Page 7 of In Too Deep

“Meet me at the Maple Cityside Diner this Friday. I’ll bring you more details on the MC, and Ben will be able to meet you. He’s the only other RCMP officer who will know you’re on the case.”

Her face straightens as she takes a couple of steps toward me. “Cole, we need to protect you. You can’t tell any of the boys what you’re doing. You can’t tell anybody, not even your parents. The fewer people who know about this, the better chance we have of getting you out safe.”

Chewing on my bottom lip, I reply, “I understand.”

She shakes her head. “Cole, I’m serious. This could get you killed if the Royal Bastards get word you’re working with the RCMP.”

Staring into her eyes, I repeat, “I understand.”

Her eyes stare into mine for a minute as if she’s trying to decide on something, but then she continues, “Okay. I’ll see you on Friday at ten a.m. Don’t be late.”

Smirking, I reply, “Have you ever known me to be late?”

She understands there’s no such thing as being late when you’re in the military. It’s just not in our vocabulary.

“No, I haven’t,” she replies, leading me to the front door and opening it.

Leaning in, I kiss her on her cheek.

“Goodnight, Theresa.”

“Goodnight, Cole.”

Chapter Four

COLE

Parking my Harley in front of Maple Cityside Diner, I glance around to check my surroundings.It’s a habit, I guess.I know I haven’t even started my undercover job yet, but I’ve always been the cautious type and never taken risks when it comes to my life.

I’m wearing my blue and gray plaid shirt with a pair of black jeans and riding boots.

My eyes catch sight of Theresa’s car, and I glance through the windows, noticing she’s already sitting in the diner with her partner.

Last night, when I got home after Theresa’s place, I grabbed my laptop and searched the Royal Bastards MC, trying to gain further intel on them and see exactly what I’d be dealing with.

Vinney, the president of the RBMC, has been to jail more times than I can count, but somehow, he always gets released on parole. Then you have Mikki, the vice president of the club, whose record shows he’s been in jail for raping women and almost killing another female. As I continued reading further, I saw he hadn’t done much time for each offense.

Spending another hour or so, I continued to search for any information I could gather on the club. They’re known for hanging around the biker bar, Hells Own, which is not far from my place, and at their clubhouse. Other than those details, there’s not much information on them, which has me thinking, why?

Giving up for the night, I finished my glass of whisky and went straight to bed.

***

The door to the diner chimes when I open it, and Theresa looks up. She smiles and turns to who I assume is Ben, whispering in his ear. His eyes land on mine, and he glares at me. His eyes hold something in them, something I just can’t put words to at the moment, but instantly, I decide I don’t like him. Serving in the military taught me to read people, and I don’t like what I see in him. But for the sake of Theresa, I’ll ignore that feeling and tuck it away for another day.

Once I reach their table, Ben and Theresa stand.

“I’m gathering you’re Cole?” He reaches out his hand to mine.

Nodding, I reply, “That’s me, and you must be Ben?” I question, shaking his hand, followed by kissing Theresa’s cheek.

“Please sit,” Theresa offers, pointing to the chair opposite her.

I do, and just as I sit, a waitress is there to meet me with a coffee pot in hand.

Looking up, I notice her eyes travel from mine down to my chest and back up. She smirks, then asks, “Coffee, sweetheart?”

With a smile, I reply, “Yes, please.”

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