Page 35 of Lethal Danger

“I’m hoping she’ll return in another week or so.” Cora gave Nev her sweet, maternal-like smile, her golden retriever narcotics detection K-9, Jana, sitting on the floor beside the blonde’s knee.

“She didn’t tell you when she’ll be back?” Given how tight Cora seemed to be with Phoenix, it was hard to believe Cora didn’t know more about these mysterious disappearances.

“Not precisely. But her trips usually don’t take more than three weeks. She’s already been gone for two this time.”

“And she didn’t say where she went or why.” Jazz knew the likely answer, but she couldn’t help trying to dig a little. Phoenix had disappeared two other times like this in the year and eight months Jazz had worked at PK-9. Gone for weeks with no warning and no explanation when she’d come back. And everyone on the team seemed fine with that. More than a little suspicious in Jazz’s book. It clearly wasn’t a vacation, or that would be public knowledge.

“She told me the location this time but not what she’s doing there.” Cora moved her notebook computer off her lap and set it on the coffee table in front of her. “I can contact her whenever we need her.” The note in Cora’s tone and the puzzlement in her eyes as she looked up suggested Jazz might be letting her suspicions show a little too much.

But it was so weird that Cora apparently wasn’t supposed to share the location with anyone else. What was the big secret? What was the boss hiding?

“I wouldn’t worry about Phoenix.” Sof lowered into the armchair near Cora as Raksa left her to find the air conditioning vent by his buddy Alvarez.

The German Shepherd and rottie mix sniffed each other before vying for the closest spot to the cool air pouring from the vent.

“She’s one chica who can take care of herself.” Sof’s statement drew Jazz’s attention to her face. Those dark eyes glimmered back at Jazz. Was that Sofia’s way of telling Jazz to mind her own business? She wouldn’t be surprised. Sof was the champion of secrets, given that she’d lived under a false identity, lying to the whole team about who she really was until last year.

Well, Phoenix had apparently known the truth about Sofia the whole time. But Phoenix didn’t seem to want anyone to know the truth about her. Whatever that was.

“So, temp leader,” Nev tossed Sofia a grin, “what’s up first?”

“Jazz is.”

Sofia’s answer jolted surprise through Jazz. Though at least the raven-haired superspy had delivered it with a smile.

“We were so troubled to hear about the shooting last night.” Cora’s big blue eyes filled with concern as she looked at Jazz. “I’m thankful you and Flash were unharmed.”

“Thanks.” At least Cora hadn’t included the usual Praise the Lord stuff. Not that Jazz would’ve said anything to contradict her or point out a fictional God didn’t have anything to do with her survival. Cora was the nicest person on the team and the only one Jazz didn’t feel judged by. Jazz wasn’t about to ruin that.

“Any idea what led to the attempted shooting? Motive?” Sof watched Jazz closely, but her stare wasn’t nearly as unnerving as Phoenix’s would be if the boss were there right now.

“I don’t know of any.” Jazz braced herself inwardly. Nev wasn’t going to like this. But if she waited until later to share it, she’d really be in trouble with her bestie. “There was another incident two nights ago, though.”

“What?” Nev lifted her dark eyebrows.

Jazz met her BFF’s gaze. “Two guys jumped me at the gas station.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“You were busy with Branson.”

Nev opened her mouth, clearly about to protest, so Jazz continued.

“And I didn’t think it was a big deal.” She glanced at the others with a shrug. “I figured it was a random mugging or attempted assault. Those things happen a lot at gas stations these days.”

“Sadly, that is true.” Cora frowned.

“The police thought it was random, too, so I left it at that.”

“You don’t mean they actually assaulted—”

“No.” Jazz shook her head as she interrupted Nev’s horrified question. “I was fine. They jumped me as I came out of the convenience store, so I didn’t see them in advance. But I handled them. One guy had a knife. I didn’t see any guns. Got one in the shoulder with my knife before they took off.”

Jazz shook her head. “They wouldn’t have gotten away if Flash had been with me. Right, bud?” She bent over and stroked the Malinois’s head where he lay on the floor next to her feet.

“I love how you’re so casual about single-handedly fending off two male attackers and stabbing one of them.” Bris shook her head as she grinned at Jazz. “Way to go, girl.”

A smile found Jazz’s face at the compliment from the former cop and explosives technician who could hold her own in a fight, too. “Thanks.”

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