Page 69 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

I shake his hand and take my leave. The moment I step into the hallway, my pace quickens. We have twenty-four hours to solve this, and I need to get my plan into action.

Quinn glances up from where she’s sitting at my desk, setting aside her coffee mug when I appear. “Done already?”

“Yeah.” I keep my responses measured to keep the gossip down. “Thanks, Mickey.”

“No problem.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets. “So, what’s the story?”

“Walk with me.” I pick up the brown bag and take Quinn by the hand.

“Where’d you find a woman to put up with your shit, Richards?” Jameson calls out with a laugh.

“At least I have a woman,” I snap back. “Your cat doesn’t count.”

A ripple of laughter filters through the office as we retreat, leaving my fellow detectives in the dark. Once we’re clear of the crowd, I direct Mickey and Quinn into an alcove near the window.

“What the hell is going on?” Mickey spins to face me.

“Remember that maid we couldn’t find?”

“Yeah.” His gaze drifts to Quinn, and his eyes widen. “You?”

Quinn nods.

“She saw the whole thing. Murderer came after her.”

“How the hell did you find her?”

“She showed up bleeding on my doorstep.”

Mickey scoffs. “Bullshit.”

“She’s been staying with me while I work the case.”

“And you didn’t think to tell your partner you found a witness to the biggest murder case of the decade?” Mickey scowls, and guilt jabs me at the reminder. “You sent me on a wild goose chase to interview her roommates.”

“I couldn’t tell anyone, not until I got more information.”

“And?”

I hand him the brown paper bag. “Here’s your murder weapon.”

“What?” He snatches the bag and opens it. “Son of a bitch, Richards, where did you get this?”

“Went to the house on Riverside Drive yesterday. The security guard there found it buried under the rose bushes by the neighbor’s place.”

“Why didn’t you call me right away?”

I glance at Quinn, whose face turns pink. She drops her gaze. When I face Mickey again, he nods knowingly.

“You’re lucky I trust you.” He closes the bag and clutches it in his fist. “What’s the plan?”

“I’m working on it,” I admit with a sigh. “Can you meet me at the Black Penny at six?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I’ll explain later. Bring a dozen officers in plain clothes. Armed and ready for a fight.”

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