Chapter 1329:
Cohen’s hand went instinctively to his stubbled chin. Years on the run had trained him to interpret any strange behavior as a w in his disguise, and for this reason, he was always on alert.
“Thank you, Mr. Archer,” Jarrod said. He held out his hand. “Hand over the case. I need to do this on my own.”
Cohen pulled the suitcase away. “You little rascal!”
Jarrod’s reaching hand found only air. “We just got here and you’re trying to shake me off? Didn’t I spell everything out during the trip?”
“You did. I heard every word,” Jarrod said, moving closer to grab the case’s handle. “But I can’t let you get mixed up in this. I’m thankful you brought me this far, but the thing is, I’m about tomit murder.”
Cohen shook his wrist. “Humph! Let go!” He yanked the case back easily. “Your family helped me once. Anyway, you’re in no shape for this. One shot and the recoil will put you on your back. You’ll miss your chance and won’t have the strength to try again.”
A bitter smile crossed Jarrod’s face. He knew Cohen was telling the truth.
His shoulder wound hadn’t healed yet, and each breath sent a de of pain through him.
Still, one shot was all he needed. His aim didn’t worry him at all.
The rifle was loaded with buckshot. At ten meters or less, he wouldn’t miss.
Jarrod’s eyes went to the reception staff. He tried another argument. “I’ve only got one invitation, though. There’s no way we both get inside.”
Cohen followed his gaze andughed. “That’s your concern? Go in through the front. I’ll find my own way and meet you inside. You don’t trust me? This ce was built years ago and I watched them build it. It used to be amunity college, actually. I studied here.” His voice rang with confidence. He hoisted the case and walked in the opposite direction.
Jarrod stood frozen, his gaze jumping between the reception desk and Cohen’s retreating figure.
Step into a new journey on .con
Finally, he dropped the invitation card on the ground and ran after Cohen. “I’ming with you. If you can’t get in, I won’t get my hands on what’s in that case.”
“You rascal,” Cohen muttered with a snort. “At least you know when to think straight. The whole way here, you never once mentioned who this enemy is.” He gave Jarrod’s shoulder a pat. “We’re partners now, so shouldn’t you fill me in?”
Jarrod flinched. “Watch the shoulder,” he said, his eyes bloodshot. “You’ll meet her soon enough. She’s a terrible woman. My younger sister was driven away because of her. Then my parents went over a cliff because of her, too.”
Cohen stopped walking. His mind went back to the days when he’d hidden out at Richard’s house.
Maia, Jarrod’s sister, hade by to see him. She’d brought him food. Cohen could still picture her smile. The Morgan family’s troubles now weighed on him, making him grip the case harder. “What happened to your sister? Where is she?”
Another bitter smile appeared on Jarrod’s face. He gave no answer.
Cohen decided not to push for more information. Instead, he walked faster.
“A hidden entrance runs through the garden up ahead. It takes us straight inside.”
Meanwhile, at the gazebo, Ethan remained seated on the cold tiles.
.
.
.