down.”Ghost pointed to a dog bed against the wall near the coffee bar.Micha huffed and obeyed, flopping onto the plush material.“Usually Kevin, Taschen and Seraphina’s dog, is here, too.”

“He’s at the groomer,” said a woman coming down the hallway.“We weren’t expecting you today, Ghost.”She headed straight for them, and her gaze shot to Mila.“Hello, dear.I’m Pearl.”Contrary to her polite greeting, hostility flared in her milky-blue stare.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Mila said hesitantly.

Ghost chuckled.“No need to bare your teeth, Pearl.Mila has been very cooperative.She’s a friend now.”

Pearl tossed back her shoulders.“Well, if Ghost has cleared you, that’s good enough for me.Would you like some tea or coffee?”

“No, thank you.I don’t think we’ll be here long.”

“All right.You let me know if you need anything.”Pearl looked at Ghost, her expression softening even more.“Everyone’s in the back.If it’s Rami you want to see, he’s in his office.”

“Thanks.”

He motioned for Mila to precede him, and they made their way down the hall.