Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

JJ

"It's quite pink." I laughed, happy when Harper joined me.

"That it is. But let me explain why." He pointed to the pamphlet in our hands. "Every child we help in that house is a little girl, unwanted by society. Alicia House, named after my great-grandmother, helps them grow up happy and healthy and successful."

This wasn't sounding shady at all. "Oh, that's sweet."

"Thank you. Unfortunately, it's not one of my more successful ventures. I'm hoping if I could get some financial support for it, maybe we can look into more…deeper holes for things you'd be interested in."

Oh, I saw how it was. Get money from us for this, and then it would be a sign of trust. But was Alicia House actually a good place? I really needed to know.

"Is there a chance we'd be able to tour it?" I asked, figuring that would also get us in the door.

Harper cocked is head a moment before another cheesy smile adorned his face. "Of course. I'll call over and speak with Penny, who runs things over there."

While this was a huge deal and we'd get inside the pink house of doom, I was hoping for more. I glanced at Mason and through our best-friend powers, I knew he agreed.

"Listen, Mr. Reese, I have no doubt we'll fall in love with Alicia House and want to see it thrive. Children are truly our future; Whitney Houston knew what she was talking about, but…" I sighed.

"But while your heart is tender your soul is needy?" Harper quirked a brow.

"You don't know us. That's fair. We don't know much about you either except what we've read in the news and word of mouth from people who, let's be honest, Mr. Reese, would lick shit off your boots just for you to acknowledge them for a second." I was being bold and it was a risk, but I needed more.

Harper's head flew back and he laughed loudly. "I like you, Clark."

"I like you too, Mr. Reese."

He waved his hand. "Call me Harper. And, okay, I'm following. But you need to understand, Clark, I have to protect myself, my business, and my reputation."

"Don't we all?"

He nodded. "True enough." He squinted, regarded me and Mason, and lightly chuckled. "I feel good about the two of you, but I need those checks. Here's what I can give you tonight. I am part of an organization that thrives to stay in the shadows. Their power exists because of their discretion. If everything I find works out, I'd happily introduce you to the board and see what we could do about lining your pockets some more."

It was as good as we were going to get. Mason held out his hand. "Thank you, Harper."

Harper stood and took Mason's hand. "My pleasure. Now, Penny will call you tomorrow; leave your number with Elliott." He motioned to the man who had brought us here. He was so quiet, I hadn't even heard him re-enter the room.

"Will do, thank you for your time." We said our good-byes and followed Elliott out.

Back downstairs we gave Elliott our number and Shep pulled up, acting appropriately as our driver.

Once inside the vehicle, I took a breath for what felt like the first time.

Noel had already set things up on the off chance someone would look into us, so I had no worries there.

"Were either of you able to get a bug in Harper's office?" Angel asked after we returned to the safe house and filled him in on everything.

"While JJ brilliantly kept him occupied by finessing him, I was able to slip one under the chair I was in. There wasn't a chance to get one anywhere else." Mason shrugged.

Before we'd left Noel had handed us each a few bugs. Said if we got ourselves into any place that would be a great spot to stick one, we should. The foyer and banquet room weren't ideal, but the elevator and office were. Elliott was watching us like a hawk in the elevator and Harper had all my attention, so thank goodness for Mason.

"Excellent." Gabe kissed the top of his head.

"Well, since we're waiting on Penny, Noel and I are going to see what our lovely intel has found while we've been gone." Nick grabbed a groaning Noel by the wrist and dragged him upstairs.

"It's late, and I'm tired." Mason stood. "I'll see you all in the morning." Gabe and Mason left, followed by Angel and Maxwell.

Four was still there, staring at me. His brows furrowed.

"Everything okay, Four?"

"They took the girls to a good house?"

Sighing, I inched closer to him and sat. "I hope what Harper said was true, but Mason and I will find out soon."

"I hope they went to a nice home."

"Me too. Come on, I'll get your pill so you can sleep. Everything will look better in the morning."

"It will?" Four tilted his head.

"I don't actually know; my mom always said that."

"I'll meet you in our room." Shep smiled and left me and Four to our nighttime ritual.

He took his pill, then went about brushing his teeth and changing while I waited for him in his room. After he was in bed, he looked at me.

"No one ever tucked me in. I mean maybe they did, but I don't remember. I know I'm not a baby, I'm grown, but it's nice when you do it."

Grinning, I leaned close and he let me hug him. "I'm glad I found you that day, Four." I sat up.

"Even if it kills you?"

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Sleep tight."

I shut the door and headed to the bedroom, where I found Shep already lightly snoring in bed.

I got ready for bed and slid under the covers. Shep automatically turned and pulled me to him, humming happily once he had me close.

Sleep didn't find me very easily. I kept replaying what Four had asked me. Was it worth finding him that day if it meant it could get me killed? I realized it didn't matter because I wouldn't have been able to walk away from anyone in that condition.

Shep's phone buzzed on his nightstand, and I ignored it. I closed my eyes only to hear it buzz two more times; followed by my own.

I was able to reach mine and read the text.

I can't reach Shep, he must be sleeping. Something weird happened and I need some advice. Can one of you call me in the morning?

The text was from Lizzy. I texted back.

Shep's asleep, is it an emergency?

No. It can wait. Have him call in the morn. Night.

It was probably an issue with the shop but I trusted Lizzy that it wasn't a big deal, so I put my phone on the charging mat and nestled into Shep's warm embrace, sleep finally claiming me.