SINS of the Rex Book 2

by Emma Slate

  She handed it over. “We’ll wait out here.”

  “Fuck all that,” I said. “Get in here.”

  “You want us to watch you pee on a stick?” Lacey demanded, striving for levity.

  “You can look at the wall,” I said. “But I can’t be in there alone.”

  “This is very Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” Ash joked.

  “There were four in the sisterhood,” I said, pulling out a test and unwrapping it.

  “If Ramsey gets together with Jane, she can be our fourth,” Ash suggested.

  “Who’s Jane?” Lacey asked.

  “I got this,” Ash said. “I can tell this story in three minutes. Barrett, get peeing!”

  “You’re going to have Irish twins!” Ash said, injecting a note of enthusiasm into her voice.

  I glared at her from my position on the couch. I was sprawled out with Hawk lying on top of me, sound asleep.

  “They’re Scottish,” I reminded her.

  She shrugged. “Fine, so you’ll have Scottish twins.”

  “That’s not a thing,” I hissed, feeling the hysteria rise from my stomach into my throat.

  “We can make it a thing,” Lacey said, sipping on a martini.

  As soon as the pregnancy test turned positive, Ash and Lacey opened up the liquor and began to celebrate. I hated them. And I loved them. Mostly, I just wanted to cry.

  “At this rate, I’m going to have my own football team,” I said miserably, still in shock.

  “American football or European football?” Ash asked. She hiccoughed and then giggled.

  “Are you unhappy about it?” Lacey asked.

  “No,” I admitted. “But Hawk is only a few months old! I was supposed to have a few years with him before I decided on a second one. And for fuck’s sake, I just got done being pregnant. I don’t want to do it again that soon.”

  “Don’t think you have much of a choice,” Ash said drunkenly.

  “You both suck. A lot.”

  “This is not the worst thing in the world,” Lacey interjected. “Sure the timing kinda sucks, but you love Flynn and he loves you. And if you think about it, Hawk and his new sibling will be close in age, which means they’ll probably be close friends.”

  I snorted. “Or they’ll be in constant competition with each other.”

  “Oh, we’re in a ‘glass is half empty’ kind of mood. Got it,” Ash said with a grin.

  “I’m never going to sleep ever again. I’ll nurse one and as soon as he’s done, I’ll have to nurse the other. Diapers. So many diapers.”

  “Okay, so it might be harder in the beginning, but when they’re older, it’ll pay off,” Lacey said.

  “How?” I demanded.

  “Uhm, Ash? A little help?” Lacey said.

  “Hire a nanny,” Ash suggested.

  I sat up on the couch and adjusted Hawk and put him to my shoulder. “Bite me.”

  “Hey!” Ash interjected. “We were there with you when you peed on a stick. Have you forgotten already?”

  “I’m going to bed,” I stated.

  “But the night’s just getting started,” Lacey said.

  I rolled my eyes. “Not for me it isn’t.” My gaze softened. “I do love you guys. Thanks for trying to cheer me up.”

  “It will be okay,” Ash called out. “You make beautiful babies! You got this!”

  “Oh, I just had a great idea!” Lacey said. “I can photograph you during your pregnancy! Month to month, ya know! This is great! I’m so glad you got knocked up. Again!”

  Chapter 45

  The morning of Alia’s wedding I went to the doctor who confirmed I was six weeks pregnant and completely healthy. Some of my worry evaporated at her words, but some still remained.

  How the hell was I going to do this? It had been hard enough to protect one baby from the SINS and all its blow back—and I hadn’t even been able to do that. A now there was going to be another? Even when Flynn and Duncan outed the traitor, the danger wouldn’t be over. Something new would pop up because it always did. My children were going to grow up surrounded by bodyguards. They wouldn’t have normal childhoods. They’d learn about the cause early; they’d be thrust into the violence and they’d witness it first hand. They might even be a part of it.

  I got dressed and left the exam room. Nathan sat in the waiting room, reading People magazine. It made me snicker, seeing my ripped bodyguard hastily close the magazine and set it aside. The doctor spoke to the receptionist about my next appointment and then her gaze wandered over to Nathan.

  “Oh, is this your husband?” the doctor asked. Before I could answer she said, “Congratulations.”

  Nathan looked perplexed for a moment and then he stood, a goofy grin spreading across his face. “Thank you!” He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “We’re really happy about the news.”

  “Shut up,” I said, digging my elbow into his ribs. He released me with a wince. To the confused doctor, I said, “Nathan is just a friend.”

  The young, attractive doctor’s eyes lit up appreciatively as she obviously checked him out.

  “Let’s go,” I muttered, attempting to shove him towards the exit.

  Nathan wouldn’t budge. He spent a few minutes flirting it up with the doctor and then as if realizing I was still standing next to him, finally said his goodbye and we left.

  As we climbed into the waiting town car, I said to Nathan, “We need to get a few things straight.”

  “I’ve never read People before in my life.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m serious.”

  “Okay, go ahead.”

  “First of all, you can’t tell Flynn I’m pregnant. I know you report back to him, but I need you to keep this to yourself. I want to tell him when the time is right.”

  He nodded. “Not my news to share. Congratulations, though.”

  I waved away his words. “What was that up there?”

  “What was what?”

  “You flirting with the doctor.”

  He frowned. “It was just a little harmless flirting.”

  I pointed a finger at him. “What about Shawna?”

  “What about her?”

  “She’s my friend and you hit on her.”

  “Actually, she hit on me. Which I’m glad she did because she’s cute. Did you finally tell her that I’m your bodyguard?”

  “Yeah. I did.”

  “Are you going to forbid me from seeing her?”

  “Forbid?” I asked with a laugh.

  “Bad choice of words. I meant outlaw. Are you going to outlaw me from seeing her?”

  “Well, I am the sheriff,” I quipped. “Just don’t hurt her, okay? The last thing I need is a broken-hearted friend.”

  A waiter with a tray of cocktail shrimp passed by and I grabbed one by the tail along with a napkin. Alia and Jake’s small, intimate wedding ceremony had been short and sweet and now the guests were enjoying hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

  I was enjoying a club soda.

  “Have you talked to Flynn?” Lacey asked, taking a sip of her champagne.

  “No,” I said. “He called while I was at the doctor this morning, but I missed the call. I tried to call him back, but it went to voicemail.”

  “I’m guessing you didn’t tell him you were pregnant over voicemail.”

  “Nope. I want to see his face slacken in shock.”

  “Yeah, some things are just better live,” she teased. “But try to set up a camera and record it. I’d like to see that.”

  I laughed.

  “How are you feeling about it?” she went on.

  I tucked my shrimp tail into a cocktail napkin and shrugged. “Still in shock. That seems to be my general MO. But I’ll be happy about it.”

  “Good.” Lacey let her eyes wander around the room. “I’ve got to say, I’m impressed that Alia pulled all of this off with only a few weeks notice.”

  “Sometimes you just have to hit the ground running and hope it all comes together. Besides, Ash spen
t a year planning her first wedding and that all went to shit. Time is not always a good thing.”

  “Yeah, what happened there? Why did she split up with her first fiancé?”

  “Ah, look, more shrimp,” I said. I smiled at the passing waiter for his impeccable timing.

  “Okay, so I’ll ask her what happened,” Lacey said with wry amusement.

  “I’m really glad you guys became fast friends. It’s been nice having the both of you to turn to.”

  Lacey took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m glad.”

  “Ah, look at that picture,” I said, gesturing with my chin to Alia and Jake. They were moving towards the dance floor as the band began to play. They looked happy and in love and it would’ve been nauseating except that I felt the exact same way about Flynn.

  “They’re too cute,” Lacey said with complete sincerity.

  “Does it bother you? Not being in a relationship when you’re surrounded by your friends who are? Sorry, that’s blunt and harsh. I’ve been back in New York a little over a month and it’s already rubbed off on me.”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “No, it doesn’t bother me. I ran Rex Burlesque for years and now I get to follow my passion. Would it be nice to have someone to share my successes with? Sure, but I’m not going to settle for anything less than what I want. Plus, I like my independence.”

  “You would be an awesome second wife to a successful silver fox,” I teased.

  “Second wife? Honey, please. I’m third wife material.”

  We shared a laugh and then Lacey said, “I’m going to go find the restroom. I’ll be right back. Unless you want to tag along? Seems to be our thing now.”

  I laughed again. “Nah, I’m good.”

  While Lacey was gone, I had three more shrimp and an invitation to dance with Alia’s eighty-year-old grandfather. I happily accepted and made polite chit-chat with the adorable, white-haired man.

  A hand politely tapped Grandpa’s shoulder. “May I cut in?”

  Grandpa’s hands dropped from me and he took a step back, a wide smile on his face. “Sure. Thank you for the dance,” he said to me.

  “Thank you,” I said back, but my eyes were trained on the blond-haired, blue-eyed uninvited guest.

  I thought briefly about refusing to dance with Sasha, but then I realized it was childish to make a scene at Alia’s wedding.

  Sasha’s hand went to my waist, and he pulled me towards him as he took my other hand and began to move us towards the edge of the dance floor.

  “What are you doing here?” I demanded. I addressed his suit lapel since I refused to look him in the face.

  “You wouldn’t answer my calls,” he said.

  “Yeah, I’ve been avoiding them.”

  “No, I don’t mean the last few days, I mean this afternoon. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for the last hour.”

  I finally looked up at him, disgruntled. “I shut my phone off. I didn’t want it to go off in the middle of the wedding. What was so important that it couldn’t wait until later?”

  “It’s Flynn,” Sasha said.

  The use of my husband’s first name wasn’t lost on me. A cold snake of fear wrapped itself around my spine.

  “What? What is it?” I asked.

  Sasha’s hand tightened on my waist. “Not here.” He released me and then took my hand, dragging me out of the room and into the hallway. Away from the party, Sasha stopped and turned to me.

  “Now will you tell me what had you tracking me down at a party?” I snapped waspishly. With no audience, I was finally able to let my displeasure out.

  Sasha dropped my hand and then placed his hands on my shoulders. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Duncan and Flynn were ambushed in London, Barrett.”

  “Ambushed?”

  “They walked into a trap,” he said slowly. “And I don’t know if they’re alive.”

  Part IV

  Chapter 46

  I sat in the Soho restaurant, sipping on a glass of sparkling water. My stomach was in knots, my nerves were frayed, and I’d barely slept in the last three days. Ever since Sasha had told me that Flynn and Duncan had been ambushed in London, my mind spun like it had been put into a cotton candy machine. There was still no news if they were dead or alive.

  “Another glass of water, ma’am?” the cute, young waitress asked. She was pleasant and attentive.

  I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m waiting on someone. When he arrives, will you please bring him a cup of coffee?”

  “Sure,” she said before walking away.

  I faced the entrance, my back to a wall. It was an old mafia trick—always know your escape routes, always plan for an exit should the need ever arise. Not that I expected any sort of trouble even though my bodyguard was only yards away to ensure my safety.

  A quarter of an hour later, my companion strode into the restaurant. He was tall, distinguished, a man in his early fifties with salt and pepper hair. His forehead was lined from years of stress. The head of the FBI slid into the seat across from me. The waitress brought over his cup of coffee; he thanked her before she left again.

  “Thanks for meeting me,” I said.

  Don Archer nodded as he added a dollop of cream to his coffee. “You were vague on the phone.”

  I smiled slightly. “You never know who’s listening.”

  Don raised an eyebrow. “A not-so-subtle dig at my division?”

  “Perhaps. How are things?”

  “Things are things,” he stated. “You lock up one criminal, three more take his place. It’s a damn pest control problem. But I know you didn’t call me to discuss my job. What’s up?”

  Don and I had a backdoor alliance. I’d promised to give him information about certain illegal activities going down in the States and in return, he didn’t bother with the SINS. Even though the SINS had a foothold in New York through The Rex’s casino and brothel, Don had realized early on that there were bigger fish to fry and left us alone.

  “You saw the front page of The New York Times, I take it? A few weeks ago?” I prodded.

  He nodded. “Ramsey Buchanan’s death. Sorry for your loss.” The way he said it let me know he knew it was a sham. Good. I liked Don. I liked that he was intelligent, could connect the dots on his own, and focused on the bigger picture.

  “Thank you,” I murmured. “It seems the SINS are dealing with a coup though we aren’t sure who it is.”

  “Ah, and you want a list of all the active members, right?”

  I grinned. “How did you know?”

  He shrugged.

  I wasn’t going to explain all the minute details and thankfully he didn’t ask. Don was FBI and at the end of the day, I didn’t trust the FBI. Not after the shit Winters had pulled. Once I knew more about how Lord Arlington, Winters, and this SINS pretender were all connected, then I might consider letting Don in on it. Until then…

  “Anything else you want to tell me?” Don asked. “You did make me come out all this way.”

  “Out all this way? We’re in Soho.” I chuckled. “There’s an illegal shipment coming into Boston at the end of the month.”

  “The Irish?” he asked.

  “Possibly,” I said. “Might be the Sicilians.”

  Don cursed and then drank the rest of his lukewarm coffee. “I’ll send you an email with all the information.”

  I nodded. “Thanks.”

  Don stood up and reached for his wallet, but I quickly waved him to put it away. He smiled ruefully. “You’re a decent sort, Barrett. It’s a damn shame you’re married to a criminal.”

  Decent sort.

  I snorted at the thought. Maybe I had been, before all of this, before Flynn. Maybe I used to have a clear picture of right and wrong, good and evil. But I refused to waste time thinking about it anymore. I had to be cold, efficient; I had to think clearly so I could figure out what had happened to Flynn and Duncan.

  Since the ambush, I waited for news that the English authoriti
es had found their bodies, but there had been nothing. I didn’t believe they were dead.

  I entered the penthouse suite of The Rex to find it filled with people. Ash paced back and forth across the carpet, looking harried and out of sorts. Lacey sat in a chair with Hawk in her arms. Brad and Sasha stood by the window, their heads bent towards one another and speaking in low tones.

  Everyone turned when they saw me.

  “How’d it go?” Brad asked.

  “Fine. Archer is going to send over the names.”

  He nodded. “Good. Our guy in London hasn’t found anything yet.”

  Brad referred to a connection that had access to security footage in the city. I wasn’t quite clear on how we knew this guy or how he had access to private information, but I wasn’t going to question it.

  Sasha didn’t speak—his men that he’d sent to help Flynn were dead, taken out by Arlington’s trap.

  “So basically, we have nothing to go on and we just have to sit on our asses,” Ash snapped. Her color was high and so was her temper. Our reactions to the situation had been completely different. I’d gone ice queen survival mode, my brain clear and calm. Ash had turned into a hothead.

  “Pretty much,” I said. “Waiting is all we can do at this point.”

  “I called Ramsey,” she stated.

  “You what?” My eyes widened at Ash’s announcement. “We agreed to wait until we had more information before calling him.”

  “No, you agreed.”

  “It wasn’t your call to make!”

  Hawk began to cry and Lacey got up from the chair and headed to the bedroom to soothe him while I had a fight with my best friend. Sasha and Brad wisely decided to stay out of it.

  “I am Duncan’s wife and Ramsey is his brother. He had a right to know,” Ash said.

  “I’m not negating that,” I said, my own voice still calm. I was as calm as Ash was irate. “But from here on out, we have to make decisions together.”

  Ash crossed her arms and looked away from me, but finally she nodded.

  I sighed. “How did Ramsey take it?”

  Her gaze dropped to the floor. “He and Jane left Orkney. They’re back in Dornoch.”