Page 24

Kruger steps back as Midas folds his arms over his chest, his jaw ticking. “Legs wouldn’t say anything if she thought I might get into trouble, and after what went down at the precinct before, she knows I’d go in and tear the place apart.”

Havoc licks his lips. “Tink would. Mostly because she’d worry about the others being targeted, not because she was being targeted herself,” Havoc admits.

I shake my head, really thinking about what they’re saying. They’re right. “Lil wouldn’t have done anything that might have exposed her.”

G eyes me. “You think James bought them off?”

“I think they sound like corrupt cops, the exact kind James likes. At this point, I’d be more surprised to find out he didn’t.”

He nods. “I’ll look into their finances. Don’t want ELM taking risks that might put them out of commission.”

Kruger’s cellphone pings. He pulls it out, reading the text received. “Nathan is just pulling up to the station now. Says there is a lot of traffic in the parking lot, far more than usual.”

“Reporters?”

“Nathan thinks Feds.”

“Fuck. I’m heading down to the station too.”

“You kick off, you could make this worse for her,” Havoc warns.

“I’m used to following orders, even those I don’t agree with. I know when to keep my mouth shut, even if I think it’s the wrong call. But I’m never going to let her think I’ve abandoned her. I won’t be that guy.”

Havoc runs his hand through his hair but nods. “Fine. Keep your nose clean.”

I nod, heading back toward the warehouse, but I don’t grab my bike. I jog through and head to my apartment. I open the door and find Lucy sitting there as if waiting for me. “Got a job for you, girl. Wanna go see Lil?”

She wags her tail and follows as I walk through to my office space. I pull out the items that have been waiting for me since we arrived back from Atlanta. I slip the vest over Lucy, followed by the harness. I check the paperwork and shove it in my pocket. Lucy follows me out the door, staying at my side until we reach the truck. I pull the rear passenger door open and wait for Lucy to hop up. I clip her harness to the dog seatbelt attachment and close the door.

Midas laughs at me as I walk around to the driver’s seat and climb in. “That’s fucking genius. When did you get it?”

“I know a guy. Might not be legal, but since when has that stopped us?” I give him a wry look, daring him to argue with me.

He holds his hands up in surrender. “I kinda wish we thought of it sooner.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered. Much as I’d love to get them made for all the women, just in case, Lucy has only really bonded with Lil.”

“No, I get it. Go get her to Lil. Nobody is gonna fuck with her with Lucy watching.”

“That’s the plan.”

He taps the side of the truck as he steps back, leaving me space to reverse out of the spot and turn around. Tick, one of the newer prospects, nods and opens the gate for me. I make my way to the station, keeping to the speed limit. I won’t risk getting pulled over because that would mean breaking my word to Lil about being there for her. Like I already told Havoc, I won’t be that guy. And I meant it.

There are no parking spots at the station. Nathan wasn’t kidding. I drive to the end of the street and around the corner, having to drive all the way past the high school. There is no parking on this road other than for pick-ups and drop-offs. Turning once more, I park in the first space and place the permit on the dashboard, indicating I can park here thanks to Lucy’s service jacket.

I jump out and unhook Lucy before clipping her lead to her harness. I walk back the way we came, passing the high school, not due out for a while yet. The road is relatively quiet for now. I pick up the pace to a light jog, a sense of urgency pressing on me that doesn’t ease even when we do make it to the station. I arrive at the same time as a man, built like a brick shithouse in a tailored suit, reaches for the door. He takes me in, his eyes moving to my cut before they drop to Lucy. “Powers, right?”

“I know you?”

“As you haven’t been arrested yet, no. I’m Lane, lawyer for the Raven Souls. I’m here to see my client.”

“Lil. She’s my old lady. This is her service dog, Lucy.”

His eyes zero in on Lucy again, taking in her jacket, labeling her as just that. If he knows who I am and he knows my story, he’ll know who Lucy is. I’ll give the guy credit—he says nothing to refute my claim.

“How is she with strangers?” he asks quietly.

“If nobody fucks with her, she’ll be fine. The jacket tells people to back the fuck off. If they mess with her, that’s on them.”