Page 146 of Exposed

“This isn’t what I expected. I think I’m more nervous than I was before.”

I glance over at Goldie and wrap my hand around hers. “Don’t be nervous. However, this is off the record.”

“King, this looks like the countryside where my mother lives. You said whoever this person is has information on Dex. I thought we’d meet them at their office or a government building. This feels like we’re walking into a trap. Are you sure we should be here?”

“This is a friend of a friend. And my friend is trustworthy. I worked with him when I was in Panama. I haven’t seen him in a couple years before this week. He picked me up from the airport to drop me at your mom’s yesterday. I told him why I was here, filled him in on my case, and he offered to look into it. He doesn’t play in the circles I do, but I trust him with my life. I’d never bring you here if I didn’t. There’s no one more legit than him.”

I take a right onto the long drive in her Honda Civic. I need tobe back in Miami, but I’m no idiot. When help like this is offered up on a silver platter, I’ll make time for it any day, any time.

An easy decision since this place is a short drive from Alina’s.

Not that I knew this place existed before I got a text in the middle of the night with a time and address. The fact I got a text in the first place was telling. My contact uncovered information that must be worth talking about. He doesn’t do anything if it’s not worth his time.

When I pull around the wooded bend, a farmhouse comes into view. It’s bigger than Alina’s but not big. Barns and outbuildings dot the landscape beyond the house through the woods.

When I throw it in park and kill the engine, Goldie turns her hand in mine and squeezes. “Are you sure about this?”

I turn to her and bite back my smile. “You don’t have to whisper.”

“But it feels like I do,” she keeps on. “There’s nothing about this place that screams official.”

I’m not about to admit it’s because there’s nothing official about it, but something gets my attention.

The front door opens, and two men walk out onto the front porch. I only know one of them. He wears a suit and a shit-eating grin when he gives me a chin lift. The other guy is in a black tee, jeans, and work boots.

“This feels like the business that went on at The Pink. Who is that?” Goldie hisses.

I put my fingers to her chin and force her to look at me. “Baby, what did I promise you last night?”

Her worried eyes frown. “To ravage me forever and ever?”

It’s my turn to lower my voice. “Don’t make me hard while we’re sitting here with those guys staring at us. I’m talking about the other part.”

“I’m guessing it’s not the part about cauliflower steaks.”

“I promised to keep you safe. And I can guarantee, you’re saferhere than anywhere. Quit with the whispering.” I tip my head to the side and motion to our audience. “If they want to hear you, they will.”

Her voice dips farther and her dark eyes saucer. “That doesn’t make me feel better.”

“It should because they play on the same team, but they can do the shit I’d get fired for doing—maybe sent to prison. And since they have a lot of shit to do, we’re wasting their time. Let’s go.” I lean in and kiss her anxiety-ridden expression before I climb out, greet the men, and walk around the hood to get her door since Goldie hasn’t moved. “Sorry. We’ll be right there.”

The guy in the jeans leans a shoulder on the rickety porch post. “I’ve got all day.”

“I don’t,” the other one mocks. “I’m important and shit.”

I open Goldie’s door and hold out my hand. “I promise.”

She finally takes it, and we make our way to the house, hand in hand. I offer my right one to the one I’ve never met. “King Jennings. I appreciate your help.”

He pushes off the post he was leaning on and takes my hand. “Graves. Ozzy Graves. It’s no big deal. We’re sort of slow this week.”

“What the fuck, Jennings. Do I not get a hug?”

I let go of Goldie’s hand to wrap my arm around her and pull her to my side. “Baby, this is Cole Carson. We worked together on Dex’s case in Panama before the cartel moved to the States.” I turn to Carson. “This is Goldie.”

Cole’s eyes light with humor. “Oh, I know who you are.”

My frown is as deep as his grin. “Dammit, you’re not helping.”

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