Page 46 of Sighs By the Sea

He silently agrees, but his throat bobs nervously. I like to think I’m good at reading people—not trusting your own family makes that second nature—and Courtney is definitely holding something back.

“The reason we’re here is that Axe didn’t show for his court appearance and is wanted by the police. He’s also wanted for information related to his gang affiliation.”

“That’s his business, not mine.”

“Right,” Maggie says in a tone I recognize—she’s lost in thought. She pulls a business card from her back pocket, something she did when we first met. “If you hear from Axe, give me a call. This won’t fall back on you.”

“Uh, sure thing. Sorry I couldn’t help.” But Courtney’s smug smile tells me he’s giving away more with his expression than his words.

As we leave the room, Maggie asks Hobbs, “Is it okay if we take a look around?”

“I’ll need to escort you.” Maggie nods and starts down the hall, peeking into each room but not searching thoroughly.

“What are you thinking, Maggie?” I ask, sensing she has an agenda. All I know is she’s damn good at her job—the confidence she exudes is intoxicating.

“Rooms are too exposed. He wouldn’t hide here. But with so many guys around, what’s one more in uniform? He could be hiding in plain sight.”

I nod, relieved she’s on the same page. Courtney’s brother is definitely here. “You know what he looks like?”

“Like his brother, but with a skull-and-snake tattoo on his neck.”

I feel eyes on me and turn around. Lars Courtney is out of his room, leaning against the wall, glaring at Maggie.

Fuck that. I wrap an arm around Maggie’s shoulders, making sure my own glare is clear. “We have an audience,” I say. Maggie doesn’t turn.

“I figured he’d be unhappy. Fifty bucks says he’s going to warn Axe now. Idiot.”

She hurries down the hall and out the front door. “He still there?”

I glance back. “No.”

“There’s a back exit I saw. If we hurry, we might catch him.” She slinks around the building’s side, Hobbs still trailing us.

At the back corner, Maggie slows and peeks around. “He’s headed toward that other building.” She turns to Hobbs. “What’s in there?”

“Industrial laundry.”

Maggie looks at me. “We’ll wait until he comes back out, and then we’ll go in.” I nod, not thrilled about confronting a gang member. Not that I’m helpless—I can hold my own—but I want Maggie nowhere near someone with such loose morals. Ironic, considering my former job, I know.

She rises on her tiptoes. “Babe, maybe you should stay back. Let me and Hobbs handle it?”

She’s worried about me? The corner of my mouth twitches up. “How about you stay behind me, and I’ll call it a deal?”

“No, thanks. I’m the one with the gun and the training. You’ll listen to me.” Her tone is final, but I open my mouth to argue. “You’ll do as I say or regret it, Mr. Cardenas.”

Hobbs chuckles, and I shoot him a glare—not easy, considering his biceps are the size of Volkswagens. “Fine, Parker. But if you get hurt, you’re telling Georgie.”

That softens her expression, but she raises her chin a moment later. “No problem, because it won’t happen.”

A few minutes later, Courtney emerges from the laundry room, hands in his pockets as he jogs back toward the barracks. Maggie takes a deep breath and strides toward the building he just left, her steps as determined as my heartbeat is frantic. Wherever she’s going, I’ll follow, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Maggie

Ihurry down the dirt path toward the laundry building, Hobbs right behind me, his presence giving me a sense of backup. Now that I know Grayson better, I’m not exactly confident he’d be much help in a confrontation. The man may exude confidence and mystery, but he’s a mild-mannered accountant—not exactly prime backup material.

I find myself wishing I’d brought Harry along. He always takes the lead, making me feel untouchable. As I reach for my holster, I unclip the buckle, glad I had the foresight to bring it along.

“Ma’am, are you expecting trouble?” Hobbs asks, his voice tense.

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