Page 37 of Killer Notes
“Just like anything else Siles did, he wormed his way in.” I rub the back of my neck, not able to find a smile. All the money he scraped off our backs and we never saw a return. It all went into his pockets.
“Thank you. I know it had to be hard talking about that.”
I nod, not able to respond. I chug the rest of the water and remain quiet.
“Danny, I don’t want to be a dick and bring this up, but we need to set another ground rule.” His tone serious.
“Okay. What is it?” I feel a headache coming on, knowing I’m not going to like it.
“It’s for the best while we’re here, for the duration, that we keep our distance from each other. Aside from you going on the deck, or if you really want to stretch your legs, you’ll only see me in passing. Yeah?”
I nod rigidly, the sting in my eyes blooming again. “Good idea. Why tempt fate.”
“It’s for the best,” he repeats.
I look away, trying to hide the pain his admission is causing me. Feeling a bit spiteful.
Fuck you and the best.
“If we’re done, I think I’m going to lie down for a bit.” I pick up my plate and place it in the sink.
“Okay.” I don’t give him a chance to say anything else.
Each step away from him is another stab to my already battered heart. Knowing Tobias likes me is more of a detriment than a relief. I would rather be in the dark, then have to feel the lash of his unwavering sense of duty.
If he wants to keep his distance, then I’ll remember to do just that.
With Rocktoberfest coming up fast—one of our biggest career opportunities—I’m not going to waste my time thinking of Tobias anymore, or what could be between us.
I open the bedroom door and push it closed with my back. I slump to the floor and stare at the three walls.
Hmm… Here I am… again. Alone.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Tobias
I storm out of the house as quietly as I can so as to not alert Danny that I’ve left. The singer doesn’t need to see this side of me. I’m enraged at finding out what that bastard did to Danny.
As soon as I see this Siles Barrett, he will regret the day he ever touched the singer. I’ll have no issues sending the ex-manager’s ass to jail with a few pieces broken off his body. Namely, his hands.
What I don’t get is why Danny’s abuse or the reason why Siles’s departure as the band manager wasn’t in the files I received. I want to call the office, but not in the frame of mind I’m in.
I book it past a set of stumps near the water’s edge, a spot my grandfather deemed to be the perfect fishing hole. Slicing through the sagging branches of a willow tree, then crossing over the deep ruts in the dirt from years of ATV riding, I finally slow my pace until I stop near a clearing where I can see to the other side of the lake. From this vantage point, the house is in full view and I wonder if Danny’s alright.
A bark to my left signals that Saint has found me. There’s slobber dripping from his jowls, and his tawny coat is covered in wetness. “Aren’t you supposed to be back at the house, boy?” I rub the top of his wet head.
He barks and rears up, his front paws landing on my shoulders. I push him off, pick up a stick and throw it back in the direction I came. Saint runs after it with gusto, and I laugh. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a moment to just have fun. And from the way Saint’s rushing back, the stick between his teeth and tail wagging, he needs this time too.
After several minutes of playing fetch, I have a solid grip on my emotions and reluctantly pull out my phone. There’s only one person who can locate Siles Barrett. I dial Dean Harper’s number. I would rather go straight to Hale, the tech geek at Harper Security, but there’s zero chance Hale would keep my inquiry a secret.
“It’s about fucking time you called me,” Dean answers in a no-nonsense curt tone. “I thought I was gonna have to put out feelers to make sure you and the client are alive.”
“I didn’t need to call until now,” I counter casually, not taking his bait.
“How’s the singer?”
“Danny’s safe,” I admit and wince at my response.