Page 91 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“I thought it was. I easily recognized his voice. It’s not one I’ll soon forget.”

He gives me a gentle squeeze, and I see the determination in his eyes. He pulls his phone out, and I watch as his thumbs fly across the screen.

“My friend at the station. Dispatch is sending someone now. Let’s hang back. If he sees me and thinks I recognize him, then he might run.”

A few minutes later, Keaton’s phone beeps. He looks down and gives me a single nod. As if I know what that’s supposed to mean. Then he begins walking toward the table. When he reaches it, I notice Charlee’s eyes widen, but the man acts as though Keaton isn’t towering over him.

“Charlee. Who’s your friend?”

She twirls a dark curl around her finger and purrs at Keaton. “Jealous, Sloan?”

“Hardly.”

The guy tilts his head to look up at Keaton. “Why don’t you ask me yourself?”

“You’re right.” He extends a hand. “Hello. I’m Keaton Sloan.”

He takes Keaton’s hand and uses a little too much force in his handshake because I can see his knuckles turning white. Other than a tick in his jaw, Keaton doesn’t react.

“Thirteen.”

“Thirteen? Like the number?” Keaton repeats. He releases his hand, and I notice marks from the exchange.

Thirteen looks to me. “Is there something you need?”

“You seem really familiar. Have we met before?”

“Nope. Don’t think so.”

“You sure about that?”

Thirteen slides out of the booth and stands at his full height. He’s a head taller than Keaton. He narrows his eyes and peers down at Keaton as he firmly states, “I’m positive.” Not taking his eyes off Keaton, he barks at Charlee, “Let’s go. Now, Charlee.”

“Charlee doesn’t have to go anywhere with you.” Keaton growls.

Even though I know he’s doing the right thing by trying to protect Charlee from this psychopath, a small part of me is jealous.

“Is that so?” He invades Keaton’s personal space.

Keaton makes a point of staring at his wrist tattoo. “Nice tat.”

Thirteen roughly pushes Keaton, causing him to stumble back. I reach out to help steady him. Thirteen snaps his fingers at Charlee. “Now, Charlee. I’m leaving.”

She hurries out of the booth and follows Thirteen. As soon as they walk out the door, we hear a commotion. Then we watch through the window as flashing red and blue lights illuminate the night sky.

“Alright there, big guy?” I nod toward his hand.

Keaton smirks and gives a one shoulder shrug. “Give me a kiss to make me better?”

“You’re impossible.”

“I’m going to go down to the station.”

“Shouldn’t I go with you?”

“Nah, go enjoy the rest of your night.”

“I don’t see how I’ll enjoy it when my possible intruder is being questioned.”

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