Page 48 of Shattering Nash

“What was the case?” Nash asked.

“Huge drug ring.” Sullivan snickered. “I’m sure you remember. About eleven years ago. Donaldson’s crew.”

All of the Underground had been on high alert when word came out about the raid. Information had been leaked, they’d been tipped off, and they were able to move the product to another location days before the bust. It wasn’t directly in the line of fire for them, but Donaldson’s was a heavily connected crew.

Ironically, it was Sullivan who’d leaked the information to Nash. It was good to have connections in all facets. Aside from the irony, there was nothing connecting Charley and her brother. And yet, Nash couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something didn’t feel right. He couldn’t let it go.

“Talk to the officers. Confirm everything.”

Sullivan’s brows shot up, and he snorted. “For this? Nash, there’s nothing here.”

Maybe. Or maybe not. Nash wasn’t willing to take that chance.

“Then it’s an easy job you’ll be handsomely compensated for.”

“Alright. Give me a few days, and I’ll be in touch.” Sullivan walked out, and Nash tucked his hands in his pockets, sharing a look with Caine.

Something is off.

Chapter Nine

Charley stood at the edge of the small breakfast bar, taking in her new apartment. In its entirety. From where she stood, she could basically see it all. It was small, old, and dated. She glanced up.They still make popcorn ceilings?It was testament to the last time the place had done renovations.Never.It had a window in the living room, and the bedroom, allowing for natural light. It was big enough for only her.

Penny had lived up to her promise. Three guys showed up thirty minutes after she and Penny had arrived at her apartment. None of them spoke a word to her. They had all her belongings packed up and moved within two hours.

When they’d pulled up to her new apartment, she’d shuddered. Even on a sunny blue-sky day, it looked like a dark cloud lingered over the building. She was on the third floor. Thankfully, it had an elevator, though it looked like something out of an old movie. She’d definitely be taking the stairs when possible. She didn’t want to get stranded in the rickety elevator.

“Any chance you’ll throw us some cash for lunch?”

The men had brought up the last of the boxes and were waiting by the door. They were speaking to Penny. She smiled and reached in her back pocket. Charley thought she was pulling out money, but instead it was her phone.

“As far as my calculations go, you’ve worked about” —She clucked her tongue— “Five hours, which is seventeen less than you still owe me. So, no.”

Charley clamped her lips and inched closer to the hallway. She had some cash in her pocketbook. Buying them a meal was the least she could do. After all, they owed Penny, not her.

When she reached for her bag, Penny shouted, “Don’t you dare offer these assholes money!”

Charley dropped her arm to her side.

Penny opened the door and ushered the men out.

“Alright, you’re all set.” Penny looked around the barren room. “Definitely got your work cut out for you, but by the looks of your old apartment, décor isn’t really your thing anyway. You got my number, so call if you need me. I’ll be gone for a while to see my man, but I’ll check up on you when I get back.”

It was the second time she’d mentioned her man, though she didn’t give a name or any details.

“He lives out of state?”

Penny’s lips twitched. “Something like that.”

Charley smiled, watching Penny gather her bag and water bottle from the kitchen counter. It would probably be a while ’til she saw her again. It should’ve been the last thing on Charley’s mind considering everything with the move, but she could not escape her non-memory from last night. She’d racked her brain trying to remember the kiss, but she drew a complete blank. The only person who could give her details was about to walk out the door. If she didn’t ask now, she might never know.

Penny started to the door, and Charley called out her name. “Penny.”

“Yeah?”

Charley clamped her lips together, and her cheeks heated. She hadn’t even asked, but she was already falling victim to the embarrassment.

“Oh, this should be good.” Penny snickered and folded her arms. “Just reading your face tells me your question will be interesting.”

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