34

BRANDON

I contact Cassius after Alayna leaves with John.

“Where are you now, Cassius?” I ask as soon as he picks up.

“I took an immediate flight. Expect me there in ten hours. How’re the girls?”

“Alayna’s going to town now with Betty.”

“Good. What you need to do is wait,” he instructs. “I already told Oliver to call for security to escort you. You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I assure him. “No one’s tried to harm me up to this point.”

“Don’t be so sure,” he warns. “You still need to be watchful. The security will be there in an hour. Did you tell Alayna?”

“Not yet.”

“What? Brandon that is the plan. You’re there because you’re supposed to tell her.”

“But she’s not ready yet, and I can’t if she’s—” I pause, massaging the back of my neck. “She likes it here, Cassius.”

“She’s never going to be ready.” He exhales. “But there’s nothing we can do about that for now. Just stick to the plan and don’t go out alone.”

“Thank you, Cassius. I owe you this time,” I finally say, after the long cold war we just