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)
“Yeah, well, you get your asses back here unscathed, and we’ll test that theory.”
“Aww, Hal, you worried about us?” Talon puts his hand over his heart. “I knew we were your favorites.”
“You keep thinking that. Last time the four of you went to help Uncle Sam, two of you came back with bullet holes.”
He may be a hard-as-nails trainer, but his concern is clear.
This afternoon, the four of us report to the Marine Reserves for our monthly drill. It’s the first time returning since the incident in Columbia. Unlike before, we are no longer under the same special terms.
“Our roles changed,” I remind Hal.
“Don’t care. You crazy fuckers can find a way to get in trouble.”
“We’re leading the instructional training this weekend, not much trouble,” Talon says, reaching for Hal’s shoulder. “We’ll be back on shift Tuesday, fighting crime and saving the city from corruption.”
Hal swats his hand away and shakes his head. “Lord, help us if we rely on you to save the city.”
“We’ll be good. This is a cakewalk compared to the actual drills,” I assure him.
“Enjoy your cakewalk, but come back in one-piece with no wounds and close some cases.”
He jerks his chin, leaving as my phone rings with an unknown number.
“Powers,” I answer.
“Major, hey, this is…” The soft, sweet voice is recognizable.
“Rowan, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m calling from the studio phone.”
“Okay, is there a reason?”
“Because I watch too many cop shows and am paranoid.”
I cut my eyes to Talon, who’s alert and motions in a circle with his finger.
“Talon’s here with me. Can I put you on speaker?”
“Yes.”
I click over, raising the volume. “Why are you paranoid, Rowan?”
“I debated whether to call you.”
“Never debate. You have anything on your mind, call us. Talon, Ford, Ace, me—whoever you want.”
“I feel silly, especially since my last revelation turned into a bust. But I received a text from Craig this morning.”
“Your last revelation wasn’t a bust; it’s just taking longer to roll on the lead. What did Craig want?”
“He wants to come to my house. The text said he can’t find his dad’s watch, and he thinks it may be here,” she pauses, sucking in a shaky breath, “in the safe.”
“Did he keep it in the safe?”
“No, only my jewelry is in there.”
“And is that why you’re paranoid?”
“Normally, it wouldn’t register as weird, but he didn’t mention looking anywhere else but the safe. Plus, he’s been gone for months, and that watch wasn’t important to him. It was a hand-me-down that he tossed in a drawer.”
“Rowan, have you heard from him since the break-up?”
“Just the few times after I kicked him out, and he told me I was losing the best thing that would ever happen to me.”
“Narcissistic asshole.”
“You nailed him.”
“He hasn’t contacted you since the attack?”
“No, but Ford told me he wasn’t happy being questioned.”
“Ford told you that?”
“I kinda pressed for information.”
I glance at Talon, who’s thinking the same thing. Rowan has no idea how beautiful she is. It wouldn’t take much pressing to influence Ford. One look with her big blue eyes, and any man would eat out of her hand.
“Plus, he alibied out with that woman. It’s a moot point,” she adds quickly.
“Maybe, but you did the right thing calling us.”
“Major, I don’t want him in my house. Nor do I want to be around him.”
Then it hits me what today is.
“You getting your cast off this morning?”
“Yes.”
An idea comes to mind, and I scribble a note for Talon.
Do we push this?
“Hell yes,” he mouths.
“Rowan, you think you can play this cool for long enough for us to get a read on Craig?”
“What do you have in mind?” There’s a hitch in her voice.
“Think you’ll be done with your appointment by ten?”
“Should be done by nine.”
“Text him to be at your house at ten. Talon will meet you at nine-thirty, so you’re not alone.”
“What about... the safe is here.”
“We’ll take care of a safe to put in the closet. You get ready to play the part. Think you can do that?”
“I played the part for too long. Don’t have to worry about me fumbling through it,” she answers curtly, and I grin at the salt in her voice.
“Talon’s the only one who hasn’t come into direct contact with Craig. He’ll be in plain clothes. If Craig assumes you’re together, even better.”
“Oh, God, that’s going to provoke him. Craig’s ego has no bounds. One look at Talon, and he’ll puff up like a stuffed pig. There’s no comparison.”
“Rowan, are you saying I’m attractive?” Talon teases.
“I… umm… didn’t m-m-mean to…” The stuttering stops. “Yes, you’re attractive.”
“Aww, baby, that’s the best compliment I’ve heard in a while.”
She giggles in a low, girly pitch. “I think this may actually be fun.”
“We can make it as fun as you want,” he tells her. “Let me know how far you want to go. I have no problem being your play-thing.”