“This isn’t a joke. You should get out, too.”
She glanced at Angel. She had the strangest look on her face. Could she hear Zach? Or was she tuning into some other, gifted-only channel?
Micki turned her back to the girl, put some distance between them. “Get out? What are you talking about?”
“They’ve been manipulating both of us. Lying and—”
“You were with Parker this afternoon. What did he say to you?”
“Parker’s a douche, Sixers is a sham. I’m going home.”
“That’s crazy, Zach. You can’t do this.”
“Not leaving is what would be crazy. Get out now. Come with me.”
“Come with you? What for? What would I do?”
“We’re partners, we’d figure it out.”
“You made a commitment. To Sixers. To Miller and Putnam.” She lowered her voice. “To Angel.”
“I know things now, Mick. They can’t be beaten.”
“Who can’t?”
“Dark Bearers. Game’s already over.”
His words affected her like a punch to the gut. She struggled a moment to find her breath.
“So you give up? That’s why the game’s over, why—”
“You don’t understand.”
“You’re right, you son of a bitch, I don’t. And here I actually started believing in you and your hocus-pocus bullshit. You’re just as shallow and self-absorbed as I thought.”
“There’s nothing wrong with wanting my life back. You don’t need me. You’re the ace on this team, I’m the joke. You’ve got this, Mick.”
She didn’t have it. Not this time. Not without him.
She closed her eyes, struggling to muster the courage to tell him. To expose herself, make herself vulnerable.
Admit weakness.
Mad Dog Dare was scared shitless.
“Mick?”
She opened her eyes. She couldn’t do it. “I made a commitment. To protect and serve. Serve even when the very ones I try to help curse me. When it’s not glamorous and there’s no applause. You made that commitment, too.”
“Angel is safe with you now,” he said. “But not for long. That’s what Parker said. Stash her with someone you trust, someone who’s never met me.”
“I was right about you. You’re a quitter. The going got tough and you—”
“Parker will replace me. You’ll be fine.”
But she wouldn’t. And she couldn’t tell him that.
“I’m sorry, Mick.”
“Don’t you hang up. Don’t you—”
But it was too late. He already had. Quit on her. Left. Another letdown in a long line of letdowns by men.
Her cell, still in her hand, vibrated. “Harris,” she answered, “you son of a bitch, don’t you ever—”
“Micki? It’s me, Jacqui.”
Disappointment so bitter it stung. Her legs felt weak and she crossed to the couch and sat. “Jax, hey. What’s up?”
“I’m calling about your birthday. What was that all about?”
“My partner’s an asshole. I thought he was calling to apologize.”
“Gotcha. So, Zander and I want to take you out for your special day. He made you something, but don’t let him know I told you.”
“I can’t, not tomorrow or Saturday. This investigation—”
She stopped, remembering what Zach had said, about moving Angel. “I need a favor, Jax.”
“Anything, Micki. You know that.”
“I need someone to stay with you for awhile, for safekeeping. She’s in some trouble. There’s a— I really need your help.”
“Sure. Of course. When—”
“Tomorrow, early. Say seven.”
She ended the call, and turned to find Angel sitting on the floor, pressed into a corner, knees drawn to her chest.
She lifted her gaze to Micki’s. “I heard what you said. You’re sending me somewhere else.”
“Yes.”
“I like it here.”
“You’re not safe. Not long term.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“He’s coming back.”
“Zach?” She shook her head. “No. He’s not.”
“He promised me he would.”
“Promises don’t mean much to some people, Angel. Zach’s one of those people.”
“No.” She jutted out her chin, though Micki saw that it trembled. “He’ll be back. I know he will.”
Micki felt for the girl. She understood. She’d been disappointed by every man in her life—except one. And he’d left her too, though through no fault of his own.
After awhile, you just have to harden yourself. But she wasn’t about to say that to Angel. Instead, she crossed to her and held out a hand to help her up. “Maybe you’re right. Come on, let’s order that pizza.”
Angel took her hand and stood. “I am. You’ll see.”
Chapter Fifty-two
Friday, July 19
7:02 A.M.
The next morning, Alexander greeted them at the door. Jacqui hovered behind him, looking anxious.
He launched himself at her. “Happy birfday, Auntie Mouse!”
She scooped him up, spun him around. “Thank you, sweetheart!”
He squirmed for her to let him go. “I made you a cawd. It has lots of glitter ’n a picture of Thomas! I glued it myself.”