Page 62 of Until Forever

“I need you to look into something—someone—for me.”

The sound of everyone talking and laughing breaks my concentration for a bit, and I shift from one foot to the other.

“What do you know about a guy with a large scar on the left side of his face?”

He furrows a brow, thoughts and questions brewing in his mind. I can see the curiosity seeping from him, the same way I can see why he’s a detective. Aside from that one tiny shift in his face, he’s calm and attentive.

“There’s only one person who fits that description, but I don’t have a whole lot on him. Not even a name. He’s new to the area but has been a pain in the ass for the department. Why?”

“Anything you can give me on him?”

Cobi crosses his arms, his expression transforming from curiosity to one of deep focus.

“Why don’t you tell me what this is about?”

Scrubbing my hand over my face, I glance at Latoya, contemplating my words. I know how these things go, I’ve done enough work with my clients to know that some threats aren’t really threats until they are. And that sometimes going to the police can end up being the biggest mistake of your life.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Cobi following my gaze, his shoulders slumping as he puts it together.

“Are you in trouble?” He steps closer, lowering his voice into a whisper.

“I don’t know. But I’m pretty sure trouble’s not that far away,” I admit when I face him again.

“Jasper, if you need help, just say the word.”

I suck in a deep breath. “Scar.”

He stares at me, confused.

“That’s his name, at least the name he goes by. He was at the hospital with a dude with teardrops tattooed under his eye. And I’m pretty sure they were there to threaten my father. I got a bad vibe but sort of pushed it away. But these bastards cornered me in the grocery store while JJ was with me.”

“What?” he snaps.

I check to be sure no one heard him. “Lower your voice. I don’t wanna alarm Latoya if I don’t need to.”

He swallows and settles down. “Tell me everything.”

I lick my lips, a small attempt to buy time to formulate my thoughts. “They didn’t do anything, but it’s the fact of them having the fucking audacity to approach me in front of my kid that pisses me off.”

“Are you involved with them?”

“Hell no. But my father is. I’m guessing he skipped out on a bet or loan or some shit. But in so many words, they’re expecting me to pay up.”

“Shit, man.”

I raise a brow and bring my now warm beer to my mouth. “Yeah.”

“Let me see what I can find out. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot we can do until they’ve actually done something. And like I told you, we don’t have a lot on him. I can’t share details about my case with you, but I know they’re dangerous enough that no one is willing to come forward.”

“So what do you propose? Because when it comes down to my family or the law, I won’t think twice about breaking it.”

He nods. “Don’t do anything crazy right now. I’ll check them out, see what I can find out. If they contact you again, come to me. But don’t engage. Be aware, and if you can’t be in the same place as Latoya and JJ, make sure she has a means to protect herself.”

I don’t respond, all I can do is stare at everyone else.

“Jasper. We’ll handle this. All right?”

“Thanks, man.”

---