Page 134 of The Consequences of Love and Vengeance

That’s sweet of her to offer. She’s never come off as anything but hard, so for a second, I start to choke up. We aren’t that close of friends, so maybe talking to her might be easier.

But as that thought trails off, I know all I’m doing by staying in my car this long is delaying the inevitable. It’s time to face my chief. Another message comes through, but I decide it can wait. Without checking it, I toss my phone into my purse then step out of the car.

Normally, I’d take the stairs to the ground level, but I’ve exerted my body so much as it is in the last twenty-four hours that I’ve ripped a couple of the stitches on my wound, so I make myself take the elevator.

Stepping out of the parking garage, I stare at the building across the street, wondering what fate has in store for me.

Only one way to find out.

I halt just before stepping off the sidewalk as a black SUV stops abruptly in front of my path. The lock on the door pops and the window rolls down.

“Get in.”

I start to reach for the weapon that should be secured at my hip, but then I realize it’s not there. I left my badge and police-issued gun at home. It feels awkward being without it. Ever since I became a cop, they’ve been a part of who I am. And I don’t want to lose my job.

Fighting the urge to curse, I take a cautious step backward.

“I’m waiting, Detective.” He leans back into his seat. He’s turned sideways, looking at me with one long, rich black arm stretched across the steering wheel. His dark eyes look bored, but I’m not about to make a move toward him. I don’t even know him.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

“Get in, and I’ll explain.”

“I don’t think so.” I tip my chin. “You can explain while I’m out here.”

Rolling his eyes, he shakes his head while reaching into the neck of his plain black T-shirt. A badge attached to a chain pops out.

Okay, so he’s a cop. A federal agent at that. Then again, it’s not like a badge can’t be faked.

“Jesus, lady. Are you going to get in or stand there?”

“Stand here until you tell me what you want.”

“We’re on the same side, Detective. I’m going to be your saving grace. Now”—he drops his badge, allowing it to hang on the outside of his shirt—“please get in the fucking vehicle. We need to talk.”

“I’m about to be late for a meeting, agent.”

“Special agent,” he corrects in the same mocking tone I used. “It won’t take long, and trust me, you’ll want what I’m offering.”

He smiles as if going for good measure.

Isn’t he sure of himself.

He certainly looks the part of confidence rolled into authority. Reminds me of Drago in a way.

Going against my better judgment, I step forward, open the door, and slide into the passenger side seat.

“Okay, I’m in.”

“Do you think you could close the door?”

“Do I look that stupid?”

For all I know, I am. He could be someone Sebastian sent to finish the job he started.

“Well, you did get yourself shot inside your own home only a couple of days ago, so...”

“Talk,” I bite out. “Or I’m gone.”

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