Page 62 of Storm Warning

“Of course.” She smiled. “You never have to ask. I enjoy your company.”

“You say that now. One day I’ll make you angry enough that you’ll want some distance from me.”

“Oh, don’t worry. If you tick me off, I won’t hide it from you.”

Andre loved that she was honest about how she felt. “Good to know. How did you sleep?”

“Well enough to get by for now. Did you talk to Zane?”

“I did. We’ll owe him a lifetime supply of pizza from Chuck E. Cheese if he comes through for us.”

“How did we fall into that trap?” A smile curved her lips.

“Zane is running several searches for us so you don’t have to do it all. When I promised him dinner, Z mentioned his son’s preferred restaurant. His son is crazy about the oversize mouse.”

“Sounds like a fun place to eat.”

“It’s chaotic, noisy, and full of children running wild.” Andre grinned. “It’s amazing.”

“Maybe we should join the Murphys one night.”

“Done. I’ll send him a message and set something up.”

“Because I love Zane’s son and the date at Chuck E. Cheese sounds like fun, you get credit for two dates, Mr. Mann.”

He pumped his fist. “Score.”

“What is Zane researching for us?”

He hesitated. Did he need to tell her about all the searches?

“Just so you know, holding back is not a good plan.” She held up her hand. “Yes, I know I held back about Miles Thomas. I don’t like to talk about that night.” Riley turned her head to look at him, her expression somber. “I planned to tell you, just not right now. I needed to work up to it. After talking about him, I usually have nightmares for weeks.”

He kissed her forehead. “I know.”

She blinked. “How?”

“I know you, and I’ve been on several missions with you since we met. Sometimes you sleep rough as though something is disturbing your dreams.”

They were silent for a few minutes, enjoying the crisp early morning air and the birds hopping from branch to branch, chattering with each other.

Finally, Riley turned to Andre. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

“We need to move to another safe house or choose a hotel. Since Rutland knew where to find us, other hitmen will have that information too when Rutland doesn’t contact his employer. We’re not safe here.”

Riley finished her tea. “I love this cabin, plus the area is beautiful and peaceful. I’m sorry that trouble followed me to this slice of paradise.” She waited a beat. “What else is Zane working on for you?”

“He’s searching for the hitman fund. Since these guys don’t work for free, Z will drain the account and hold the money until we have enough proof to convince law enforcement to arrest Joe and his coworkers and the person who hired the assassins.”

Andre silently encouraged Riley to move on to another topic. He did not want to talk about Miles Thomas so soon after she bared her soul to him. Unfortunately, Riley either wouldn’t heed his advice or couldn’t hear his internal voice telling her to move on to a new subject.

“What else, Andre?”

Guess he’d have to suck it up and tell her. He hoped she understood regardless of whether she approved of what he was doing. “You won’t like it.”

“Procrastinating, Mann? Although you’re probably right, the delaying tactics won’t encourage me to like the next search any better. Spill it.”

“I asked Zane to locate Miles Thomas.”