Page 86 of Lost Kingdom

“So for my birthday, you’re gifting me with… paperwork?”

“Means to an end,” he quips. “Bay six?”

“Not evenmycops’ case, so I’m not privy to the minutia. I’m hearing whispers that Nathan Booth is experiencing a rebellion from within. His boss wants him in the grave, but missed. Booth is a liability, and the dude standing above him is sick of said weakness. Sounds like gangland drama to me.”

“Not your cops’ case,” he ponders thoughtfully. “But you hear whispers. I came here, confident that word spreads inside that bar you frequent.”

Stunned, my brows pop high and draw Minka’s gaze.

He’s calling her out. Married to a cop… married to a gangster.

“Like I said,” she grits behind a falsely sweet smile. “Whispers. I’m only processing the bodies, and as we stand, I have nothing substantial to add to the case except COD, TOD, and later, when the lab catches up, stomach and blood results. Though I doubt the latter will show up much of anything.”

“Have we established how they came to be down at the bay?” I question, regrettably drawing two sets of shrewd eyes my way. “I mean…” I hide behind my coffee cup. “Why were they there? Did Nathan order them there? Or maybe Nathan’s boss did? Perhaps they were getting along with their shooter until an argument broke out. Money flows up, right? So maybe Nathan owed the guy money for the drugs he pedals. Or… there are a million variations of the same story. But ultimately, Nathan remains alive.”

“And in the wind,” Justin rumbles. “His premises have been emptied, his regular hangouts have tumbleweeds, and his friends aren’t talking.”

“Are you aware of Nathan Booth’s relationship with Jada Watson?” Minka drags her bottom lip between her teeth, her stare hard and unrelenting. “I’m certain you know of Detective Fletcher’s ex-wife’s… issues.”

He dips his chin. “I’m aware.”

“That’s a relationship built upon coercion, drug dependency, and toxicity. But it’s a relationship all the same. She’s caught in his web of bullshit, and as far as we know, she’s been staying with him for the last month or so. If his house is empty, I can’t help but wonder if Jada went with him.”

“I’ve heard nothing about where he went or who he went with.” Justin moves his foot in gentle, rhythmic bounces. “Though it would certainly concern me if my friend was in a relationship with someone like Booth.”

“She’s not a friend,” I cut in callously. “Jada is poison upon the people she claims to love. Better she’s in Nathan’s bed, than on this side of the city bringing harm to innocents.”

“Drug addiction is a sickness,” Minka counters carefully. “Does she not deserve grace?”

“Drug addicts deserve to receive the help on offer. Jada, on the other hand, deserves nothing.”

“Harsh.” Justin turns back to his little pet. “Do you share the same sentiments?”

“I consider Jada a weak, fickle, and selfish woman. I don’t think she deserves to be beaten and stomped on. Nor do I think she deserves the family she left behind.”

“She would sell her daughter if given half the chance.” I sip my coffee and hate the words that spill from my tongue. That her venomous energy won’t leave me in peace. “It’s our duty not to allow her room to find that chance.”

“Well… On that note.” Justin pushes to his feet and fixes the buttons of his jacket. “You’ll pick up the phone and call me if anything breaks on the Bay murders, won’t you?”

“I’m certain you could approach the investigating detectives for that.” Minka sits back and smiles up at the man who wants to parent her. “Getting your information from me sounds like an exercise in redundancy.”

“Sounds like a handy excuse to lambast the invention of the telephone.” He glances across at me. “I’m confident you understand my request.”

“I do. If we hear anything…”

“Good.” He winks and turns on his heels, striding through the door and making a beeline for the elevator.

“You need to get your Jada hate under control.”

“Hmm?”

“I understand that you’re protective of Fletch and Mia, but making accusations against a sick woman is hardly helpful.”

“I made no accusations.”

“You said she would sell her daughter?—”

“And I meant what I said. I didn’taccuseher of selling Mia. I said shewould, if shecould.” I stand, too, and start toward the door. It’s time to begin rounds. “I also said it’s our job to shield the little girl and rob her mother of the chance. I fail to see the issue. Doctor Kirk,” I duck my head through the doorway and get our youngest tech’s attention before he enters the coffee room. “Rounds. Bring everyone in, please.”

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