Page 82 of Edge

“What about the diner?” I asked.

“I don’t know how much damage was done. They called it in but couldn’t hang around. I’m sure Irene will get a phone call soon.”

“I should give her a heads-up,” Byte said.

Phoenix gave him a sympathetic look. “You can’t. Technically, none of us should know anything about the fire.”

Byte sighed and reluctantly nodded in agreement.

“We’re going to meet them at the gate and go to one of the storage sheds at the back of the property. I’ll let you know what we find out.”

“I’m going with you,” I said.

“Me, too,” Byte added.

Phoenix rubbed his chin and studied us. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“We can sit there just as easily as we can sit here,” I pointed out.

“Fine, but that’s all you’re going to do.” He turned to Ranger. “What about you?”

Ranger nodded to his rifle propped against the wall beside him. “I’ll stay here with the girls.”

“Sounds good. Dice, Ink, and Patch should be here any minute. Let’s roll.”

I slowly made my way out to Phoenix’s truck without going back to my room to kiss Evie goodbye. I didn’t want to chance waking her and having to tell her I was leaving without being able to tell her why.

“If y’all hadn’t been through hell, I’d give you shit for how slow you’re moving,” Phoenix teased.

“I’m pretty sure that counts as giving us shit, Prez,” I retorted.

“Well, I sure am glad both of you are here to give shit to.”

When we arrived at the storage shed, everyone was already there, including Walter and Buck with their special delivery.

Phoenix got out and shook their hands. “I really appreciate you doing this for us.”

“We were happy to help,” Walter said.

Buck grinned and held up one finger. “Since we’re already accomplices in this kidnapping, can we stay and watch?”

“Are you going to be able to lie to the cops if necessary?”

“I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that. We’ve already lied to them once today,” Buck said.

“All right. Follow me.”

Once inside, Walter and Buck sat with me and Byte while the rest of the guys set up a makeshift interrogation area and secured the guy to a chair.

Phoenix didn’t waste any time getting started. “Your responses and willingness to cooperate will determine how thisgoes. I didn’t have disposing of a dead body on my agenda today, but I’m a flexible man. I’m also reasonable. Keep that in mind and choose your answers wisely.” He stepped forward and ripped off the tape covering the man’s mouth. “What’s your name?”

The man looked around the room before returning his attention to Phoenix. He shook his head defiantly.

Phoenix sighed in exasperation and gestured to Carbon. “You’re up.”

Carbon stepped forward almost gleefully as he rubbed his hands together. “Hot damn! I’ve been waiting forever for an opportunity to try this.” He pushed a small table in front of the man and started placing things on top of it.

“What’s he doing?” Walter whispered.

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