A Matter Of Justice (Grey Justice #4)(24)

“But you just got here.”

“I know…I just wanted to see you. I was in the States and…”

“And?” Kennedy said.

“Just wanted to say hi,” she finished lamely.

“That’s it?”

“That, and I also wanted to ask you to talk to Grey, convince him to take all precautions. Tell him not to trust anyone but his closest advisers. There could be moles or spies in the organization. Tell him—”

“Why don’t you tell him yourself?”

Ignoring the question, she continued, “And tell Nick, too. He’ll rein Grey in if he thinks he’s putting himself too much at risk.”

“We will all look out for Grey, Irelyn. But who’s looking out for you?”

“I can look after myself. Just be on guard. Okay?” She took a step toward the front door.

“Wait. You can’t leave without meeting Isabella.”

It took extreme effort for Irelyn to say, “Maybe next time. I have a flight to catch.”

“So you won’t be seeing Grey?”

“No.” Ignoring the hurt in Kennedy’s eyes, she said sincerely, “I’m happy for you and Nick. You both deserve happiness. And congratulations on your daughter. She’s a very lucky little girl to have you both as parents.”

“Irelyn,” Kennedy said softly, “why did you come here? Really.”

She looked out into the neighborhood with its two-and three-car garages, manicured lawns, flower gardens, and young children playing hopscotch on the sidewalk. So lovely, so simple. So very far away from what she had known. What she was returning to.

“Irelyn?”

She shook herself and turned back to Kennedy. Getting sentimental would help no one. “Please, just make sure Grey understands that he needs to be careful. Extra careful. All precautions must be taken. He won’t listen to me, but he’ll listen to you and Nick. Whoever is behind this attempt won’t stop until he’s successful. Tell him. Okay?”

She walked toward the porch steps, her mind a jumble of emotions. There were many things she wanted to say to this woman she never planned to see again. If she said them, though, there would be more questions. Besides, it would be an indulgence. One she couldn’t afford.

“Wait.” Worry clouded Kennedy’s lovely brown eyes. “Whatever happened between you and Grey…it can be fixed.”

“No, it can’t, but thank you for your concern.”

“Nothing is irrevocable, Irelyn.”

So much innocence and optimism in that statement. Another reason she admired Kennedy so much. She had gone through the darkest of the dark, but because of her strength and resilience, she had walked back into the sunshine. That took courage.

“Talk to Grey,” Kennedy urged. “You can work things out. I know you can. He cares for you so much.”

Irelyn knew that without a doubt. Hoping to convey her thoughts in a way Kennedy might understand, she said, “Have you ever played solitaire?”

Confusion flickered on Kennedy’s face. “Yes, of course.”

“Ever notice that with just one wrong move, you can lose the game?”

“Yes, but life isn’t a game.”

“Of course it is. Some people are just better at it than others. You and Nick, though—you’re good at it. I’m really happy for you.”

“Is that what happened? You or Grey made a wrong move? You did something you regret? He did something to hurt you? Whatever happened can be fixed.”

“I can’t fix what I did…some things can’t be changed. They are what they are.”

“What did you do that can’t be fixed? What is it you think Grey can’t forgive you for?”

“I killed his parents.”

The words had spilled from her mouth before she knew she planned to say them. She didn’t wait to see the shock and horror on Kennedy’s face. She strode quickly to her car. Jumping in, she took off without a backward look. She shouldn’t have said anything. Spontaneous outbursts like that were dangerous. They not only caused problems, they cost lives.

She blew out a cleansing breath. Okay, she had done what she came to Dallas to do. Now on to the next part. The part that would not only resolve her past, but would also save Grey’s life. She planned to accomplish both, even at the cost of her own life. It was the very least she could do.





Chapter Ten





With a controlled violence, Grey pounded his fists into the taut leather boxing bag. The only sounds in the empty gym were the heavy thumps of his fists and the rasping breaths of a frustrated, exhausted man.

He threw one last punch and caught the violently swinging bag before it could come back and knock him to the floor. Grabbing hold with his arms, he leaned his face against the cool surface and breathed out harsh, heavy breaths. Beating the shit out of an inanimate object was a helluva lot safer but not nearly as satisfying as destroying the person who was trying to destroy him. It was, however, all he had right now.

The list of suspects was frustratingly long but they still had nothing concrete. He had enemies all around the globe. There were, however, only a few who would go to the trouble and expense to hire an assassin. Those few were being investigated thoroughly. While there had been some surprises, such as secret mistresses and illegal business practices, he had yet to uncover anyone who had recently hired a hit man.