Chapter 27

“One. I left it outside beside the back door,” Leone replied as he stood.

“How did you get here?” Paul asked, breaking off his conversation with Helen with an apology.

“I took a cab, which dropped me off three blocks from here. Believe me when I say I was not followed, either on the ride over here or the walk to the house. I do know what I’m doing.”

“I didn’t think you didn’t,” Paul replied with a slight smile before returning to his phone call.

Mark went to the back door with Leone, disarming the security box, which Paul had armed as soon as Leone was inside. Mark armed it again once Leone had retrieved his bag then took him upstairs to what would be his room for the duration.

“I am putting you out,” Leone commented as he set his bag on the dresser.

“No, no, not at all.”

Leone smiled, pointing to the bed. “Your bag was there, from the indentation in the comforter.”

Mark nodded, replying a bit defensively, “So now I’m sharing a room with Paul. Okay?”