Page 37 of One Love

“If we’re lucky, there’ll be something inside to give us answers.” A musky smell invades my senses as I step through the now open front door. “Although, it’s not looking good.”

It seems the place has been empty for a while if the coating of dust on the windows and in the corners of the room is anything to go by. We both remain quiet and walk in different directions, making sure the house is clear of people before we begin our search in earnest.

Upstairs is deserted so I meet Flower back in the main living space, if you can call it that. The house is barren of things; the bare essentials and nothing more. Well, not even all of those. There is a crusty mattress in a tiny box room, a rotten toothbrush in the bathroom, and a lawn chair downstairs next to a kitchen table. That must be where he sits and eats his tasteless cereals, of which there are several boxes in the pantry. It’s a squatter’s ideal location and I’m surprised it isn’t already full of them.

“Anything?”

I shake my head at Flower’s question as I pull out my cell to text Glitch and let him know what we’ve found, or in this case, haven’t found. Then I stop ignoring the messages from D and open them up.

Fuckwit:WUU2? I don’t have eyes on you.

And there’s the reason this man is an absolute stalker. And also the reason I still haven’t killed him.

Fuckwit:I know where you are. Want some help?

Me:When I feel like a damsel who needs a man to help her, I’ll let you know.

I absolutely will not let him know, because being a damsel in distress has, and never will be, my thing.

Fuckwit:Whoops, too late.

Me:WTF is that supposed to mean?

“Who’s got you grinning like the Cheshire Cat? Because that is not your Hallie smile.”

“My Hallie smile?” Instead of outright snarling in my friend’s face to shut her the fuck up, I’m deflecting.

“Yeah, we’ve all noticed that one. We know when you’re texting her. This smile’s different though. Has our Shadow taken a lover?” Flower extends and rolls the last word and laughs before quickly moving toward the back door, away from my easy reach.

So much for deflecting.

“No.” I narrow my eyes at her, being very clear about the fact that this subject is off the table, and she holds her palms up in surrender, tipping her head slightly in acknowledgement. She’s still fucking grinning though.

“Daddy’s home!” The front door swings open and Flower and I both point our guns at the intruder. At the same time, two daggers fly toward the opening, one grazing his forearm as he tries to block them and move out of the way. “Well, fuck. I thought we’d save the foreplay until later, and I definitely didn’t think you were into sharing.” Dmitry stands up from his crouch and his gaze flicks to Flower before returning to me with that smile on his face that does things to my insides.

“What the actual fuck, Dmitry? We could’ve killed you.” I’m trying not to shout because it’s almost midnight and there are other houses nearby, but fuck me, this man is a pain in my ass.

“You didn’t though. Aim must be a little off.” He winks, stepping further inside the house and closing the door behind him. I want to punch the smirk from his face.

There’s an equally punchable smirk twitching at Flower’s lips too. “I’m gonna go, Boss. There’s nothing here, place is deserted. I’ll check in with Glitch on my way home.” She heads for the door, and as she passes Dmitry, she looks up at him and pauses. “Good luck, new guy. She’s gonna rip you a new asshole.” Then she chuckles—more like cackles—and walks out through the front door.

The two of us remain, in another stand-off stare-off situation, our eyes locked together.

“Wanna help me bring my equipment in?” He tilts his head to gesture outside and the stupid dick better not have parked in front of the house and blown this whole thing. Harvey Cook may not be here right now, but this is a residential area and nosy neighbors talk.

“No, not really.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask for more information, like why he’s here and what kind of equipment he brought, but I’m choosing not to engage.

“Didn’t think so.” Turning his back to me—which is pretty fucking stupid in most situations—he opens the front door and steps out, leaning down to the side and picking up two large silver cases. He holds them up like a prize before bringing them in and closing the door again.

Rolling my eyes, I give in and ask, “Okay, what are the cases for and why are you here?”

“Glitch said this was Cook’s place so I figured we’d wanna keep an eye on it. Digitally.” He lays the cases on the floor and flicks the locks before lifting the lids.

There are wires and tiny cameras and a few dozen other items that I’m sure Glitch would have a field day with. The same Glitch who needs to keep his fucking mouth shut, though I can’t be mad. The only reason we have more information now is because of Dmitry.

“Okay. And you’ll be sharing all of this intel with us.” It’s not a question, I’m stating a fact.

“Of course, Little Demon. I have no use for it myself. This is all for you.” There’s that wink again, and the way it makes his scar move makes me want to lick it. I’m still curious where it came from.

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