Page 9 of Cutter

“Not even close.” Yoanni took a deep breath. “Flirting is fun and keeps the dream alive that maybe there’s hope for me.”

“Sweetie, why do you say that?”

“You know.” Yoanni shrugged. “My Little shows up, and guys run. Keeping men at arm’s length is better. Less hurtful.” Yoanni lifted her copper mug. “Enough of that. A toast. To the new baby, my trip to Miami, and your mystery. If you don’t spill soon, I’m leaving.”

They’d had this conversation before. Emily knew the difficulties of keeping a second personality hidden. A personality so intrinsic and necessary to her and Yoanni, they couldn’t cover it up for long. Eventually, the younger self wouldn’t be denied and would rise. Emily had been lucky for a while; her ex had claimed to be a Caretaker. What a joke. Dennis only cared about himself.

Emily pushed the ugly memories aside. “I think it’s safe to talk.” She took a first sip of her drink. “Hey, this isn’t half bad.”

Yoanni facepalmed. “Will you stop evading? I understand you need to be cautious, but honestly…”

“A new MC has moved to Pooler.” Emily spoke in a hushed voice. “Reports were sent to us soon after the club drove up from Louisiana. Since my fellow detectives have a strange aversion to computers and the internet, they missed the information.”

“Tell me about it,” Yoanni muttered. “They’re always asking me for favors.”

“But not me. It was my turn to monitor the station’s portal when the information came. I read everything they sent. According to the Iberville parish report, these guys workwith the Oquendo cartel, which is known for smuggling drugs, humans, and guns.”

As Emily spoke, Yoanni’s expression tightened. “Pooler? That’s a great town to live in. They’ll ruin it.”

“That’s one of many concerns.”

“There’s more, right?”

Emily nodded. “I presented the reports to Captain Weaver with my idea to infiltrate an undercover cop into their ranks.”

“But?”

“Too risky.” Emily wiped her face. “Time and opportunity are necessary for such an operation to work, and we have neither. The cop would be made on the spot.”

“I see…”

“We were about to give up on that strategy, but something totally unexpected has come up.” Folding her arms, Emily sat back. “Did I ever tell you about my first big arrest?”

“I heard from others in the station,” Yoanni replied. “Took place a while ago.”

“You wouldn’t believe what happened today.”

Yoanni gave her a wide-eyed, questioning look.

“By pure luck, the chance to go ahead with this investigation fell into my lap.”

“All right, Emily. Get to it.”

Laughing, Emily explained the incident at the convenience store and the three bikers who tried to help the dying assistant.

“Turns out, one of the bikers is the same man I arrested a few years back. When I heard the name, the opportunity flashed in my head. I asked the on-site officer to bring him in. We had a private conversation.”

Yoanni took a slow sip of her drink. “Forgive me. I don’t understand what you’re driving at.”

“Simply put, Cutter, that’s the guy’s name, is a member of the Devils’ Spawn MC. He’s been involved in the biker worldmost of his adult life. Knows the lingo, the habits, and practically every rule the MCs live by, both one-percenters and AMA members.” She paused for effect as Yoanni’s expression changed to understanding. “So I made him an offer.”

“That he couldn’t refuse?” Yoanni laughed.

“Hey,” Emily huffed. “This is serious business.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. What did you offer him?”

“Actually, it wasn’t exactly an offer. It was more of a request. I asked him to help us, meaning me. We need an inside man. It’s the only way to get information and proof of their activities.”

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