Page 40 of Shots Fired

“He will,” she says with great determination.

“Yeah? How do you know?” I pull her closer and kiss her temple.

“Because your team is the best. The four of you are incredible together. You gave them enough ammunition, and they ran with it. You kind of said it all. What’s in it for him to keep his mouth shut?” She pauses. “Nothing, Right?”

“I agree, and he’d be an idiot to take the fall alone, especially since I’m beginning to think he’s not the brains of the operation. A willing participant, a greedy bastard, and definitely a murderer, but not the one who hatched this.”

“You said there were only two other people who’d get anything out of my death. Christie and Paris. Maybe you and Caleb are right, and they were just great actresses,” Jasmine says, nestling in closer and putting her head on my shoulder.

“I hate to ask you to move, but I’ve got to check something out.” I carefully move Jasmine off me and get up, looking down on her. “I have an idea. I’ll be in the office for a while.”

* * *

Jasmine

I’m normally a very patient person. I think it’s one of my greatest traits, especially while working with kids, but I’m feeling restless. Being locked away in an apartment all day is only wonderful when Zeke’s around. Even though Officer Granger is standing guard, he’s outside the door, and I’m in here, on my own.

This morning, Zeke left in a hurry after Alex picked him up. They had to meet Caleb at the precinct as soon as they could. The bright spot is that Sabrina’s hanging out until they get back.

“You’ll get used to it,” Sabrina says, stirring her coffee.

From the other side of the counter, I pour my own and turn back to face her. “Used to what?”

“The intensity of their jobs. Alex is exactly the same. He gets into a case, and he works every angle until the bad guy is behind bars. It was overwhelming at first. I was constantly worried about him. For a while, I was thinking I can’t do this. Being afraid for him all the time,” Sabrina confesses.

“How did you get past it?” I take a sip of the delicious brew.

“Chloe and I talked. The things we love about our men are their determination, their need to protect. They believe in right and wrong and being there to look after the community. It’s a calling. Alex wouldn’t be who he is without his job. Zeke wouldn’t be either. You have to love the whole man.”

“I do. Love him, I mean.” I can’t help but smile when I think of Zeke. “It’s like we both knew. When this is all over, we have all these great plans of things we want to do together.”

“Like what?”

“Zeke wants to take me to his favorite camping spot. I want him to meet my parents. Christmas is a big thing for his family, and we want to try to get out to them. He wants to snowmobile and go sledding. The list goes on and on.” I’m excited to spend time with Zeke and have fun, instead of enduring this drama.

“Sounds like you’re going to be pretty busy,” Sabrina says with a chuckle.

* * *

Zeke

I’d be pacing the floor if it weren’t for this bum leg. Waiting around for the guys to call to let me know they’ve got Connor’s partner in custody is nerve-racking. The DA finally worked a deal with Connor that got him to expose the mastermind to the plan to kill off the heirs to Madden Holdings to line their own pockets.

I pick up the phone after one ring. “Yeah.”

“Connor’s partner is missing.” Caleb’s frustrated tone comes across loud and clear.

“What the fuck!” I growl. “Jesus. Any idea where she went?”

“Not yet.” Caleb goes silent. I hear someone talking to Caleb and mentioning Granger. I freeze. Shit! “Officer down. Granger’s been shot outside your apartment.”

“Jazzy?” I ask, my throat clogged. I’m praying that she hasn’t gotten to Jasmine.

“We don’t know yet.” Caleb calls out to Alex and Damian. I can hear the guys running. “We’re on our way.”

I call out to Officer Rawlins. He comes racing over. “We’ve got to get to Jasmine.” I call Jasmine’s cell over and over, but get no answer. I put the alarm on before I left. She would have to manually turn it off. She knows not to let anyone in without calling, yet I have this ache in my gut that tells me she’s in trouble. I feel like throwing up, and even with Rawlins driving with the lights flashing, the ride seems to be taking forever.

* * *

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