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)
When I serve the drinks, Harley is eying me suspiciously. “Time to fess up. This is more than adapting.”
“I’m worried about Rowan.”
“I’ll buy that, but it’s more.”
No use holding back. “Fine, I’m worried about Rowan and Darla.”
Understanding fills her eyes and she nods. “I was wondering when you’d bring it up.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. Major killed the suggestion to talk to her. He’s not even curious about why she slithered her way into the party.”
“Achilles says he’s pissed.”
“He should be. That family is a disgrace.”
“Yes, but he’s more pissed that Darla hurt you.”
“That was an emotional overreaction. Now that I know the story, she’s an insignificant threat.”
“Maybe, but I’ve been thinking. We could do a little digging…” She trails off, and my skin prickles at the silent implication.
“We could and get our asses tanned.”
“The guys won’t know. We are two intelligent women. With the internet, the resources are endless. Plus, we have Finn and Robbie to help if we get stuck.”
“They’d rat us out in a skinny minute.”
Her smile grows wide. “I love when your Kentucky comes out.”
“Seriously, Jay. What do we say if we’re caught? At least, you know Ace would forgive you. Major may not be so forgiving.”
“Fuck that noise. He’s crazy in love with you.”
“I don’t know.”
“Not sure I like the looks of this conversation.” Talon’s voice cuts in, and we spin to find Talon and Ford watching us.
“Can you two stop blathering and take care of my bar?” Tom shouts from the service well.
We split up the bar, and I’m relieved Harley serves Ford and Talon. She has much more experience dodging their inquisition.
After everyone is taken care of, there’s no choice but to join them.
“Hey, guys, you on babysitting duty tonight?”
“More like detective duty,” Harley utters.
“What’s up?”
“You tell us,” Ford answers skeptically.
“What do you mean?”
“Jewls, what are you up to?”
“Nothing.”
Talon’s eyebrows shoot up, and I know something needs to cover any suspicion that they walked up on. “Fine, I think something is amiss with Rowan’s case.”
“It’s only a few days old. What do you know?”
“I had a revelation today in my office, looking back through her file. She claims not to have known the assailant, but this seems personal. We all know she didn’t put up much of a fight, so why did he beat her so badly? One punch or slap would have done the job, but he took several blows. And hurting her right wrist? She’s right-handed. If it was her left wrist, she could have worked. It would have sucked and her services would be limited, but she would have figured it out. Now, she can’t work, and she can’t go to her salon until her face heals.”
“All this your professional opinion?”
“Yes.”
“You tell Major your thoughts?”
“Not yet, I just reviewed the file today after speaking to her.”
They exchange a look that sends a chill down my spine.
“You’re right. And we all came to that same conclusion a few hours ago. Major’s talking to the captain tonight.”
“Told y’all she is brilliant!” Harley boasts.
“Heard all of that and agree. You know where to find me if needed,” Tom tosses out.
“Shut it down. Rich and Hotch are here.” Ford stands to greet them.
“Hey, Dad, Mr. Ellis,” Harley greets them sweetly.
“It’s Hotch, darlin’, and not to be rude, but I’ll have a double bourbon on the rocks.”
I move to the service area, and a bottle of our finest bourbon is slid in front of me. “Keep him as topped as he needs. No charge,” Tom orders.
“Big-hearted oaf.”
“Don’t let me hear that again. And whatever you and Harley are planning better be safe or I’ll wring both your necks after I fire you.”
I’ve always suspected Tom has eyes and ears all over the place, but this proves it.
“We got this, Tom. Don’t worry.”
I deliver the drink to Hotch and shoot Harley a look that she reads easily.
It’s a go.
Tom is the least of my worries if Major finds out we’re looking into Darla.
17
Major
“Oh, shit, brace,” Ford warns.
A quiet falls, the only sound is the clacking of heels on the gym floor. I recognize the rhythm of the pace without glancing.
“What in the hell are you doing?” Her squawk earns a few chuckles.
I load the weight bar in the cradle and sit up in time to watch Jewls strutting with lasers firing out of her eyes.
“Seriously, what are you doing?”
“What does it look like?”
She peers at the weights latched onto the bar, her gaze widening. “It appears you are bench pressing at least two-hundred pounds.”
I don’t correct her, seeing as she’s already worked up.
“Major, this is reckless. You had a hole in your chest.”
“Baby, today is a light day.”
“Light? You call this light?”
“I’m cleared, remember?”
“Cleared does not equal being careless in your recovery.”
Once again, Jewls has a room full of men ogling. My eyes travel over her, knowing exactly why she’s getting their attention. The wide-legged pants mold to her ass and hips like a second skin. Her pink top is a lacy material showing the black tank underneath. My cock twitches, imagining what’s beneath all the material.