Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
I was more scared now than I’d been then, though. Worst-case scenarios raced through my brain, each more awful than the one before. And my fear intensified when another two days passed without hearing from him.
One missed check-in was bad.
Two meant something had gone horribly wrong.
Dad had warned me that there might be rare times when he had to go completely dark while on a mission, so I wasn’t supposed to immediately assume he was in trouble. But he had promised that even in those scenarios, he would do whatever it took to get word to me that he was okay by the next check-in.
That hadn’t happened, which meant it was time for me to head to the bank to open the safe deposit box he told me about. Both of our names were on it, and we each had a key. He got it at a branch neither of us used, so I wasn’t sure where to go when I walked through the door.
“Can I help you?”
At the question, I turned to look at an older woman seated behind a desk to my left. Pasting a smile on my face, I replied, “Yes, I need to access a safe deposit box.”
“Oh, you’ll need to see Harold for that. He’s the assistant manager and the keeper of the guard key while our manager is out,” she explained as she pointed toward an office behind her. “I’ll buzz him to let him know what you need.”
“Thanks.”
“While you wait, I just need to confirm your identity, my dear. May I see your driver's license please?”
A few minutes later, Harold came out of his office. After confirming that my name was on the account, he guided me toward the back of the bank, where the safety deposit boxes were kept in a vault. As we walked inside, he asked, “You have your key?”
“Yes, sir.” I lifted my hand to show it to him.
“Good.”
We unlocked the box by inserting both keys and turning them simultaneously. Then he pulled it out and walked me over to a private booth.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, my palms getting sweaty as I wondered what awaited me.
As soon as I was alone, I lifted the lid and peered into the box. All I found were two envelopes, one addressed to me and the other to someone named Connor Kingsley. My curiosity was tangible, but I didn’t want to open my envelope until I was in the safety of my car and didn’t need to pretend everything was okay as I walked through the bank lobby.
After tucking the contents of the box in my purse, I slammed the lid shut and jumped out of my seat.
Harold was waiting for me when I opened the door. “All done?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yup.”
I followed him back in the vault to lock the box, even though it was now empty. Then I headed outside and slid into the driver’s seat of my SUV. My fingers trembled as I pulled the envelope with my name on it out of my bag. I would’ve preferred to read it at home, away from any curious passersby, but I couldn’t wait that long to see what my dad had to say.
Ripping the envelope open, I tugged a slip of paper out, tears welling in my eyes at the familiar scrawl in black ink. I wasn’t much of a crier, but this was an unusual situation.
I sniffled them back as I traced a finger over the letters, then pulled myself together so I could actually read the note.
Stella my bella,
When I placed these envelopes in the safety deposit box, I hoped that you would never need to follow the protocol I put in place to retrieve them. But you know what I always say about backup plans…always have a bunch of them. It’s better to be prepared than caught unaware.
Writing this, I have no way of knowing what went wrong or who I can trust. Which is why I need you to go to the address on the other envelope and ask for Connor Kingsley.
He was always a man of his word, even more so after he left this world. Betrayal will do that to a man.
Getting in to see Connor might not be easy, but you’re a smart girl. I know you can do it.
He learned the hard way that trust shouldn’t come too easily, so don’t take it personally if he isn’t very welcoming at first. He’ll understand when you tell him Guardian.
I’ve done a lot of things during my time with The Company, but none of those accomplishments measure up to the pride I have in you. Being your dad is my most important mission. There’s nothing more important to me than making sure you’re protected.
Be safe,
Dad
I had no clue who Connor Kingsley was, but if my dad trusted him, then so did I.