Page 39 of Rescued Faith

“And Ray-Ray? You got anything on him?”

“He just told me the competition is getting crowded and we’re setting up somewhere else.”

Now they were getting somewhere.

“You sure it’s the competition and not the feds or something?” Tony asked.

“Like he’s gonna tell me jack. I just do what I’m told. We’re heading out as soon as we get the call.” He took a gulp of his pop. “So will you do it? Look after my mom?”

“I’ll do what I can. But she’s gotta stay clean too.”

“She is.”

“Okay. We have a deal.” Tony stuck out a hand and the kid shook it. He finished the last of his food and was gone.

“So…what are you up to tonight?” Tony turned to her.

Penny knew that tone, had used it herself many times. But better squelch whatever kind of flirtation he was hoping for at the start. “I’ve got work to do.”

“We’re on the same team. Shouldn’t we be working together?”

“Nice try, Officer Thomas, but I’ve got more than just this case right now. So if you don’t mind taking me back to the police station, I’ll grab my car and get back to it.”

She gave him a practiced smile. The one that was friendly and light but not too encouraging.

“Please, call me Tony. And I think we could be pretty good together. Sure I can’t help you on your other cases?”

She chuckled. “I have to give you props for your persistence, but believe me, I’m sure.”

“All right. Can’t blame a guy for trying, right?”

No, she really couldn’t. And she couldn’t account for the lack of attraction to him. He was exactly her type, he wouldn’t expect much more than a fun time. But she had a case to solve, and the less people involved the better. It was surprisingly easy to down his second offer to compare notes later once she reached her car.

“Thanks, but I’ve got my own leads to pursue. Keep me in the loop?”

“Sure thing.” He paused a moment. “So, you and Bryce. Is that like…an official thing? Is that why you’re busy?”

“Bryce and I have a past.” A past that still took up too much room in her head, but Tony didn’t need to know that. “That’s all it is. I’m here to work this case and then I’m gone. Believe me, Tony, you’re better off with someone else. I won’t be here long.”

It was the only way to keep her heart in one piece.

“Then I’ll see you around.” He waved before riding off.

Now, time to make some progress on this case so she could get out of Last Chance herself.

TWELVE

Bryce finished tightening the screw on his mother’s kitchen sink faucet.

“There you go. No more leaky drips.”

“Honey, are you sure you’re okay?” His mother seemed a lot more homey these days with her silver hair pulled back in a low ponytail and an apron on instead of the business suits she always dressed in as a lawyer. She leaned against the counter, her concerned gaze unmistakable.

He barely refrained from rolling his eyes. “Mom, I’m fine. Why do you keep asking?”

“I heard about the case and this task force you’re on. You’re already in a dangerous profession, and now we have to worry about drive-by shootings? Not to mention the woman who broke your heart?—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Penny Mitchell didnotbreak my heart.”

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