The Cartel: 2. The Lost One by Julie Christol

Author:Julie Christol [Christol, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

34

Ilana

I yawn and stretch in bed. Smiling, I realize where I am. I feel good; the future finally seems brighter. After fumbling around beside me, I sit up and search for Chase in the room. I pull back the sheets and head to the bathroom.

A deafening noise rattles the windowpane. I rush, momentarily panicked because I don't know what's happening. Once I pull back the curtains, my eyes widen as I see a helicopter flying over us before disappearing.

I put on my robe and open the door to see what's going on. As I step into the hallway, something falls at my feet. I crouch down to pick it up. It's Chase's military dog tags with his name engraved on them. As I stand up, I clutch the object in my hand and panic. Why did he leave these for me?

I put the chain around my neck, go downstairs, and see only June and Andy in the living room.

"Why did a helicopter just fly over the house?" I ask them.

June and Andy exchange a glance before June pats the seat next to her.

Tightening the folds of my robe, I walk across the room and sit down with her.

"Can you make her some tea?" June asks Andy.

He watches June for a moment before disappearing into the kitchen.

"Did you sleep well?" she asks me.

"Yes, but can you please answer me?" I reply.

"The guys are gone."

"Gone ? Where to? And Chase ?"

June takes my hand in hers.

"First, you need to relax. Chase is fine ; they just went to test the helicopter. Duke fixed it, and they haven't been able to use it for two months."

Andy, who returns, clears his throat and hands me a cup while giving June a disapproving look.

"Andy," she says with a smile.

"Weren't you supposed to go to work?" he asks her.

"Yes, but I forgot something, and I wanted to wait for Ilana to wake up. I know your delicacy," she says, laughing.

"Chase didn't even say goodbye," I mutter as I take a sip of tea. "It's really good," I add for Andy.

"Tea is my specialty!" he says with a wink.

"He didn't want to wake you up; he knows you need rest. Momentarily suspicious of June's words, I accept them for now. After all, there's no reason for them not to be true."

"Well" she says, getting up. "I really have to go. Andy, can I count on you?" she asks, furrowing her eyebrows.

"I'll watch over her."

"You know what I mean."

"I understood perfectly. Go to work, Herr General!" Andy says with a German accent.

June chuckles at the reference to her controlling nature. Duke arrives and gives me a little salute before accompanying June.

"Now we're alone" Andy says with a sigh. Some days, living with all these people tires me out. I smile a little as I finish my tea.

"I'm going to take a shower" I announce.

"I'll wait for you, we'll go for a walk afterward."

"Where to?" I ask with a smile.

"We won't leave the estate, but getting some fresh air will do you good.

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