"Oh, crap. What's your word worth if guns come into play?
"It wouldn't be the first time a bullet has been heading in my direction, Nat. It most likely won't be either."
She leaned back, nibbling on her lower lip.
"Look, if it'll put your mind at rest, I can leave you with someone to call if you don't hear from me in a few days."
"That will not put my mind at rest."
"You'll be a liability, all right? I can't worry about my own safety if I'm gonna have to worry about yours, too."
"But—" Her doorbell rang again, cutting off her protests. "Grand Central effing Station," she said, getting up from her chair and walking over to the speaker. "Hello?"
"Hey, sunshine. Got a minute?" It was her dad.
Nati let out a deep, tortured breath. Great. "Sure. Come on up."
Lotus scowled as she sat ba
