Page 34 of Nevada

“Gonna have to fight Riot for her,” Nevada pipes up. “He’s got first dibs.”

I shake my head in utter disgust. “First dibs? What are we, in kindergarten? Halo has free will…” But I trail off when I glance at my friend, blushing and glassy-eyed.

She’s actually enjoying this meeting.

“No need to argue, there’s plenty of me to go around.” She beams at them, sounding pleased with herself.

Haze gives her a cocky grin. “Just cleared my schedule.” He squeezes his brother on the shoulder. “Too bad you’re busy this afternoon.”

There’s no way I’m letting my friend go with either one of them. She may be a grown woman, but I’ve no idea who these jerks are, and while she may be up for a roll in the hay with one or both of them, that ain’t happening on my watch. Halo might think she’s up for rough and ready, but not with these guys. She’s too innocent for any of them, Riot included. I saw how he looked at her with hungry eyes that trailed down her body. Her tits get everyone’s attention because they’re as big as her head, but that's no reason to lose all your manners and just stare at them. Men are so uncouth.

“Like I said, Riot won’t be happy about that.” Nevada’s eyebrows pull down.

“Riot ain’t here,” Haze tosses back.

“Shut the fuck up,” Cash barks. “I ain’t got time to sit here with you arguin’ about ridiculous shit, when I have a ton of other pressin’ matters to attend to today. Like the brothers said, your best bet is findin’ footage of that second bus. I’ll get Jett and Rock to help try and track the bus using satellite surveillance, but I can’t make any promises. Got me?”

“There’s one other clause.” Nevada raises a finger. I don’t miss the way Cash glares at him from across the table like a father would an errant child. “These ladies gotta experience a night at the clubhouse. That way Brew, Haze and Riot can fight it out like real men, win Halo’s affections the good old fashioned way.”

I don’t need to glance at Halo to understand she’s down for that. Though, nothing can be gained from coming here again. At least we have something to check out, not that it’s much. Frankly, I was hoping for more, but if Rock and Jett — whoever they are — can use satellite surveillance, that’ll be helpful and it’ll save me some time.

“The old fashioned way like stickin’ a pool cue up your ass?” Haze chuckles.

Nevada just laughs. “Talk it up, princess.”

“I think we’ve seen and heard enough profanity for one visit.” I smile sweetly.

Cash levels me with a look. “Better rethink that if you wanna meet with Jett and Rock. They’ll be here mid-week. Could be a good idea gettin’ acquainted, though I’d suggest bringin’ your guns, you might need them.”

Of course, he thinks that’ll scare me off. I inwardly groan at the idea of coming back here again, but if it means getting my hands on surveillance that I can’t access myself, then I’ll do it.

“Thanks for the invite, and the tip.” I go to stand. “Boys, it’s been real.”

Halo stands too, pushing her glasses up her nose. “It was really… uh… great meeting you all.” She waves and I know it’s just nervousness, but really, she’s not going to win any awards for badassness in my book.

The only qualm I have about appearances is that I don’t want anyone thinking we’re pushovers. If people think that you’re weak, that’s when they strike. Unfortunately, years of investigative work have made me cynical and untrusting.

Cash lifts his chin; I don’t think the man has smiled once. “Don’t be runnin’ off doin’ dumb shit, got me?”

I give him a withering look. “I never make dumb decisions.”

One eyebrow pops, indicating that he thinks that’s a complete load of shit. Okay, maybe I don’t always make the best decisions under the sun, but I always come out on top.

The brothers stay seated and just watch us like a couple of hawks, ready to pounce. I may have pissed a little in their cereal, but they’re big boys, they’ll get over it.

Nevada stands too. I don’t know what he thinks he’s doing, but I need to get out of here and pull up all my resources. Now I have a location, with Jett and Rock’s help, we may be able to at least get within the vicinity. I know it’s a long shot. I know it’s been months. I know all of that, but if I don’t try every single angle, then that means I’m failing Tilly. She’s still alive.

I turn to Nevada. “We can find our own way out.”

He ignores me, moving behind me as we file out of the room. When we’re out in the hall and Halo walks ahead, I turn again. “Are you deaf?”

“Nope, because if I was, I wouldn’t be able to hear that haughty tone in your voice when you’re tryin’ to get rid of me, but secretly you don’t really want me to go.”

“Uh, huh. Found me out again. Why am I so transparent?” I flutter my eyelashes before turning it into an eye roll and turn back toward the front doors.

I need to get back to my office.

I wish his voice wasn't so endearing when he calls out, “Mama?”

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