Page 85 of Cutter

“Is that you, Detective Mayhew?” Captain Weaver’s baritone voice called out. “I recognize your voice, Detective. I can’t believe you came anyway. It’s safe to step out.”

“You see?” Cutter gave a soft laugh. “They’re looking for you. Go. Check things out. Present yourself. Take the credit. This is your moment.”

“But—”

“For fuck’s sake, Emily. Go. Will you ever do as you’re told without a spanking?”

“And I said, I’ll be back.”

Emily took off, and he smiled. Sure, she’d be back, but he’d be out of here by then. The wound to the arm was only a graze. He’d had much worse and could take care of it himself. Then again, he didn’t have to go it alone. The Spawn’s clubhouse was almost around the corner. The way things had turned out tonight, between him and Emily and the bitter disappointment still riding his soul, he could use the quiet support and company of nonjudgmental brothers.

Sliding his back against the metal container, he stood up and shuffled to the edge of the parking lot where he’d parked his bike. Before he climbed on, he gave the area another glance. The Main Street Warehouse’s parking lot had turned into a battlefield. By his count, five bodies lay strewn in bizarre positions. There could be more scattered around. Two paramedics holding a stretcher ran to the fallen DEA agent. Emily spoke and gestured at a suit who Cutter supposed was a federal agent overseeing the bust. Good luck with that.

Favoring his left arm, he straddled his bike. He’d just turned on the engine when a large hand fell on his shoulder.

“Cutter,” said Captain Weaver.

“Evening, Captain. Congratulations. The operation went well.”

The man’s gray eyebrows gathered. “Unfortunately, we lost a man. Overall, the bust worked. Check it out.” The captain pointed at the container everyone had fought over. A group of about twenty women of all sizes and ages gathered at the opening. Some held each other; some stood alone.

He smiled. “We stopped the delivery and have arrested two Sons of Chaos. There’s incriminating proof, and if the two men speak, a connection will be made with the Oquendo cartel. Let’s hope. Are you leaving?”

“I am.”

“Why don’t you let one of the paramedics take a look at that arm.”

“It’s nothing.” Cutter bent his head toward the wounded arm. “I can take care of it, and I’m kind of in a hurry.”

“Why is that?”

Cutter sighed. “Despite what she knew about Nails and his men, Emily came to my house earlier. Her visit confirmed our connection and my involvement with the Garden City police. If Nails suspected me before, now he’s got a hard-on for me. My life isn’t worth much if I stay out in the open and in Garden City.”

“You don’t have to do that. We’ll pick him up. And what about Emily? I realize that was a foolish move, but…”

“She’s where she wants to be. That’s why I brought her. Her SUV is at my place. You can swing by to pick it up. I won’t be there.” He held up his hand. “I’m not hanging around to see if you nab Nails or not. Besides, Emily has a career to think about. I’m happy this worked out for her.” He kicked the bike stand. As far as he was concerned, he’d accomplished his last protective duty with Emily, and there was nothing left to say.

“Where will you go?”

“Oh… I don’t know. The ocean’s been calling my name lately. I’m seeing a small beach community in my future. Somewhere remote and sunny year-round. Any town most tourists don’t know about will do just fine. I have a few bucks tucked away and friends in the Florida Keys. They’ll suggest a place.”

“Good luck.” Weaver extended his hand. “I’ll be in touch with Blade. I haven’t forgotten my deal with him to go legit with the club.”

Cutter shook his hand. “Thanks. He’ll appreciate that.” Tapping his head, Cutter pulled the throttle and rode away.

Emily, exhausted from an operation that had ended only hours ago, strode into the station just before noon. After the on-site briefing with the captain and the DEA field supervisor, the sun was barely rising on the horizon when the captain dropped her off to pick up her SUV. She’d knocked at Cutter’s door and eventually gave up. Back home and worried about Cutter, she barely caught four hours of sleep.

As she walked down the hallway to her desk, her low heels clicking on the tile floor, the duty sergeant congratulated her as she passed by, and so did several officers she’d never met. Her name was on everyone’s lips. That warmed her with pride and satisfaction and vindicated to an extent her awful decision to trick Cutter. She owed him big. A huge apology, along with some honest begging and crawling, and a seriously red butt awaited her. But she was confident that once she’d explained how significant this operation had been for her, Daddy would understand and forgive her.

If only he would answer his phone…

“Good morning, Emily. Congratulations. Captain says the bust was a total success.”

Emily stopped. Smiling, she turned to her friend. “Thanks, Yoanni. Means a lot to me.”

Yoanni kissed her cheek. “What’s wrong, sweetie? Why the worried look? You should be beaming with happiness.”

“I’m pretty tired. I didn’t get home until this morning, and I can’t get hold of Cutter.”

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