Page 57 of Savage

“That’s right.”

“And instead of bringing that lead to me and discussing it with the rest of us, you decided to go off on your own?”

“I wasn’t on my own.”

“Don’t split hairs with me. That man doesn’t have a clue what kind of danger you walked him into?—”

“Yes, he does.”

“Does he now?” King said.

“Yes.”

“Explain.”

“He was in the alley that night. He almost died trying to get information on who is dealing this Rapture shit. You think he’s going to stop just because we lock him up for a few days?”

“If he has any sense of self-preservation.”

I snorted, thinking about the way Cooper had opened his window to a complete stranger—a masked one at that.

“He’s too curious to stop now,” I said, thinking of the million and one questions Cooper had asked of me. “And that key card he found only made him more so.”

“Why?”

“What?”

“I said,whyis he so curious? Why is he getting involved with something so dangerous, Lachlan? There has to be a reason.”

“There is, but it’s not my place to tell it.”

King arched a brow. “Not your place? I’m asking you to tell me why I should let a journalist remain within these walls, and why you keep risking your neck for him, and all I get from you is,it’s not your place?”

I shrugged, knowing nothing I was going to say would appease King. He wanted answers, and I had none to give him.

“You disobeyed a direct order taking him out of here.”

“No, you told me to keep an eye on him at all times.”

King opened his mouth to disagree but then stopped. “I fucking hate it when you do that.”

“I know. But you know if there’s a loophole?—”

“You’ll find it.” King sighed and turned away from me. “One of the reasons you’re such a good asset.”

“He has information, King. Good information. He led me right to the club and inside, and because of him I now have an in with Mick.”

King turned back to face me, his annoyance now replaced with interest. “Keep going.”

“I made contact and managed to convince him to let me move some of his product.”

“NowthatI like to hear.”

“I told you.”

“This isn’t me congratulating you.”

“But I wouldn’t have it without Cooper.” I ran a hand through my hair, and realized I desperately needed a shower. “He’s been tracking these guys for weeks. Plus, that key card he has, it has to lead somewhere. That’s why he’s here. That’s why I think we should pull him in.”

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