Page 74 of Savagely Scarred

Her leg is bouncing and she’s playing with her fingers, spinning her lotus ring. I want to comfort her, but I hold back in front of Roberts.

“They’re placing UCs in every park at night. The commissioner still doesn’t want this to hit the public yet. He doesn’t want to evoke panic.”

“But he’s okay with risking women’s lives until he’s caught?” Liv snaps.

“His goal is to apprehend him before it gets leaked to the press.” Roberts’ jaw ticks.

“And let me guess… We’re still not allowed to help with the investigation?”

Roberts looks up at me under his lashes, his lips forming a straight line. His silence screams the answer.

“This is bullshit,” I spit.

“Yeah, but I could be the decoy,” Liv suggests.

I whip my head towards her. “Absolutely not.”

“Sage, it would be different than with Lucchese. There would be a whole team of undercover officers surrounding me.”

“And it would only take two seconds for him to kill you. NO.”

She sighs heavily. “You can’t protect me forever.”

I stand and look down at her, clenching my jaw.

“Well, I’m damn sure going to try,” I promise before walking out of the office.

Victor Parelli has been slipping through our fingers for years. He changes his drug smuggling locations so frequently, that by the time we find one, they’ve already cleaned house. He’s used autobody shops, laundry mats, and various types of restaurants for the fronts of his operations.

This latest one happens to be located in China Town. Dylan parks the armored truck around the corner from the restaurant out of sight. Axel’s team is flanking the back of the building in the alleyway.

We can’t just go barging in without cause, so Liv and I are going undercover. Since it’s the middle of summer, we can’t exactly hide our guns under jackets. They’re tucked away in the large purse she slings over her shoulder. We exit my Charger parked across the street, looking like an ordinary happy couple.

I lace my fingers through hers while we wait at the intersection. My gaze lifts to the hundreds of colorful lanterns strung from one side of the street to the other. Pops of red, green and gold on the buildings and signs make the street feel warm and inviting. People wander about talking and laughing like there isn’t something sinister hiding in plain sight.

Once we cross the street, I look up at the building across from the restaurant we are about to enter. Lorenzo is in position on the roof and I give him a slight nod. The rest of the squad is waiting in the truck for our signal.

I hold the door open for Liv and we enter the establishment. The hostess seats us at a table near the back of the dining room, per our request. She sets her purse on the table, so we are both able to reach it if needed.

I pick up the plastic menu and pretend to peruse the listed items. My eyes lock onto two men seated at a table behind Liv. They’re quietly arguing in Italian, gesturing aggressively with their hands.

“Oooo, this sounds good.” Liv’s eyes light up, reading the menu.

I lower my voice. “You know we’re not actually eating, right?”

“I’m hungry.” She pouts.

“You’re hanging out with Dorian too much.” I chuckle.

“She’s learning from the best,” Dorian chirps through my earpiece.

“Dorian! Keep the line clear,” Dylan scolds.

Liv bites her bottom lip and laughs silently. She pulls out her phone and types something. My phone pings and I open her message.

Is it Victor?

I glance up at the men again. The one who is facing my direction is definitely not our guy. I haven’t been able to see the other one’s face yet. I type out a reply to her.