Page 27 of Leaving Lando

His face darkens. “Someone on the force, you mean. It’s crossed my mind. I don’t want to believe it, but I checked around, discreetly, and no one on the squad shows signs of being on the take.”

“That’s a relief. It’s an awful thought, I know.”

“Yeah. You’ve got to be able to trust people to work with them.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No, you’re right, Red. In order to eliminate the possibility, I had to take a look. Right now, though …” He takes my hand. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Another one?” I follow him back through the living room, past the foyer, the dining room, and then kitchen, and into the family room. My mouth falls open.

“Oh my god!” The room’s set up for a band, with a drum set, microphones, guitars, a bass, and speakers. And standing by the equipment are my fellow band members from high school.

“Hey girl!” Tina says. “Long time no gig!”

After a round of hugs with all of them, I turn to Lando, stunned. “How on earth …”

“Your sisters helped me track down the band.”

Now that I’m over the initial shock, I take a closer look at the gear. “This all looks brand new.”

“It is,” Lando says. “Part of your birthday present.”

“Part of it?” I stare at him. “What the hell, Lando. You got a custom cake for your birthday.”

His eyes twinkle. “You can make it up to me next year.”

Next year?I’m feeling faintly dizzy. Since when does the world’s best fuck buddy talk like that?

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