Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 66454 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66454 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“So you want me to take her home because someone’s going to kill you?” Gabriel asks with disbelief.
I nod my head once. “But only if I can’t. I don’t know how much time I have.”
“And can I ask why you’re so sure you’re going to die?” he asks.
I stare into his eyes. “Because Stone is going to kill me.”
“I never quite liked Stone.” He taps his fingers on the desk again and looks past me as if he's debating something. Are you going to tell me why?” he asks.
“She has nothing to do with this.” My blood rushes in my ears. “You’ll help me take her home regardless of what happens between us?” Although it's a question, it comes out as a statement.
His eyes finally meet mine. “I will.” He nods his head with certainty.
“Whatever you want to do to me when you find out, it’ll be on hold until she’s safe.” He nods his head once again, keeping my gaze.
“I’m a man of my word, Kade. Now out with it.”
My chest tightens with anxiety. My hands dig into the armrests even though my gun is burning in my waistband, begging me to take it out. I won’t though. I need Gabriel’s help. If for nothing more than to make sure I can leave here without a tail and get Olivia safely back home. “Stone received information,” I start and then readjust in my seat, exhaling deeply. “Information that implicates me as a cop.”
Gabriel clucks his tongue. “Do you know when and how he received that information?”
I’m caught off-guard by the question, but I take a moment and then answer him honestly. “A little over two months ago, one of his men was discovered to be an undercover cop and at some point, information that linked the two of us together also pointed to me being a cop.”
“I could see how that would be a serious problem.” He presses his lips into a thin straight line. “He knew you were here, and yet he said nothing to me.” I nod my head once. It was only discovered two days ago, but it was confirmed tonight. “And you are in fact a cop?”
I hold his gaze and nod once. My heart slams against my chest.
“She isn’t. She’s innocent.” I'm quick to remind him that she has nothing to do with this.
“Of course she is. And I’ll make sure we get her home since that’s what you want.”
A small bit of gratitude washes through me. My angel is safe.
He leans forward and squares his shoulders and asks, “What else do you want, Kade?”
I shake my head and I take in a short breath. Once she’s safe, I don’t know what I can do. Gates told me to abort two days ago. But I couldn’t leave yet, not if the report was false. I couldn't waste this chance..
Intel was collected between Ricky and Vic. They were planning my execution. Two days later and the only plan I have now is to get her home safe. Beyond that, I abort or I'm dead. I can't let that man live though. There has to be some justice, no matter how small. I can't leave and do nothing.
“I like you, Kade. I’ve always had a weak spot for you. When I found out about your friend, I hurt for you. I still do.” My blood chills at his confession. My brow furrows and then my grip tightens on the armrests. He lowers his eyes to something on his desk and fiddles with it, but I can’t tell what it is.
“You knew?” I wasn’t told anyone else knew. As far as the department knows, it was only a conversation between Ricky and Vic. And now Vic is dead.
“Of course,” Gabriel answers easily. “It’s my job to know who’s walking through those doors.” He clears his throat. “I almost killed you on day one.” He holds up his hand and says, “No offense, Kade. I was just doing my job. But then I thought, maybe I could form a much-needed partnership. After all, you being a cop means that Ricky is your enemy, too.”
“I’m listening.” Although my heart hurts at the memory of James, hope fills my chest. We have a common enemy, and that can only work in my favor.
“Do you know who I don’t like?” he asks me with a glint in his eyes. “I don’t like Ricardo Stone. I don’t like what he does, and I don’t like how I’m inherently associated with him.”
“I can understand how that would reflect poorly.” I keep my voice even and wait for him to continue.
“I’d like him to die, Kade.”
I nod my head once, relief flowing through me for the first time since I stepped into this office.
“His business is bad for my business. I want him dead, and I want all of his business gone. If that means I have to deal with you,” he points his finger at me and then holds it in the air, “one last time before we part ways with no ill feelings, I think that can be arranged.”