Page 18 of Throttle All the Way

Soul nodded in acknowledgment, concern etching her features. "Snowed in, just like that?"

Bulldog nodded. "Port Townsend's a winter wonderland. Everything's blanketed in white. Beautiful, but a real challenge to navigate through. Thought I'd come up here and see if you guys needed anything.”

Soul shook her head. “There's a few guests but I think I've got enough food and water stocked.”

Brim nodded. “I made sure she had everything she needed. You all are welcome to stay here, there's some rooms available.”

“I think Ayana and I will stay at her place tonight.”

Brim nodded and Hart shrugged. “Quiver and I are pretty safe up at the house. But we can spread the word and see if anyone needs to stay. You guys have the generator which is good in case of emergencies.”

Bulldog's eyes shifted to me, giving me a scrutinizing gaze before he asked, "And who might you be?"

Soul, ever the gracious host, chimed in, "This is Mila. Cipher brought her in last night. She'll be joining us for a bit."

A wary expression crossed Bulldog's face as his eyes flickered to Brim and Hart. The two men, seemingly puzzled, exchanged silent communication, shrugging and casting questioning glances at each other.

Breaking the tense moment, Bulldog's stern expression softened into a smile. "Well, Mila, you're in good hands here at the Inn. I'm sure Cipher wouldn't bring just anyone around.”

I offered a grateful nod, appreciating the reassurance. Bulldog then turned his attention to the group, addressing them with a sense of purpose. "I'm heading up to check on Ayana. Roads are rough, but I'll manage. You all keep safe and indoors.”

He gestured at both Brim and Hart and they instantly followed him outside. Whatever he wanted to say to them, he didn't want to say it in my presence but I had a feeling it had something to do with Cipher and me.

Soul tapped my elbow and I turned to her. “Don't worry about them. They're always talking business.”

I smiled at her and let her lead me back toward the tree. I knew she was distracting me but I welcomed it. The last thing I needed was to feel like a burden to anyone and the distraction kept me from thinking about Noel Garcia. The more I got to know the people who surrounded him, the more I wanted to get to know him.

CIPHER

I’d been hiding in my office all morning. Hiding away from questions and away from her. It was for the best. After last night, having her so close, I knew that shit would hit the fan if I continued. I’d kept as much information as I could to myself, for the time being. But that all was about to change quickly.

Bulldog suddenly burst into the dimly lit office, followed closely by Ray and Ayana. The expression on their faces showed both urgency and anger, and Bulldog wasted no time getting straight to the point.

"Who the hell is the woman at the Inn, Cipher? And what are you keeping from me?" Bulldog's voice was a low growl, the frustration evident in his piercing gaze.

I leaned back in my chair, meeting Bulldog's gaze with as much of a calm exterior as I could muster. Inside I was shitting bricks. "Easy there, Bulldog. You can't just barge into the precinct demanding answers. Remember, I'm not an RBMC member here. Different rules."

Bulldog seethed with anger, his fists clenched. Ray chimed in, a tone of caution in his voice, "Cipher, you might as well come clean. Bulldog's not in the mood for games.”

Ayana shot a glance between Bulldog and I, her allegiance clear. "What exactly is it your keeping from us, Cipher?" she demanded.

“I think it’s time you tell them,” Ray uttered.

I narrowed my eyes on him. “Ever the coward,” I muttered back, his gaze dropping to his feet.

With a measured sigh, I began, "I've been following Mark Stepanovich's daughter. Trying to see if she brings us any closer to finding Yulian."

Bulldog's anger flared, realizing the danger involved. "Yulian's in Washington? Cipher, bringing someone new into the mix without telling us is reckless."

I leaned forward, my expression grim. "I didn't bring her. Tommy Junior did. And then he dumped her at the Black Pagan. I couldn’t just leave her there. I had to take her somewhere safe, and the Inn was the first place that came to mind.”

The room got quiet, tension emanating from each one of the people in the room, especially Bulldog, who’s anger intensified. “How long have you known about her?”

“Since the night I went after Yulian.”

“And you didn’t bother fucking telling us?”

“It wasn;t something you needed to know…yet. I needed to do my investigation without having anyone stepping in.”

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