Page 6 of Fire

“The location is near Mount Mingus.”

“Isn’t that out in Arizona?”

“Well, there’s one here. It’s in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It’s close to Townsend, so, a little over an hour’s drive from the diner where Grace works.”

I look at Grunt, letting him see how much I hate this information. He shrugs.Asshole.

King speaks up, only increasing my irritation. “Maybe you should back off. The woman did seem pretty adamant. She shot you down twice?—”

“I want to know everything about this detective by the end of the day. Try to uncover his connection to Grace, too. Dig as deep as you have to.”

“Boss, playing devil’s advocate here. Maybe you could learn from me.”

“What’s that mean?” I snap at King.

“Look at what happened with Shelby. I knew she didn’t like our world. I pushed for more with her and that blew up in my face. I’m not trying to get into your business, but she turned you down. Maybe you should listen to her.”

“You’re right,” I sigh out.

“So, you’re giving up?” he asks.

I shake my head and look at King. “Itisnone of your business. I want her. Now, find out what I need to know to make that happen.”

“If that’s what you want,” he says.

“We’ll try to get it done today, tomorrow at the latest,” Grunt adds.

I nod but ignore them leaving. My mind is focused on Grace Sutton. I keep going through the information. She was married to Benny Baluchi. For some reason, that name sparks something in my memory. I pick my phone up and dial Grunt’s number.

“Change your mind?” he says, but I can tell he knows better.

“Nope, and not going to. I want you to broaden your search. I want to know everything about Benny Baluchi. Something about that name rings a distant bell. Check it out for me.”

“You got it. Did you see she has a son? He’s five.”

“I did, but then I already knew she had a son, Grunt.”

“True, but that’s a ready-made family. You cool signing up for that?”

“He’ll make a good playmate for Tam-Tam,” I answer, grinning. “Besides, I like being a dad.”

“Are you really deciding all this after one conversation with this woman?”

“How many conversations did you have with Jasmine before deciding you wanted her, asshole?”

“Point made,” he laughs. “I sprung a kid on her, too. At least you’re forewarned. I didn’t give Jasmine that.”

I laugh. “You wanted to get her addicted to your dick first. I have a feeling I’m going to have to work hard to get there with Grace. It’ll be good for me. Nothing worthwhile comes without some effort.”

“You got it bad. I’ll get the info, boss.”

“Good,” I answer, hanging up with a smile on my face. Grace Sutton doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine.

4

GRACE

When the door to the diner opens, it doesn’t surprise me when Carter Ford walks through the door. Maybe it should, but the truth is, I’ve been expecting him since our first encounter three days ago. I was kind of disappointed because he hadn’t shown up before now. As the days passed, I realized I wanted to see him again. It’s stupid and reckless. I shouldn’t even think about letting another man into my life.

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