Page 12 of Cutter

“How?”

“I’ve been meaning to drive by the MC’s location. This latest development calls for a visit to their hangout, the Dirt Road Saloon on Galloway Drive.”

“Alone?”

She nodded.

“I won’t approve that.”

“What if I bring back up?”

“Another cop? Might as well carry a banner with you. ‘Hey, guys, check out the local heat.’”

“Not a cop.” She shifted in her seat. “A civilian.”

“Good Lord.” He rubbed his forehead. “Yoanni?”

She nodded shyly.

“This is my fault. There’s a bright future ahead of you in law enforcement. I read your detective training scores. You finishedin the top fifth percentile of your class. By rights, you should’ve spent a couple of years in Savannah or even Atlanta, gaining experience and hardening your soul to the realities of crime.” He pushed back his chair.

“But I kept you here, where until recently, nothing happened. I see the hunger. You’re anxious to make your mark and earn the respect of your fellow detectives. Catching those guys would add a few notches to your belt. But you’re still green, not to mention naive. How could you even think Yoanni is backup? The MC you want to tackle and their associates are ruthless criminals. They’d eat you and spit you out in seconds. Forget that idea. Did you hear me?”

She nodded again.

“I want a verbal response, Mayhew,” he grated.

“Yes, Captain. I heard you.”

“Good. Let’s give our biker more time. If he doesn’t show up by tomorrow evening, we’ll have to regroup. Maybe ask Savannah PD for assistance.”

“Wait. No. You can’t bring Savannah PD into this,” she begged. “Talk about posting banners and making announcements. Please, Captain, we’ve worked so hard to keep the investigation confidential. Cutter will come through. I know it.”

Moving his chair forward again, he folded his arms on the desk. “Fair point. But I’m warning you. Don’t you go meandering alone or with Yoanni into the lion’s den. You’ll be recognized in an instant.”

Oh, but I have so many costumes, so many ways to camouflage plain Emily Mayhew.

Emily knew better than to express her thoughts out loud. “You’re right. Let’s give Cutter more time.” She slowly stood.

“I don’t like it.” He frowned. “You gave up too easily.”

“I’m only obeying orders.”

“That’s what worries me.” He waved at her. “Okay, we’re done here.”

As she walked to the door, he spoke again. “Remember what I said, Mayhew. Don’t go alone, and don’t take Yoanni.”

“Right, sir,” she responded, then walked out.

“What happened?” Yoanni asked the minute the door closed.

“Keep your voice down.” Emily paused before her desk. She whispered, “Meet me at my place at six and wear the smuttiest outfit you own. You and I are going slumming tonight. Not a word to the captain.”

Covering her mouth to stifle a squeal, Yoanni nodded furiously. Emily smiled. This was going to be an interesting night.

Damn. Cutter was pissed!

The tone and outcome of the meeting between the Sons of Chaos and the Devils’ Spawn had been insulting. The visiting Chaos’s officers, Diesel, JT, and Beast hadn’t shown an ounce of surprise or the slightest remorse for moving into Spawn territory without notice. In their arrogance, no apology for their blatant disrespect had been expressed.

---