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)
“She’s strong, Major. She gets the chance, Craig will eat his balls.”
My lips twitch at the reference, and I kiss her forehead quickly. “We’ll find them.”
“I’ll catch up when Rich shows.”
At that, we’re gone, my phone ringing as we jump in the truck, Boyd’s station number on the display.
“Capt, we got news.”
“So do I.” The harsh strain in his voice shuts me up. “I got Darla Strauss in my office right now, looking like she went three rounds with Holyfield.”
“Jewls—”
“A madman has abducted Jewls and Rowan because he’s waist-deep in debt to people who want the money he’s been promising for weeks. Word spread fast. His motion to dismiss was denied, and they reached out to express their disapproval that he brought attention to himself carelessly. They want their money. Gave him until tomorrow. He flipped, went to his lawyer, demanding she give him everything she knows.”
“Knows about what?”
“Apparently, Miss Strauss has a knack for getting information illegally and knew about the arrest warrant on Craig Johns. She approached him, offering counsel. He figured out quickly she had personal involvement in this case, wanting to embarrass and discredit the department in an effort to exact revenge on you.”
“So, he wanted to know about me?”
“He wanted to know about any involvement with Rowan. Since he was beating the shit out of her while stating his demands, this doesn’t technically fall under attorney-client privilege. She broke, telling him what she knew, hoping he’d have mercy.”
“Fucking shit.”
“He showed mercy after shoving a gun in her mouth while he got off on his power. When I say got off, you can imagine what a man like him with a beautiful woman would do.”
Bile rises in my throat, and a sense of compassion I didn’t know existed stirs in my chest. I shove it back, thinking about the woman I’m marrying and our kids.
“Hayes Security has point.”
“Heard that.”
“We’re headed to Rowan’s house now.”
“I’ll meet you there after I get Miss Strauss situated with a detective to make a formal statement.”
Jesus, what do I say to that?
“Call her parents. They may have fucked me over, but they love their daughter. She’ll need support. She fights you on it, do it anyway.”
“Son, the woman in my office has no fight left in her. Think about that on your quest for revenge.”
The line goes dead and I blow out a breath.
“Do not tell me that bitch is involved in this,” Ford growls.
“She’s more than involved.” I relay the information, watching the slightest flit of sympathy pass over their faces. My instincts finally make an appearance and thoughts piece together. “Premeditated.”
“Powers, I’m driving and can’t get a read on you from up here. Want to share more?” Talon probes.
“Been trying to get in this guy’s head, figure out what triggered him. He hires a man to break into Rowan’s house, going after her antique jewelry she refused to part with. The guy fails because the safe is not where it is supposed to be. He’s interrupted mid-robbery and beats her. Johns didn’t account for that. Whether his alibi is credible doesn’t matter; he thinks he’s untouchable. So much so, he initiates contact to get into her house and scope out where she moved the safe, probably planning another attempt. He discovers the jewelry was moved and can’t outright ask about it. Instead, he lashes out, acting like the asshole he is.
“The robber gets sloppy and arrested for another crime and turns for a lesser plea. A loose end that chinks the well-planned theft. It takes time to trace back the pay-off Johns made. Johns thinks he’s in the clear until his arrest, and a lawyer appears out of nowhere, dangling dismissal charges in his face. Once again, he’s unattainable. Then he finds out Rowan is close with a crew of cops that had her back after the assault and have been watching out for her. His dismissal is denied, and he knows he’s fucked.”
Talon swings into Rowan’s driveway, and we all pile out, rushing the door. It’s unlocked and the inside of her place has been tossed. The suitcases in the hallway are busted open and clothes strewn everywhere. The safe is wide open and empty.
“Excuse me, can I help you?”
We all whip to the open doorway to find an elderly woman observing harshly. She’s holding tight to her phone in one hand and two leashes in the other. Balls of white and black fur yap loudly, trying to get loose.
“Can I help you?” I counter.
“You can tell me what you fellas are doing right now before I call the police!”
Talon takes over, finding his charm and flashing a warm smile. “Lucky for you, ma’am, we are the police. Looking for the woman who lives here.”
She leers skeptically until Ford flashes his badge. Her eyes brighten, but her body stays tense. “What do you want with Rowan?”