That night, Jake came by around eight. I can't say why exactly, but I was really happy to see him. I'd been on edge since Frederick had told me his news, thinking about how I was going to avoid spending the rest of my life on some island somewhere.

"We leave for Philadelphia tomorrow," Jake told me. "Can you be ready?"

"Of course he can," Frederick said in my place. "When will you be back?"

"Could be the same day, but it depends when the contact gets in touch. Sometimes I have to wait a day or two."

"I want to know what hotel you'll be staying at if you have to stay over for the night," Frederick said.

"I'll call you when we get in," I offered.

"So, let's have a drink," Frederick said to Jake. "You're welcome to stay here, get an early start in the morning."

"Yes," I piped in because Frederick was staring at me, expecting me to help him out. "It makes sense, doesn't it?"

Jake shook his head. "I'll be here early in the morning. He looked at me. "Seven o'clock."

"I asked you to stay," Frederick said. His voice sounded tense.

"I'm sorry, Frederick, I can't stay. I have to go." Jake was already headed to the door.

"You do realise," Frederick boomed from where he sat on the sofa, "that you have just insulted me."

I held my breath.

Jake paused.

"My bodyguards are outside," Frederick stood. "You're not going anywhere unless I say."

Jake turned. He actually smiled. "Let's not get nasty, Frederick. If I want to leave, I'm leaving."

I looked at Frederick. I didn't want to see Jake hurt. "Please," I said, smiling nervously, "let's not create bad blood so early in the--"

"Shut up," Frederick snapped. He fixed Jake with his gaze. "I let you fuck David. The least you could do is share a little of that with me."

"It's not going to happen," Jake replied tersely. "Now, I'll say goodnight." He opened the door.

"Boys," Frederick called out. "My guest is leaving way too soon."

"Please, Frederick, don't," I begged.

Frederick glared at me. "You're just a little too overprotective, I think." He shoved me away.

Andy and Horace were blocking Jake's path.

"Please get out of my way," Jake asked politely.

"You're not going anywhere," Andy told him.

What happened at that moment occurred too fast for me to follow, even though I saw it all in person and then on the camera.

Andy went flying. So did Horace. They tried to attack Jake again and suddenly Horace was unconscious. Andy was on his knees, with his arm twisted around his back. "I'll break his arm," Jake called out, looking into the camera. "Call them off, Frederick."

Jake was referring to the others who stood outside the gate with their guns poised.

"Put down your weapons, boys," Frederick said at the door, looking at Jake. "It seems your talents extend beyond the bedroom. Very impressive."

Jake glanced sharply at me.

I never told Frederick anything about Jake's performance the night we'd had sex.

"Make them kick their guns away and get back into the vehicle," Jake demanded.

"Do what he says, boys." Frederick sighed.

When the others were back in the vehicle, Jake released Andy and shoved him toward the door. "Go to your master, lap dog."

I watched him walk away. I didn't let out a breath until he was in his car and had driven away.