“With?”
“Keeping Gunner public. The last attempt failed, but they’ll try again. We need to ensure wherever he goes, he has an alibi—preferably more than one. I can’t continue being his alibi.”
“Ah.” Saint nodded. “I get you. There are enough of us to go around with him.”
“Good.”
“But if you’re no longer active in the force, why are you still investigating?”
“For one, Gunner will continue to be framed unless we find the real culprits. And I’m not sure certain people in the force actually want to close the case. Not the proper way anyway.”
Saint’s phone rang. He checked the screen, and a little smile played on his lips. “Sorry, I gotta take this.”
I nodded, my mind still racing from my conversation with him. It might be time to take drastic measures to solve this case, especially since I didn’t have the resources of the police force behind me.
Footsteps approached me, and I glanced over my shoulder. My body went rigid.
“It’s been a long ass day,” I grunted. “I’m not in the mood to put up with your bullshit.”
“Just hear me out.” Tango leaned on the corner of the bar with his body turned toward me. “You know you’re not my biggest fan. I’m not yours either, but I wanted to say it’s cool what you did for our president—losing your job like that by outing your relationship. I might not like you, but I respect you for it.”
I raised my eyebrows. This was the last thing I’d expected Tango to say to me. Was he being sincere?
“Thanks. I wouldn’t have done it for just anyone. Excuse me.”
I downed my drink and left him standing there. He was an asshole, and one positive comment from him didn’t change that. I indicated to Saint that I was leaving and headed back to the bedroom. With the alcohol in my stomach starting a buzz, I felt less wound up than I was before.
I pushed the door open, and someone cursed softly.
“Gunner?”
“You stubbed my toe with the door.”
“Shit. Sorry.” I slipped inside the room. He was hopping on one foot. “What were you doing behind the door?”
“Coming to find you. Where did you go?”
“I was having a drink with Saint.”
“Why?”
I grinned. “Jealous?”
“Saint’s with Dove.”
“Doesn’t stop you from being jealous, though, does it?” I trailed a hand teasingly down his neck. “I know you. Probably wondering what we talked about.”
Gunner caught my hand, brought my finger to his mouth, and bit it. Hard.
“What the fuck!” I punched him.
“Oof. You started it.” He stooped and swooped me over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry.
“What the hell!” I pummeled his back.
“Shush. You’ll wake Zeus.”
“Put me down.”