Page 97 of Stella
“I don’t know, I think she may have a point.” Deanna shrugs. “When you all interrogated that prisoner not so long ago, she got information out of him without using her body. Well, she used her kneecap, not her breasts.”
I smile proudly. That was a small victory moment for me not so long ago when I kicked a dude in the balls and got him to confess while he was being questioned by Tag. My dad walked in, and while he wasn’t happy about it, Tag was secretly proud. Since I answer to him while prospecting, I’ll take any praise I can get that I’m doing a good job.
“Thanks, D. I’m glad someone around here has a better memory than some,” I say. “It was just a suggestion. I want to help, that’s all.”
Cash rubs his chin. “It sounds like a fuckin’ bad idea. Not usin’ my only female prospect as fuckin’ bait if that’s what you’re suggestin’. I don’t need to be worryin’ about you as well as everythin’ else. I don’t trust Callaghan?—”
“What about Willow?” I toss back. “She’s never done the club wrong.”
“And she’s Haze’s ex, not exactly on the MC’s Christmas card list,” Tag mutters.
While that may be true, and she gave Haze a lot of shit about fucking up one of her undercover operations, I don’t think she’s a dirty cop. Just like I know Cale isn’t, but I can’t exactly sing his praises without arousing suspicion.
“What we’re gonna do is sit tight,” Cash says, turning to Deanna. “Find out what else Callaghan knows, and then I’m gonna put an end to all of this, got me?”
“I have a bad feeling about this,” she says.
Cash lowers his voice. “how about I put you on a plane to your parents’ place?”
“Bad idea,” Tag cuts in. “Our brothers are capable, but are you really gonna let D and Caprice out of your sight?”
“Tag’s right,” Deanna says. “You’d worry too much about us not being here. Maybe I could ask Mom and Dad to come here?”
“Maybe your folks could bring some backup?” Manny suggests. “Just in case.”
Cash deliberates, then pecks Deanna on the lips. “Whatever happens, I’m gonna get answers. In the meantime, you don’t go anywhere without the boys comin’ with you. Not the prospects, the Nomad brothers.” Then he turns to me. “You wanna prove your worth, Stella? Stakeout at various locations might be just the thing to remind you that your loyalty to this club does not involve runnin’ off to question Callaghan, no matter how well-meaning your intentions are.”
I don’t pull a face, because hanging out with the Nomad brothers in a stakeout sounds truly horrible. “Got it,” I say. “Where are we staking out?”
“Here. The Vault. The Grill,” Tag starts reeling off the businesses like I don’t already know.
“Then again, what if this jerk is trying to divert our attention?” Deanna says. “Why make it so obvious?”
“Which is why we need to stay alert,” Cash warns. “All of us.”
I head back to the clubhouse shortly after, just as the guys all start arriving. I’ve got a few hours before I head home for a while because now I’m on night duty. Fucking great. There goes all my plans to roll around with Callaghan tonight.
When my phone buzzes in my pocket, I pull it out.
Detective Callaghan
You probably heard by now
Me
Yeah - Cash isn’t exactly the happiest I’ve seen him
Detective Callaghan
Come see me tonight
Me
I want to, but I’m on stakeout
Detective Callaghan
Me too, double shift. After that
