Page 9 of Urban Justice

“The first few times, a resounding no, and after a while, Radcliffe sent all of them to the trash.”

Lance paced. “It was a damn dangerous move. And a dumb one.”

Sloane didn’t like the tone at all. “Hey! How could he know that ignoring that request would be dangerous? It’s not like he has a single clue what he’s facing!”

“Whoa, Slo! Don’t turn feral on me! What’s up with you?” Lance lifted his hands as if preparing for her to go to for his throat, and Sloane had to take a step back. Her reaction was way over the top, defending a man she knew nothing about.

“Sorry about that. It’s just that I hate seeing an innocent man so close to being hurt by White. That monster has destroyed enough lives at it is.”

Lance frowned, and Devin looked at her as if she’d sprouted a second head, but her friends let it pass.

Their hacker in residence stepped forward. “Okay, now that we’ve all agreed White is the devil incarnate, there’s one last thing, and please don’t tear my very handsome face off, but there’s more bad news. Or good news. It all depends on your perspective.”

Dread settled deep in her belly. “Spit it out, Devin. And make it quick.”

“Okay, okay. I came across communications between White and one of his henchmen. They’re tired of Radcliffe’s refusals and are about to make a move on him. I think that White’s intention is to rapidly expand and increase distribution.”

Sloane started moving. “When are they planning to attack? It’s going to be a kidnapping, I presume?”

Devin followed with Lance on his heels. “Soon, but I couldn’t find when it will take place. Just that money was exchanged, and people called. I’ll keep checking, but I can’t answer that question yet.”

Sloane went directly to the gear room as Devin headed back to his computers. Lance was on the phone. “I’ll get more eyes on the situation for you. Devin is probably checking where Radcliffe is. How do you want to deal with it? Suited or not?”

One look at her watch told her that night had already fallen. And to be honest, she wasn’t sure there would be enough time to convince the professor as the mysterious blonde, so the wild, pink-headed woman in the Vigilante suit would have to do for now.

“Protection for now, and we can come up with a new way to approach him tomorrow as Noctem Consulting. Convince him that we’re the good guys. Well, the better guys.”

Lance nodded. “Good call. I’ll keep you updated on the latest. Stay safe, Sloane. Keep your guy safe.”

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