Page 109 of Lethal Danger

But what if he wasn’t the only target? Jazz’s flat tire hadn’t been an accident either. The knife-sized cut made that obvious. What if the same person who’d just tried to frighten or kill him was after her, too?

She’d tried to brush it off as nothing that night. Did that mean it wasn’t the only harassment or attack she’d experienced?

Hawthorne awakened his phone’s screen and looked up the local police non-emergency phone number. He’d let the police investigate the damage to his car, but first thing tomorrow morning, he needed to talk to Jazz.

As tough and independent as she was, he needed to know if she was in danger. Because if she was, he would do everything in his power to protect her.

“Oh, here it comes. The meet cute coffee spill.” Nev pointed at the screen as she stuffed more popcorn into her mouth.

Jazz laughed when the predicted moment unfolded in one of their favorite romantic comedies. They’d seen the movie about a hundred times, but it was even more fun to watch now that they’d memorized every line.

She reached into the popcorn bowl she and Nev shared on the sofa between them.

Alvarez was conked out on the rug a few feet away, but Flash kept an eye on the TV screen fixed to the wall and barked every time a doorbell sounded in a scene.

Grabbing a handful of the buttery popcorn, Jazz grinned. “Aww, I love this part. Look at his face.”

Nev nodded. “Mm-hmm. You know he love her, girl. From first sight.”

She and Jazz let out an exaggerated, swoony sigh at the same time, then broke into laughter.

Jazz had so missed this. These girls’ movie nights. Hanging with her BFF, just the two of them, relaxed and safe in their affection for each other.

She’d been surprised when Nev had suggested a movie night as soon as Jazz got home after her late shift at the fair. It had already been twelve thirty a.m. then, but Nev had said they’d better take advantage of the moment. Branson wasn’t going to be back to camp on the sofa until three in the morning after his security job shift was done. And he’d apparently told Nev he’d feel better if she stayed awake and alert until he was there to protect her anyway.

Jazz hadn’t needed more of an excuse than that to hang with her best bud. She could sleep in tomorrow since she would be taking the late-night shift at the fair again.

Even if she’d had to take a morning shift, she wouldn’t have missed this. It was just like old times. The best of her old times with Nev. This was what had gotten her to move to the Twin Cities when Nev had asked her to. If only things hadn’t changed, and they could still enjoy life together like this.

The jazzy ringtone of her phone contrasted with the movie’s soundtrack. She scanned the end table by the sofa and the coffee table in front of them. “Where’d I put it?”

Nev stopped the movie with the remote. “Um.” She glanced around. “Oh. I’ve got it with mine.” She turned to her right and pulled the decorative pillow out from beneath her arm. Their two phones had inexplicably ended up nestled together there. Nev tossed Jazz her cell.

“Thanks.” Jazz caught it and checked the screen as it rang again.

Phoenix? Jazz mouthed the word to Nev as she pressed the button to answer.

“Meet me at the Forever Home training center at six thirty a.m.” Phoenix’s command hit Jazz’s ear before she could even say hello.

“Forever Home?” The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Jazz couldn’t place it.

“The shelter and training center where Alvarez and others were rehabilitated.”

Oh. Jazz had heard something about a woman who had helped Phoenix train Alvarez and Toby. Maybe Raksa, too. She couldn’t remember the details. It didn’t seem like the PK-9 team talked about the place or the trainer much. “Why do you want me there?”

She probably shouldn’t ask. Everyone else went with a no-questions-asked policy with Phoenix. Like they were all afraid of her. But if Phoenix was going to spring an early morning meeting on her with only a few hours warning, she should at least be able to know there was a point to it.

“Marion Moore has added an outdoor training field where Flash can test and refresh his takedown and agility skills.”

That did sound cool. The facility Phoenix usually rented for them was pretty small and had limited equipment. Especially for a dog like Flash, whose exceptional athleticism meant he was rarely challenged by average setups. “Okay.”

“I’ve messaged you the address.” Through the encrypted app PK-9 used, Jazz assumed.

“I’ll see you tom—”

All sound from the other end cut off before Jazz could finish.

“Bye to you, too.” Jazz muttered the sarcastic farewell as she lowered her phone and gave Nev the look of annoyance she’d rather aim at Phoenix.

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