Page 130 of Exposed

“Fuck,” I hiss. Goldie puts too much distance between us. Even though it’s only two feet, it’s too fucking much at the moment. Even though I’d put money on it, I ask, “Who?”

“Randall Becerra. We saw it go down on the pole cameras. The PD couldn’t exactly let him go after he kicked a door in.”

“Dammit. Where is he?”

“Downtown. I’ve communicated with the lieutenant that he’s our target. They’re booking him and will hold him as long as they can. We need to get down there to figure this shit out.”

I drag a hand down my face. “I can be there in twenty.”

“It’s that or explain to the Office of Professional Responsibility that you threw a chair across the fucking room because you’ve crossed the line with your confidential informant.”

“I said I’ll be there in twenty. Don’t overreact,” I bite.

Goldie glances at her phone, and I mentally add deleting her Uber app to my to-do list that’s quickly making me either the biggest pussy-whipped man on earth or the most possessive one.

Either way, I do not recognize myself.

“Make it fifteen,” Tim demands. “I’ll send Brax and Micah to Colony Park, but you need to handle this with the DA’s office. I’m covering for you left and right at the moment. I do not appreciate this kind of attention from management. You need to tighten your shit up, Jennings.”

“Got it. See you then.” I disconnect the call and turn my attention to the woman who I’d like to bottle up for safe keeping. “Cancel your Uber.”

She narrows her eyes like she’s about to lay into me again.

I stop her before she can waste the energy. “Rand is in custody.”

Her expression falls. “Why?”

“He was trying to break into your apartment. Someone called it in, probably your nosy downstairs neighbor. Rand was arrested at the scene.”

I see the panic start to bubble. “What are you going to do?”

“Relax, Goldie. I’m not some weak-ass politician. Killing someone in custody is not my jam. It’s not like I can question him, but I do need to deal with the repercussions for the case. The bad guys in custody is the end game, but we aren’t there yet.”

“He broke into my apartment?”

“Yeah. But no one knows where you are. Cancel your ride and stay here. You’ll be safe. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Whatever you do, do not leave this house.”

She crosses her arms and stares at me.

I ignore every fuck-off vibe she’s sending me and move in to press my lips to her forehead. “I’ll be back and we’ll work through everything else swirling in my gut right now.”

I wait for an answer, but the only thing I get from her is a frustrated exhale. Exasperated, she finally gives in. “Go. Just go.”

“It’s late. Make yourself at home and go to bed. I’ll join you when I get back.”

I can’t wait any longer. I give her the code to the alarm and leave. If I don’t get downtown soon, Tim will start acting like a real boss and write me up for the endless list of codes of conduct I’ve given the middle finger to.

The sooner I get this shit taken care of, the sooner I can get to the bottom of Marigold Violet Carter.

27

QUITTER

King

“You want us to what?”

I cross my arms and glance at Tim before looking back to Assistant DA Beth Magnus. “I know this looks bad.”

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