Page 20 of Junior Has a Secret

“I can’t do that.”

“Then I’m going upstairs.For the moment, I think you’re safe enough with just Jay, but I’m working on a second bodyguard for you.”

“You better go rest.You’ll need to be your best for the fight I’m planning.”I push to my toes to kiss his cheek, and before he can capture me for more, I’m already walking toward the door and motioning for Jay and Andrew to follow.I don’t need a bodyguard.I need to decide who makes my next best target.

Chapter Sixteen

Me, Andrew, and Jay sit at a tiny table at Sarabeth’s and Andrew grumbles as he sips his coffee, his elbow close to Jay’s face.When Jay backs his chair up, Andrew sets his cup down.“Sorry, man.”And then to me, “This is why I don’t like this place.It’s not meant for big men.We’re on top of each other.”

“You sound like a privileged white guy from the Hamptons right now,” I say.“Actually, any privileged guy from the Hamptons.It’s called New York City.Everywhere is like this, Andrew.If you can’t take it, go back to the beach.”

“You’ve mistaken me for someone who has that option.I’m here out of necessity.”He holds up his hands before I can offer some snark.“I don’t regret it.I need to be more than his shadow.”

“Aren’t you working for him?”Jay asks and I almost spew my coffee.

As I choke on the dark liquid, Jay is the one holding up his hands now.“That came out wrong.I just meant—I don’t know what I meant.”

“You know, Jay,” Andrew replies, a lift to his voice I know all too well.It means he’s pissy.“You’re judgmental asfuck,”he adds, proving my point, “And froma guy who has no idea what I’ve got going on.”

I blink at my brother in playful jest certain to agitate his already foul mood.“Two fucks in one day, Andrew?Who are you becoming?”

“I hope like hell not you, Lilah.I love you, sis, but I don’t want to be as sour a puss as you.Ever.”

“I wasn’t trying to be judgmental,” Jay says quickly.“That’s not me.I was just trying to put it all together.”

“He’s right,” I say to Andrew.“Jay is awkward.And kind.He shouldn’t be working for me.He should be working for you.Or Shirley Temple, but she’s dead and I’m not.That wins me points.”

Andrew grits his teeth.“I’m going to end up becoming you before this is over.”He stabs his pancake rather viciously.

Everyone is very angry today, I decide.First Tic Tac and now Andrew.“Until you can make that fork a weapon and not a sloppy one, I’m happy to say, you’re failing,” I promise and eye Jay.“Speaking of—”

“Do not even start with me, Lilah,” Jay warns.“I’m better with a knife than you might think.”

“Good to know.Now use those fine fighting skills of yours to escort Tic Tac back to LA.”

His brows dip.“When?”

“Today.Get the first flight out.You’ll need to go get him in the Hamptons.”

He sets his fork down.“But Kane said—”

“Lilah said is what matters.I have a badge, a knife, a gun, and my big brother.I’m okay.”

Jay doesn’t look convinced.“I don’t think—”

“Good.”I eye his empty plate.“Don’t think.”

“Why not have Jack take him home?”he counters.

“Aside from Jack holding a job that isn’t working for me, Jack isn’t a fighter.He’s a talker.An irritating one I cannot force on Tic Tac or he will never forgive me.”

“As if Tic Tac can’t handle Jack.He handles you on a practically daily basis.”

“And he needs to keep handling me on a practically daily basis.When I need stuff, I need him sane.If Jack puts him in a rubber room, that won’t be the case, now will it?If you look at this objectively, it’s a compliment.You’re pleasant to be around which makes your knack for being shot often and easily almost forgivable.Almost.”

Jay’s lips press into a flat line.“Got it.I’m going to LA by way of the Hamptons.Can I at least finish my breakfast?”

“If you eat fast,” I tease, “and on that note, I’m going to the bathroom.”I push to my feet and walk toward my destination, entering a tiny hallway and then ultimately an equally tiny bathroom.I’m washing my hands when I look down and see the notecard come shooting over my feet.Clearly, I cannot even pee in peace.I open the door and look left and right and there is no one in sight.I grab the note, but I’m already headed toward the door with an “exit” sign, I yank open, to find an alleyway with no one in sight, despite a fairly long path to travel to leave.Junior didn’t leave this way, that’s for sure.