Page 74 of Tough as Steele

“Can and will do if time allows,” Brendan replied.

“We good to go?” Clay asked.

Nate and Londyn both nodded.

“Give us five minutes to blend into the background before you approach the door.” Aiden stepped off with his brothers.

“They’re such a strong team.” Londyn stood watching them. “Our families have so much in common, with all the siblings in some manner of law enforcement.”

“You don’t see that too often.”

“Our fathers are very strong influences. In a good way, of course.”

“So was my dad, which is why I went into the military. Sure, Clarice suggested it as a way to gain more discipline in my life, but…” He shrugged.

“I get it. Our parents influence more than we know, and we don’t realize how much until we get older.”

“Or until you suddenly lose them.” He gestured for her to precede him to his car. “Best get going before the Bryds try to fly the coop.”

She rolled her eyes and started off. “If this wasn’t a weekend, I don’t think we could’ve gotten them to help.”

“I’m still not sure I’m on board with it, but it does feel nice to know the shooter won’t likely fire another round in your direction.” He opened the door for her and locked gazes. “If I get laughed out of my job for wanting to make sure you’re okay, so be it.”

“These guys are discreet, and they won’t tell anyone.”

“You know how word gets around in law enforcement circles.” He continued to look at her. “But like I said. I like knowing it’s safer for you to approach that apartment.”

“Me too. About you, I mean.” She gave him a soft smile.

Forcing himself to ignore the sweetness of her response, he closed her door and climbed behind the wheel to drive the three blocks to Helen’s apartment. He parked in a nearby lot and killed the engine. He didn’t see any of the brothers, but then he hadn’t expected to. He sat silently and waited to hear from Aiden, but Londyn checked the clip on her backup firearm and shoved the magazine back into the pistol before settling it in her holster. She’d done the exact same thing several times before, and he was coming to see this was her nervous tell.

“You’re clear to step out,” Aiden’s voice came over Nate’s earbud.

He looked at Londyn. “Ready?”

“Ready.” She reached for the door handle and got out.

He hurried to catch up to her so he could be nearby if the Byrd brothers hadn’t done their job and something bad went down. They crossed the lot under now overcast skies with the usual February rain threatening in the distance. If he wasn’t so focused on keeping Londyn safe, he would search for a rainbow. They often appeared in Portland skies during the rainy months.

They arrived at the apartment, and he knocked on the door. He motioned for Londyn to step even more to the side. He wasn’t about to have her taken down by bullets piercing the door from the apartment side.

The door groaned open, and a woman with curly brown hair, visible skin covered in tattoos, and a scar over her right eyebrow peered at Nate.

“Helen Russell?” He held out his ID and introduced himself.

She nodded, a wary look in her eyes.

“We’d like to come in and talk to you about your friend Jessica,” Nate said.

“Jessica?” She tilted her head, a puzzled look on her face, but she stepped back to give them access to her apartment.

The living area held only a couch, small coffee table, and an old dresser with a small television perched on top. A savory smell came from her kitchen, and he thought it was from roasting chicken.

“Have a seat,” she said, picking up several books lying on the couch to make space.

Nate waited for Londyn to sit, but he remained standing, thinking it was his best position for escape and evasion if needed.

Helen dropped to the floor and crossed her legs on the freshly vacuumed carpet. She picked at a string on the hole in her jeans. “What do you want to know about Jessica? I haven’t seen her in ages.”

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