Page 73 of Filthy Liar

“His tech is better than Cruz’s? It must be if Cruz can’t find Stefano,” I stated, my phone ringing. Slash’s name popped up on the screen, and I answered quickly. “You have news?”

There was a pause before he replied, apology in his tone. “Unfortunately, nothing yet. I know it’s been a long day for you guys, but do you think I can borrow you for a few hours?”

I didn’t want to leave Reid or Raven, but the thought of possibly making some money made my thoughts waver.

“What for? I don’t want to stress Raven out more.”

“Nothing that can get you in trouble, I promise. I’m down a few people since half the crew are currently in the Heights. You can say no, I won’t hold it against you,” he replied, and Ander gave me a curious look.

“What’s happening?”

“Can you guys hold down the fort while I go out for a few hours? Slash needs some help,” I explained, and Logan winced.

“Doing what?”

Slash chuckled, obviously hearing their concern. “Tell them it’s just some business at the Shed, no gang meetings or anything.”

I repeated it, and Logan nodded. “Alright, go. No drug deals or shoot outs.”

“He didn’t say you couldn’t move guns,” Slash said with amusement, hopefully joking. “Need me to send someone to pick you up? I can spare someone for a few minutes.”

“I’ll borrow Logan’s car, but thanks. Just the Shed, right?”

“Yep. Thanks, Lopez,” he said before hanging up, and Logan sighed.

“Why is it always my car?”

“Yours is the quietest to start. I don’t want to wake them,” I explained, finishing my cigarette. “You guys want me to bring pizza home for dinner tonight? I don’t think anyone feels like cooking.”

Ander grabbed some cash from his wallet and handed it to me. “Sounds good. Put that towards it. You sure you’re okay to go alone?”

“What are the chances of Stefano making two moves in one day?”

“Slim, but not zero. Keep your eyes peeled,” he warned, and Logan handed me his keys.

I told them I’d be careful before slipping out the side gate, heading to the car and starting it.

It sounded so damn loud, but no one raced outside to stop me, so I figured Raven hadn’t woken up, and Reid was caught up in his own grief right now and probably didn’t mind me leaving anyway.

The drive to the Shed was quick, and I made sure to lock the car before walking inside, finding the place practically empty. Harley was surprisingly sitting at the bar, and Caden was pacing close by on the phone.

“Hey. Where’s the boss?” I asked as I approached, and Harley pointed to the office.

“In there. How’s Raven? D said she was a mess, poor kid.”

“Sleeping, thankfully. She’d only been asleep for an hour or two last night when Beckett called. It will do her some good to sleep the afternoon away. Reid crashed too,” I replied. “I’m surprised you’re not at your bar. You’re never here anymore.”

He winced, looking a little uncomfortable about that. “Yeah, I know. We’ve been hiring some help so Alex and I can get back to things here a little more. We both slacked off on our responsibilities since opening the bar. Besides, Penn and Landon could almost run the place themselves.”

“Not if you put Penn in the kitchen, you know she can’t cook toast, right?” I grinned, amusement filling his face.

“I’m aware. She’s getting better though. The problem with Penn is that she’s been working at the compound more, which means I can’t have her full-time anymore. Landon’s been off lately too, so I don’t want to overwork him. We had a new cook start last week, so hopefully he works out. We can always hire Noah or someone to help with serving if we get stuck.”

“We can always help if you need an emergency helper. We like money,” I laughed, just as Slash poked his head out of his office.

“Are you done gossiping?” he asked dryly, motioning for me to hurry up.

“Almost,” Harley grinned, giving me a nod. “I appreciate it.”

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