Page 7 of Strip Search

My guys have been working on this case for a long time. Too long, in fact. But it was something that couldn’t be fully delved into until I officially retired from the Marine Corps. Since then, we’ve been balls to the wall trying to take down a drug smuggling ring that was left behind when Russel Ives was killed two years ago by Rhys in a SWAT takedown.

The bastard was responsible for the murder of Smitty’s late fiancé and partner on the police force at the time. He came back with a vengeance when Zoey came into the picture and was brazen enough to put his hands on her. And to top it all off, he almost cost us Rhys. Less than 24 hours after Ives’ death a new kingpin stepped in to take his place. We knew back then he wasn’t working alone, but trouble has nearly doubled since then. It’s become personal now, especially since the local PD as a whole has decided to turn a blind eye to it all. Fearful that they lack the manpower to keep everyone safe.

It doesn’t matter how many times this new asshole, Dallas, eludes us, there is no way in hell I’m going to approve the plan that my dearest brother and Molly have just pitched me.

“It’s not a bad idea,” Nick, one of the other guys who have been working this case the whole time, chimes in.

“It’s a terrible fucking idea. Send the female in as bait? No. Not going to happen.” I shake my head again. “Come up with another way. We’re done talking about this one.”

“Cole,” Molly speaks up. “If I can get on the inside...”

Holding up a hand, I stop her. “Don’t even finish that sentence. I’ve made myself very clear, have I not? Final decision. You’re not going undercover at this strip club that Dallas Turner runs. Next person who brings it up, is fired.”

“Fine. Then I’m done here. I’ll let you finish up without me.” She stands and takes her proposal with her as she vacates the conference room.

“That went well,” Cody quips.

“Enough.” I point at him. “What else do we have?”

For the next thirty minutes, I listen as the team goes over everything we already know and any new intel we’ve acquired this week. Dallas himself always comes up clean. No matter how hard we try, we cannot find anything that points back to him, aside from his name as the owner of one of the shadiest strip clubs in town – The Landing Strip. The same place that Molly suggested she apply at and try to infiltrate as an employee.

Christ, her brother would have my ass. Not to mention the fact that she has no business in a place like that with someone like Dallas at the helm.

“Nick, you’ve been inside there. What’s the deal?” I ask.

He shrugs. “It’s well run. Pretty clean, considering. Certainly, one of the classier establishments. But, Boss, I can’t keep visiting. The missus doesn’t approve.”

“Told you not to marry her.” Cody snickers.

“Fuck you. You’re just salty because you can’t even get laid.” Nick rallies back.

“Focus. I swear you two are like children.” Rubbing my temples, I try to come up with something, but I’ve got nothing. “Nick, hang back. Work a different angle. Cody, if you think you can keep your dick in your pants, why don’t you check out this mixer event their hosting and see if you can find out anything.”

Cody instantly perks up. “Are all the ladies attending?”

“For fuck sake, don’t make me regret this.” Closing my laptop, I blow out a frustrated breath. “I’m calling it a night. Zoey’s in labor, Smitty wants me to come by the hospital and meet the baby. Try not to call me for stupid shit,” I tell them both.

~*~

Ishould be happy rightnow.

Over the moon.

Ecstatic.

For Smitty at least.

My best friend, the man who’s been like a brother to me since we were born – has just welcomed the most adorable little boy into the world. I’m standing in Zoey’s hospital room surrounded by some of the most important people in my life as we greet the dude – Jackson Rhys Smith – for the first time and yet I can’t keep my mind offher. The woman who has driven my fantasies over the last two years.

The text message Cody sent me while we were in the waiting room, waiting for Zoey to deliver, has me seeing red right now. I know my emotions are written all over my face too because Smitty keeps sending me questioning glances. I need to get my shit together. He doesn’t need to be worried about me right now.

“I think I’m going to head out for a little bit. Let you both get some rest and some time with the new baby. I’ll check in with you later?” I nudge Smitty who is busy watching his wife with stars in his eyes.

I’m happy for him. It was a long road, but he finally found his happy ending. I knew the first time he introduced me to Zoey that they would end up here. She would be the one to knock him flat on his ass, and sure enough, she did. I envied my buddy – not because he got Zoey, but because ofwhathe has with her.

Granted my introduction to Zoey started out very unconventional, I’ll be the first to admit that.

It’s no secret that Smitty and I both have some kinkier tastes, often indulging in threesomes with a woman that one of us had chosen to be the focus of our attention, among other things. At least that was the case, until Zoey. She was his game changer. Smitty finally realized that he was ready to settle down and that he wasn’t about to share what was his anymore. I moved on with someone of my own who happens to enjoy things a little rougher than most and doesn’t expect me to call the next day. Jade prefers sex with one man at a time. And I learned that it’s not the same when you don’t trust the other person involved, explicitly.

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