Page 33 of Wired Justice

“I think that was quite enough of that,” Sophie said primly. She worked her phone with her thumbs. “I am confirming our meet with the informant.”

Jake glanced into the back seat. Tank thrust his big square head forward to touch his shoulder. “Thanks, buddy. You got her to give me a kiss.” The big dog woofed in reply.

Forty minutes later, they pulled up in a nondescript community park with a weather-beaten jungle gym, cinderblock bathrooms, and a patchy soccer field ringed by palms. Jake took his weapon out of his pack. “Think we should be strapped for this.”

“Yes.” Sophie had also taken out her Glock. Jake checked his weapon, watching out of the corner of his eye as she expelled the clip, checked the number of rounds, and rammed it back in, stowing it in a side pocket of her nylon cargo pants. They got out of the Jeep. “We’re half an hour early. Let’s let the dogs run loose since no one’s around,” Sophie said.

“Good idea. They’ve been very patient in the car.” Jake opened his door. Tank barreled out, running over to investigate the row of trash cans by the bathrooms, while Ginger galloped off to fetch a stick. Jake tried not to be too obvious as he watched Sophie do some yoga stretches, but the shape of her butt was too distracting. He turned to grab Ginger’s stick and threw it for the energetic Lab. She hurtled after it, soon joined by Tank. The dogs tussled playfully, and eventually, Tank got the stick and brought it to Jake.

“He seems to know his master.” Sophie came to stand beside him.

“I can’t keep him. I travel too much. But I can work on finding a real home for him.”

“My father might be able to watch him while you do,” Sophie said. “He’s in Honolulu for a month or so.”

“That would be great.” Jake threw the stick again, feeling his belly tighten with regret. He really did wish he could keep the dog. Jake whistled for the dogs. Both of them came, thundering at him like charging horses. He ushered them into the back of the Jeep and filled the water bowl from Sophie’s backpack from a jug he’d picked up at a convenience store.

Sophie stiffened. “We have incoming.” A large black truck was headed their way, coming down the feeder road.

“What did you tell the informant about us?”

“Me and my boyfriend are looking for your missing cousin, Julie Weathersby,” Sophie said. “We’re rich.”

“Rich boyfriend. I like the sound of that,” Jake drawled. Sophie kept her gaze studiously on the vehicle as it approached and parked beside them.

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