Page 74 of Lethal Danger

Somebody had to ask. “Why the change?”

Even Raksa and Alvarez, lounging on the open carpet past the sofas, looked at her as if they agreed with everyone else that she was weird. But what was actually weird was how no one ever questioned Phoenix. About anything. No one wondered where she disappeared to for weeks at a time. Or why she was so secretive and mysterious. Did anyone know anything about her? She could be a criminal or something for all they knew.

Phoenix waited a few moments—very long, painful moments—before answering. “You’re the most familiar with the fair. You should be on duty when the culprit may be attempting to set up his or her next move.”

Jazz tried to hide her surprise. Hadn’t expected that answer. It was almost complimentary. Like Phoenix thought Jazz would be able to prevent more sabotage or catch the criminal behind it.

“I want you to show me the areas where all three incidents occurred.”

All sense of confidence flew out the window, chased away by Jazz’s speeding pulse. “You’re going to be there?”

“Yes.”

Jazz’s throat dried to sandpaper. Just what was Phoenix really doing? Did she hope to catch Jazz failing at security detail? Or maybe she wanted to get Jazz alone to tell her she was fired.

And what about Hawthorne? He was probably going back to the morning shift today. She wouldn’t see him. Maybe she could call or text him. She’d have to take Best Life’s earlier tour she’d seen listed on their website instead of the evening one she’d told him she was going to attend.

Should she hint that Hawthorne could be helpful in the investigation, too? He’d already helped her out with what he’d found in the security footage. “We could loop Hawthorne in to help.”

“Hawthorne?” Sof quirked a dark eyebrow.

“Hawthorne Emerson. The author of the Carson Steele novels?”

Blank stares met Jazz’s explanation. Well, except Phoenix’s stare that never changed.

“Oh, I enjoy those novels.” And except for Cora. She smiled at Jazz. “I understand he’s with security at the fair.”

Now that she thought about it, no one but Jazz and Nev should know Hawthorne worked at the fair. She didn’t think Sof had gotten his name when she’d seen him by the Ferris wheel. So who had told Cora? Jazz glanced at Nev, who gave her a shoulder shrug.

“I’ve been reviewing the duty rosters.”

Jazz let out a slow breath, releasing her vise grip on the handle of her mug. So Nev wasn’t spreading rumors about Jazz having a crush or something like that. Good. But she wouldn’t have to start any rumors if Jazz didn’t stop acting weird about him. She steadied her thoughts. “We’ve been chatting, since I’m a fan of his novels, and he’s been doing some investigating himself.”

Sof and Bris exchanged a look that sent a jolt of panic up Jazz’s neck. They wouldn’t start teasing her about liking Hawthorne, would they?

Jazz hurried to say more before they could. “He has some great ideas. Maybe we can bring him in to help us.” She looked at Phoenix.

The boss had brought in men to assist before. She’d even invited Branson into headquarters to help find the person trying to kill Nev.

“We don’t need outside assistance.” Phoenix stared directly at Jazz as she spoke. Her tone was as passionless as usual, but Jazz couldn’t help feeling the words were intended to put her in her place.

Jazz hadn’t meant to insinuate the PK-9 team needed help. Phoenix probably only objected to Hawthorne because he was Jazz’s recommendation. The guy she was interested in. If one of the other girls had suggested he be looped in, the boss would’ve agreed to do it. She had let all their husbands and fiancés help, even in the field.

“So if Jazz is with you tonight, I suppose she doesn’t have to call for check-ins during that time?” Nev asked the question in a normal, relaxed tone. As if she hadn’t seen how Phoenix had just shut Jazz down with no explanation.

“No. Check-ins are not needed at any point. Jazz has proven she can take care of herself.”

The observation from the boss herself should’ve sent Jazz over the moon. Phoenix finally recognized her skills. This was as close to a compliment as Phoenix ever got.

But it was overshadowed by what Phoenix had also said, disguised as praise. The boss had just stated her reason for not protecting Jazz from danger. And declared that Jazz needed to continue fending for herself.

Twenty-Two

“I am so tired right now.”

Hawthorne smiled as Rebekah plopped onto his sofa, flinging an arm dramatically out to one side as the other hand covered her eyes.

“Not a morning person?”

---