Page 73 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“You won’t be here when they show up.”

I stiffen at Grant’s declaration and spin around to face him. “What do you mean Iwon’t be here?”

“I’m not putting you in the middle of this, kid.”

“Damn it, Grant. Iamin the middle of this. I’m the reason for this whole fucked-up mess.” I throw my hands in the air and slide off the bar stool.

Claude’s lips press into a thin line. He says nothing as he wipes down the already clean bar. When I turn, Grant’s at my elbow, looking one hundred percent like the gruff, no-bullshit cop from the night we met.

This time, though, I have an advantage. I know he cares about me.

“You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m not putting you in harm’s way tonight.”

“No, but you’ll put yourself and your brother in danger, right?” I prop my hands on my hips, wishing I were taller so I could face him eye to eye. As we stand, I feel like a kid who’s being told it’s not safe to go out after dark.

“I can’t protect you properly if things go wrong.” He growls when I crowd his space.

“I’ve told you before, Billy isn’t going to hurt me. At least not physically.” I jab him in the chest. “These aremypeople. They know me. If they come for anyone, it’s going to be you and Claude.”

“We can take care of ourselves.” Grant’s scowl deepens. “I’ve got backup waiting in the wings, and I have a plan.”

“Let me guess.” I tap my chin. “I’m not part of that plan.”

“No. You’re going to stay upstairs, out of sight, until I come get you.”

“The hell I am!” I glower at him. “I told them I would be here. The moment they walk in and I’m not here, they’re going to know something’s up.”

“Fuck.” Grant glances up at his brother, who nods in agreement with me.

“She has a point,” Claude says with a shrug.

I hazard a smirk at the small victory. “Just give me a pistol. I can take care of myself.”

“Listen to me, Quinn.” Grant grips my shoulders, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I won’t let you make yourself a target tonight.”

“I’m not asking to be a target. I want to help you.” My hands clench into fists.

“You can help me by staying upstairs.”

“No.”

Grant swears under his breath and rakes his fingers through his hair, tugging on the ends.

“Tell me your plan,” I say.

“My plan is to uncover a serial killer.” His tone borders on exasperated.

“Serial killer?” The realization hits me, and I step back. “Are you telling me someone I invited here tonightkilledall those people?” I swallow the lump in my throat.

“Yes, and I plan on unmasking them. Once they reveal themselves, Mickey and the rest of the undercover officers will arrest him.”

“They tried to kill me.”

“That’s right.” He nods with relief when I finally understand the severity of the situation. “And they’re going to take the first opportunity to finish what they started.”

“But I don’t know who it is! It could be any of them.” Panic grabs me by the heart and squeezes.

“Exactly. And they’re counting on the fact that you trust them.”

---