Free Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) by Brooke Page Page A

ride was silent until we were halfway home, then our festered anger got the best of us.
    “Don’t get caught up with Mitch.” The temper that Nathan was trying to hold in still seeped through his words.
    “Excuse me?”
    “You heard me.” His grip on the steering wheel caused his knuckles to turn white. “He’s not stable right now. Tyler and I think he’s using again.”
    I scoffed. “I know users, I’ve seen them one too many times, and he is not using.” I closed my eyes, trying to erase the memories from my head.
    “Oh really?” His tone pissed me off.
    “Yes, Nathan. I did a work study program at a police department my junior year of high school. I’ve seen junkies strung out on all sorts of drugs.” I hated talking about that time in my life, a time I so desperately wished I could take back.
    “You lied to me today,” Nathan said as we arrived at the condo.
    He shut off the car and opened his door, slamming it shut. I huffed and reached for the handle, wanting to open my own door. I met him head on, the only object between us being the door.
    “You lied. You told me everything went fine today,” Nathan growled. I scrunched my eyes in confusion. “About Mitch and Kobiashi!” Nathan shouted in frustration.
    I rolled my eyes and walked around him, slamming the door in the process. “Don’t ignore this. That was a poor decision not to tell your CEO that his site manager mouthed off to his biggest client.”
    I stopped in my tracks, halfway up the steps to the condo. My hands found my hips as I stared down at Nathan. “One, don’t turn this into any bullshit job situation, and two, Kobiashi was a dick to your brother. He could use some harsh words sent in his direction.”
    “No, and no.” Nathan scolded. “This IS work related. We may be friends, but we will always be work associates. As long as you’re working under me, honesty is crucial. If I can’t trust you’ll tell me the truth, especially when it deals with our biggest client, don’t think I won’t get rid of you.” His blue eyes were as cold as ice.
    Fortunately, I had the fire to put them out.
    “I’m the most trustworthy person on your team. Don’t ever fucking threaten to replace me, Nathan. You’ll regret it the rest of your life. I told you, Kobiashi was being a jerk. He needs a challenge. That’s the type of man he is. If anything, Mitch will always be someone Kobiashi can respect because he stood up to him. He didn’t jump when Kobiashi said how high. He gave him the facts, and still said it’d be possible. You can’t always give a client what they demand, Nathan.”
    “There’s still a certain way to handle it. Mitch was rude, not professional. I just spent twenty minutes trying to reassure Kobiashi everything would be fine.”
    “Did he ask for a new on-site manager?” I challenged.
    Nathan’s jaw ticked in irritation. “No.”
    I raised a brow, proving my point. Nathan sighed in frustration with his fists balled to his sides. He knew I was right, and that was something Nathan never handled well.
    “You still need to stay away from Mitch.”
    I spun on my heel to go inside. I didn’t need to be lectured by Nathan anymore.
    “He may not be using, but he’s involved with Chino and his drug scheme in Grand Rapids. Besides, he only sleeps with whores.”
    “And what exactly would you consider a whore? A one night stand?” I spat, throwing my purse on the table. Nathan closed and locked the door, then proceeded to undo his tie.
    “You’re too good for him, Jamie.”
    “Who said I was into him? He’s obnoxious and conceited, just like his brother.”
    “I may be obnoxious and conceited, but I’m not a drug dealer.”
    “Give me a break. Mitch isn’t smart enough to deal drugs. I’d sure hope you’d be able to figure that out.” I scoffed, flopping down on the couch. Nathan stood in front of me with his arms crossed. He was prepared to keep arguing, and I really wasn’t in the mood.
    “Someone is