Page 29 of Shadows of Justice

I sigh, my head falling back. “The Valley Dogs.”

“I need you to bring this information to your captain, while keeping my identity out of it, and get the design back before they can build it. You can understand my need for anonymity.”

“I can’t just pop in there with a case, Leo. They’ll ask questions,” I say. “Maybe you could come with me, work out a deal. I’m sure you know enough about other bad guys that they can make use of you and keep you out of prison.”

His eyes flare, and I realize, too late, that my loose tongue has again gotten me in trouble.

“I’m not spending my life as an informant,” he says, glowering at me. “This bad guy has obligations. I’m not going to live under the thumb of a police force. I know how that system works, and they don’t ever let you off the hook. And, it usually doesn’t work out too well for the rat.”

I wince. I clearly offended him. “All I meant was, they’re going to wonder where I came up with this information. Last time we did this I nearly got caught. My partner had to lie, and I’m pretty sure he knows I was full of shit. He’s just too nice to say anything.”

“This is a big deal, all right?” Leo says. “The Dogs don’t fuck around. You remember what they did two months ago?”

“Yes,” I grumble, swallowing the rest of the water and putting the mug in the sink. “I saw it on the news. They planted a bomb in a rival gang member’s kids’ school.”

“Exactly. And what do you think they’re gonna do with my bomb?” he asks, coming toward me again. I stiffen at his approach. He needs to stay as far away from me as possible. Out of smelling, touching, and gazing range.

A quirk a brow and opt for humor. “A really intense fireworks show?” He levels me with a deadpan stare. “Okay, okay. I’ll come up with something,” I mumble. “But I need to keep this straight. Something airtight. My captain was on my ass about it with the Chica Blanca shit. He wants me focused, setting a good example. They don’t want to employ an asshole running a muck all over the place, not to mention promote one.”

“You’re good at what you do, Viv.” His eyes soften back to dark chocolate again. “I researched you—obviously—but I didn’t have to look long to find impressive info. You’re clearly made for this work, and you do it well. They should be thankful they have such a committed officer.”

I feel like a fucking schoolgirl, but I blush at his compliments anyway. It’s nice to hear after the heat I’ve been getting from the chief.

“Thank you, Leo,” I say quietly.

An uncomfortable silence follows. I start to fidget, not knowing where to go from here. He just told me his home was broken into. Does he need a place to crash? Am I rude for not offering? Or insane for considering it?

“I should go,” he finally says. I just nod, grateful he knew what to say. He fishes in his pocket and pulls out a phone—the kind that flips open, with actual buttons.

“Prepaid phone, and a number where you can reach me is programmed in. Call me any time. Uhh . . .” he looks uncomfortable, “you know, if you need to get in touch about the case. Or, even . . . if any restraining orders need enforcing.”

I smile, taking it from him.

He’s cute when he’s embarrassed. Even cuter when he’s all macho.

“I’ll update you when I know something,” I say.

“Great, I appreciate this, Viv,” he says. “Really, thank you.”

“Just doing my job, unethically and dishonestly—you know me!” I snort as I walk him to the door.

He opens it and then turns to me, the dark pools of his eyes threatening to pull me in again. Something in me desperately doesn’t want him to leave, but that’s probably just the liquor and my cobweb-laden vagina.

“If you’re doing things in shades of gray but getting good results—life-saving results—what does it matter? What does it really matter?” he asks, the intensity of his tone striking.

Those words give me more insight into who Leo Barone is than any file—complete or incomplete—could ever reveal.

I sigh, pondering his question. “I guess if you asked me a few weeks ago, I’d say it would still be wrong. That ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ and all that.” I chew on my cheek. “But now, after we helped save six girls—six, Leo!” I surprise myself when I grab his arm, overwhelmed by the happy thought for a moment. He glances down at my hand and smiles, its warmth threatening to melt me into a puddle on the floor. “I didn’t even get to tell you. Six were saved from Mary-Ann’s property, thanks to you.”

He nods at me, like he’s happy that I finally get it.

“Then,” I go on, “I suppose it doesn’t matter. Those girls matter. And they’re free now. So what if I told a little lie to free them?”

“I agree, Genevieve,” he says. “I agree completely.”

Chapter Ten - Clandestine Bullshit

Friday, July 17th

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