Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“We have a scorned ex-girlfriend set on smearing this department over a low-life abuser?”
“She’s a criminal attorney wanting to free her client.”
“She’s a low-level junior attorney in a defense firm. Her caseload is DUI, DWI, non-felony drug charges, and petty theft. She went after this case.”
I roll my bottom lip through my teeth at the awareness Boyd looked into her more than I ever cared to.
“She doesn’t take rejection well.”
“Apparently, she is after revenge.”
“The case is solid without us touching it,” Ace responds.
“No more off-the-book rendezvous. Keep it clean, and for God’s sake, don’t do anything to rile this fucker up.”
“Enough about that bitch. Is Rowan safe?” Ford is riding the edge.
“Officer Flowers is visiting her now and explaining the situation. Johns claims he’s dating the woman who alibied him.”
A collective hiss echoes off the walls. It took a lot for Rowan to step out the few times she did. This could send her spiraling.
Boyd pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. “I said to keep your asses out of my case, not out of her life.”
“I’ll talk to Jewls about inviting her to stay at her place. It’s protected, and the trio of terror is better than a pack of Rottweilers.”
“She can stay with us,” Ace offers.
Ford remains static, the vein in his forehead pulsing. “I’ll talk to her. She’s staying at the house.”
Ace, Talon, and I exchange a look, no words needed.
Ford’s intentions are clear.
Boyd seems satisfied, closing the conversation down.
“Get back to work.”
We all turn, but before filing out, he calls, “One more thing. I don’t want any calls to bail your asses out of jail this weekend.”
“Ye of little faith, Peewee.” Talon clutches his chest. “Surely, you know we’re professionals.”
“I’ll stop by tomorrow night for a drink.”
“You won’t be sorry!” Talon wolf-whistles.
Hal is waiting for us in the squad room. “You all are with me tonight.”
“How’d you get so fortunate?” Talon continues his attempt to lighten the mood.
“Rare opportunity to have the four on you on the same shift. Plus, Boyd briefed me on the situation.”
“We don’t need a babysitter,” Ford objects.
“Maybe not, but you bunch of hotheads are mine, regardless. Which one of you scorned the lawyer?”
Anger beats deep in my soul, roaring in my ears.
“Never mind.” He shakes his head. “It’s always the quiet one with the burning embers.”
“There are no burning embers.”
“So, she’s out to embarrass you. Typical.”
“She can’t embarrass me because I don’t give a shit about her. This is about Rowan.”
His eyes soften with sympathy. “Trust in the department. I told Ace and Ford many months ago, pompous pricks like Craig Johns will dig their own grave. He thinks he’s untouchable, but he’ll find out who he’s dealing with.”
I nod, unconvinced, but ready to move on.
My phone beeps with an alert, indicting the keypad on my door is in use. A few seconds later, the text comes through.
I’m at your place. Tom walked us to our cars. Going to bed.
There’s a pause and the follow-up comes through.
Love you
Just like that, the anger lightens as I picture Jewls getting ready for bed.
She’s at home.
My children are safe.
A new sense of purpose kicks in.
Ford can protect Rowan.
The department can handle the case.
My job is to take care of Jewls.
“There’s the twinkle.”
I cast my eyes to Hal’s sly grin.
Talon’s phone clicks with another picture.
A smile plays on my lips, and I tuck the phone in my pocket, not even caring he’s sending this shit to our guys in MARSOC.
“We working or gabbing?”
“Well, shit, look what the cat dragged in.” Talon stands, pulling Max into a one-armed hug. “How are you, man?”
“Good, couldn’t let this pass me by.” Max pats him on the back and repeats the motion with all of us. When he gets to Ace, he holds a little longer. “All you fuckers falling prey to the disease.”
‘The disease’ as he calls it, is the distinction Finn assigned to falling into domesticity.
“You met my fiancée. You blame me?” There’s a slight slur to Ace’s response, which earns an uproar of approval from the group.
“Don’t blame you. Why haven’t you rushed her to the altar?”
“He tried, Amanda almost had a heart attack.” Rich hands Max a beer from the bucket, shooting daggers at Ace. “You deprive me the chance to walk my girl down the aisle, I’ll shoot you again.”
Finn and Robbie join the crowd, Tom filling another bucket and dipping his chin at the newcomers.
Max side-eyes me. “Heard you caught the disease, too.”
I shrug.
His mouth splits wide. “Surprised someone didn’t snatch her up while you were taking your sweet time.”
I’m about to reply there wasn’t a chance when Talon beats me to it. “Someone tried, and he nipped that shit. Throwing down in the permanent way.”
“Permanent, permanent.” Ford’s in the same state as Ace, his words splicing.
Max’s eyebrows shoot up questioningly. “How permanent?”