Page 75 of Hoofin’ It

“They gave him a glass eye. Plain glass, blue, with bubbles. That’s what they gave him. It’s an offense.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s what started the court fiasco I keep hearing about. Isn’t the goal to get him something better?”

After snorting loud enough I jumped, Ernesto bared his teeth and hissed. Marian squeaked, her gaze locked on his pronounced, jagged teeth, evidence the vampire’s hunger was on the rise.

“Is there a woman with you, Ernie?”

“She branded my cop with her teeth. So far, she’s quite entertaining and a quick study for a fed. I’m considering giving him my approval.”

Pierce remained silent for a long moment. “Approval for what?”

“Stealing his virginity. My succubi are all wailing because they didn’t have a chance to have him first.”

I slapped my forehead. “I don’t need your approval, Ernesto.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Just let him have his fun, Gibson. So who is this little lady of yours? Introduce us already.”

I hoped Marian would forgive me for involving her with another vampire crime lord. “Marian, Pierce is Ernesto’s brother. Pierce, Marian Peterson. She’s an FBI agent.”

“Finally found yourself a badge babe, huh?”

I glanced at Marian, wondering how I could answer without getting into more trouble.

“Just say yes so they shut up,” she suggested.

“Yes,” I obediently replied.

“I like her. So what’s this about Mark O’Conners taking a shot at you?”

“I accidentally acquired one of the women they were selling in their sex trafficking ring. To get her back, O’Conners gunned me down while I was hoofin’ it back to my parents’ place.”

Pierce snickered. “Your Nebraska is showing. And the girl?”

“My badge babe undercover.”

Marian scowled and drummed her fingers on the grip of her Ruger.

“You have my attention. The FBI actually got a girl into one of the rings? That’s better than they usually do. Well done, Miss Peterson. That said, as you’re Gibson’s badge babe now, I’m not sure you should continue with that specific line of work. He’s the jealous type and will kill anyone who touches you. Though if you want to bust up every ring in the United States, that would be a good way to do it.” Pierce chuckled, and the sound made my skin crawl. “You’ve asked a fun thing of me, Ernie. Are we really joining forces with an ex-cop and an FBI agent?”

“I’m fairly certain they’ll be unwilling participants in our activities. You know how these cute law enforcement types get.”

“All right. Lay it out for me from the beginning. How did you get involved? Walk us through it from the top. I’m taking notes. Ernie, I’ll send you a copy later so you have them, as I’m sure your cop isn’t done putting holes in you.”

“He said he might even let me have a taste if I’m really good.”

“One of these days he’s going to snap and kill you.”

“That day is not today. Now, to business. Tell us everything you know. It’s been too long since I’ve had a good hunt.”

Chapter Twenty-One

I managed to keep my word to Marian. We escaped from Ernesto’s brothel a little after four, blitzing through Lower Chicago to reach the FBI headquarters with five minutes to spare. Since I drove one of the FBI’s vehicles, the gate guard didn’t charge me an arm or leg to park although he directed me to Lower Chicago to reach the employee lot. Marian kept flexing her hands at every delay, which I interpreted as the woman finally reaching her limit.

I waited until I was on the road before attempting to soothe her nerves. “The questioning probably won’t be any worse than what we dealt with earlier. I can handle most of the talking if you’d like.”

“I can’t believe you’re friends with them.”