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To this day, the smell of chamomile gave me a stomachache.
“Turns out it wasn’t an object, Hallie. It was a person. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you? You can feel it.”
“I can’t feel anything.” I meant it, just not in the way she was referring to.
“When you decide you want to know the truth, I’m a phone call away.”
“If I wanted the truth, Mother, I most certainly wouldn’t get it from you.”
I disconnected, and dropped the phone on the red velvet cushion.
Chapter 4
Dune
When the cab dropped me off in front of the Georgian Apartments, I asked the driver to double-check we were at the right address. A brown portico extended over the entryway, and deep green ivy covered the entire facade. I stepped onto the sidewalk, finally understanding how huge the southern live oaks were.
What I didn’t understand was how a job as a faux security guard had scored me a place in a swank apartment building like this one.
The lobby was just as impressive, black-and-white-tiled floors, tasteful art, chandeliers that sparkled, and a doorman in a uniform. I walked past him to the manager’s office and found a college-aged girl sitting behind a receptionist desk. “I’m Dune Ta’ala. I’m looking for Jodi.”
“That’s me,” she said brightly, giving me the once-over. “Welcome. Here’s your new resident information. The key card inside will get you to your floor. At some point, I’ll need to make a copy of your driver’s license, but go ahead and get settled first.”
“Thanks.” I took the envelope from her hand, barely brushing her fingers with mine. Her face flushed pink.
“I’ll be happy to take you up if you’d like.”
“I think I can handle it.” I smiled at her. Thought about asking for her number. Probably not a good idea to get involved with someone who had access to your apartment and could see you entering and leaving your building. Or to get involved with anyone at all, considering I came to New Orleans with a job to do.
“Nice to meet you, Jodi.”
“Nice to meet you back.” She giggled a little, and then bit her lip as she forced composure. “The elevator is to your right. The key card inside will—wait. I already said that.”
“No worries,” I said, flashing another smile. “Important information bears repeating.”
“In that case, my name is Jodi. And I’m here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons.”
“Duly noted.”
I left the office, feeling her eyes on me as I went. I entered the elevator, pushed the button for the fourth floor, and put the flirting out of my mind. I stepped out of the elevator and opened the door to 4B.
The apartment wasn’t empty.
“What the hell …”
“Come on in.” Poe Sharpe sat on the couch. “Pardon me if I don’t get up.”
His bloodshot eyes were sunk deep in his pale face. His battered body held a liver that nearly took a nosedive and blood that had once belonged to someone else.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were still in ICU.” I dropped my suitcases beside the door.
“Me being here is part of Paul and Liam’s plan to keep me off Teague’s radar. That’s why they didn’t tell you.” The recently removed breathing tube left his voice scratchy, and fatigue made his accent heavy. “But, please, check with Liam to confirm. I would, if I were in your position.”
I didn’t want to be an asshole and jump for the phone, but I didn’t want to get stabbed in my sleep, either.
“Really, I insist. I’ll be right here. I’ve been a couch potato since I ported in. The recent skewering kind of took it out of me.”
mplication that she was the idiot remained unspoken, but I rolled around and got dirty in it, too.
