Page 48 of Light It Up Red

“Mmm, we’re going to have to get some supplies. But tonight, let’s go find a diner or something,” Lili suggests. “I’m just gonna check in with my mom first. I told her I’d call when we got here.”

“Okay, I’ll take these to the bedroom.” I gesture to the bags before carrying them down the hall.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ihole up in the corner of the room and dial my father’s number. I didn’t want to freak Travis out, but I need to make sure I’m not being followed. And if I am, that it’s because my father sent some of his men. In our world, there is no such thing as a coincidence, and I’m not stupid enough to ignore obvious warning signs. Even if they turn out to be nothing. I’d rather play on the side of caution.

“Liliana, you okay?” Dad asks.

“I’m okay,” I tell him.

“How’s Cooperstown?”

“Did you have me followed?”

“No. Your mother only just informed me about your little road trip.”

“Oh.” Shit, I really was hoping those were his men parked out on the street.

“Liliana, what’s going on?”

“It’s probably nothing.” I sigh as I start peering out the closest window.

“Tell me anyway.”

“Travis went to get our bags out of the trunk. He said there was a car in the street that drove off when he saw it. He thought it might have been some of your men.”

There’s a silence on the other end of the line for a moment.

“I’m coming to get you,” Dad says.

“No. Don’t do that. Please, Dad. Like I said, it’s probably nothing,” I tell him.

“I’m not taking the chance.”

“Dad, please don’t. I need this. Please, just… I really want to spend the week here.”

My father lets out a string of expletives in rapid Italian. Things he always told me to never repeat as a kid. “I’m sending your brother and Zia Luca.”

I groan. Maybe I shouldn’t have called him. “I’m fine, honestly.”

“They’ll just scope out the town, Liliana. I’ll tell them to stay out of sight. You won’t even know they’re there.”

“Doubtful,” I huff.

“I love you,” Dad says. “Are you carrying?”

“I am.” I don’t always strap up, but that’s because there’s usually a gun within reach wherever I am. So I packed two, one in my purse and one in my luggage.

“Good. Make sure to keep it close. And remember: shoot first, ask questions later,” he says.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Your uncle and brother will be there within the hour.”

I look up and down the street as Travis and I walk into the little diner we found. “You okay?” he asks me.

“Uh-huh, fine,” I say, spotting a black sedan like the one he mentioned a block down from us. It’s too far away to see who’s inside it, though. My hand tightens on my purse as I let Travis lead me through the door.