Page 50 of Point Blank

“I have.” A beat passed, and the flick of a lighter and the crisping of cigar paper reached her ear. “I’m impressed with your steady rise in the industry, and I’ve talked to a few people who have used you—everyone speaks highly of you. I’m eager to sign the contract and get started.”

A ripple of delight spread through her. Pride stung the backs of her eyes. She’d worked so hard for this and had earned her reputation. Then the thick black cloud of her conscience rolled over her elation. She shouldn’t feel guilty. Not when Titus was a criminal. But her career would be ruined. If by some stroke of luck they managed not to get caught, she’d still have destroyed her integrity.

“I’m so thrilled to hear that, Mr. Phillips. You won’t be disappointed.”

They agreed to meet later in the week, after he returned from his business trip, and disconnected. Serena let out a breath of air and gave Milo a shaky smile.

“Congratulations.” His grin was rueful.

“Thanks. I just wish I didn’t have to rob him.”

Milo caught the back of her neck in his palm. “Don’t think about it.”

She nodded and turned to Dani’s laptop on the counter. Despite Brock’s doubt, she clicked into Dani’s Facebook account, which Dani hadn’t logged out of, and brought up Peyton’s name in Messenger. Serena had removed her old associates—including Peyton—from her Friends list when she started her real estate career.

“What are you doing?”

“Reaching out to Priss.” She tapped the keys then stopped and jerked her gaze to him. “Don’t tell her I called her that.”

He snickered.

Call me when you get a chance, she typed. It’s urgent.

She paused, her finger hovering on the Enter button.

“What is it?”

Serena deleted the message without sending it. “If someone is monitoring us, Dani’s accounts especially, messaging Peyton will only tip them off.”

“You’re right. Do you know where she lives?”

Serena nodded and got to her feet. “She’s been in the same apartment for a few years now.” She grabbed her handbag from the chair in the living room and flung it over her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Serena brushed her knuckles over Peyton’s door. Despite her faint knock, movement sounded from beyond the wood. Milo cupped her hip and tried to edge her behind him, but she stood her ground.

“She probably won’t recognize you,” she mouthed to him.

He grunted, but his hand didn’t leave her side. She had no doubt if the door opened and it wasn’t Peyton, he’d shove her to the ground.

The door cracked open, and the chain dangled over Peyton’s light hair, which was pulled away from her face. “Serena? Is that you?” Half of her face peeked through the two-inch gap.

“Yes, it’s me and Milo. Can we come in? It’s important.”

Her thumb curled around the edge of the door. “Ah, sure. One sec.” She shut the door. Metal clanked as she withdrew the chain. The door swung open. Peyton stood in a pair of jogging pants and a loose-fitting blue sweater.

Peyton tucked her arms under her breasts. “Is everything okay? I never expected to see you two here.”

Serena’s hands fidgeted at her stomach as they followed Peyton into the living room. “We’re sorry to drop in on you.”

Peyton lowered herself into the love seat and curled her legs under her. “Don’t be silly. I don’t mind the company. I would have cleaned up first, though.” She chuckled and plucked at her shirt. Milo lowered himself on the sofa across from her and Serena sat next to him.

“I forgot to reply to Dani’s message Friday afternoon. I hope she knows nothing’s changed. Wait. Why would she send you two?”

Serena rolled her lips together, glanced at Milo, and then looked back at Peyton. “When was the last time you spoke to Dani?”

Peyton frowned and leaned forward. “I saw her Thursday night. What’s wrong? Where is she?”

“She’s been kidnapped. We’ve been put to the task of stealing diamonds for her ransom.”