Page 121 of King of Tides

“Yes, you need reassurance and relief. I understand.”

Suddenly, the crushing pain lifts from my body. I lift a hand to wipe some of the sweat from my face. Feeling like I can move now, I sit up in bed and open my eyes.

“Now, that’s better,”the voice says before some dude appears standing in my room before me.

I jump and reach for my piece, then realize this isn’t my apartment. I don’t have my gun on me, I’m off duty. The one I usually carry when I’m off is in the glove of my car.

“Do you mind if I sit?” he says, pointing to my old desk chair in my old bedroom.

I take him in as he moves to sit without my response. This guy is dressed like some priest or bishop or something. His blue eyes are cold, and he has this vibe coming from him that throws me on the side of caution.

I want to allow him to speak, so I know his motives before I engage him. I remain silent and watch him as he watches me. A part of me believes I’m losing my mind.

“Now I think we can talk and have a productive conversation,” he says.

“About what?”

“Billy Salvado and the biker she’s with.”

I ball my fists at my sides but give no other reaction to the mention of Billy. I knew that biker was going to get her into some shit. I calm down to pay attention to figure out how to get her out of this.

“She never picks you. Over and over again, she chooses someone else. Anyone else but you. Don’t you think it’s time you become the choice?”

“Once Billy has made up her mind, there is no changing it. I don’t know what all this is about, but I don’t think I’m your guy.”

He stands and snaps his fingers. The pain and sweats return instantly. I grind my teeth and grip the sheets.

He snaps his fingers again and the pain stops. I double over and gasp for air. When I catch my breath, I scramble back. This shit ain’t normal.

“What the fuck are you?”

“I am your salvation.”

“I highly doubt that.”

He gives a maniacal laugh. This guy looks unnatural. What the fuck has Billy gotten herself into?

“You still don’t understand you’re dealing with something greater than your fleeting human life. You will do this willingly, or I can force you to do what I need.”

I go to tell him fuck him, but I quickly remember a few moments ago and the pain I was in. I need to know what it is he wants with Billy so I can understand how to help her.

“What exactly is it you need from me?”

“I want her to choose you.”

I sigh. I’m a fucking detective. A damn good one. This motherfucker is lying. He knows she won’t choose me and that’s what he’s banking on.

“Okay, how do we make that happen?”

He gives me a sinister grin. Nothing good for me will come of this. I can feel it in my bones.

I will always protect you, Billy. Always.

The Bishop

I neededa quiet place to act out my mission, so I went to my prayer quarters with a renewed step. My lord was right. Eden presented herself useful.

Her idea is brilliant. We will walk in with the upper hand and if all else fails, I still have an ace in my back pocket.

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