Page 91 of Riot

She rolls her eyes. “Relax, he’s my dad. I’m usually at Indigo’s Sweet Treats, but Tag over here needed help because everyone’s down with the flu.”

“Don’t leave anythin’ out,” I mutter.

Tag moves directly in front of Stella, blocking her from view. The man is massive. He’s got the biggest set of shoulders and biceps I’ve ever seen, and while I’ve never been struck by him, Nevada definitely has, and he said it didn’t tickle.

He’s about the same height as Callaghan, but he clearly has the bulk behind him that the cop doesn’t have. Well, nobody has unless you’re the Hulk.

“What you want with Harlem?”

He doesn’t back down. “Believe I was talkin’ to the lady.”

“Well, she’s workin’, so fuckin’ spit it out.” It’s no secret there's no love lost between us and some of the cops in town. Cash used to work with a few that have since been retired, andever since Callaghan got promoted, he’s been on our case for petty shit. It makes things more difficult when we need to let things slide into the system, but it seems corruption is on the downscale in the NOLA Police Department.

“Tag!” Stella thumps him in the back but he doesn’t even move. She steps around him, her face red and angry. “That was rude!”

He barely gives her a glance, barking at Callaghan, “Talk!”

Callaghan doesn’t falter. I’ve gotta give the boy some credit, he holds his own. His stance tall and chest puffed out. His eyes narrowed and jaw tight. No signs of the friendliness he just showed Stella. Go figure.

Callaghan smirks. “I don’t think simple things like vocabulary are quite in your realm, are they, Tag?”

Tag steps closer, and I go to shove him back. No need getting into a nosy cop’s face, it’ll only exacerbate the issue. “You sayin’ I’m stupid?”

“Nope, but I am looking for Harlem, so I’ll try him at home.”

“Is everything okay?” Stella sounds worried.

Callaghan turns his gaze on her and his eyes soften ever so slightly. “Everything’s fine, it’s a personal matter but nothing to be worried about.”

“So you just thought you’d swing on by to check up on H?” I snicker. “Any excuse to come pokin’ around where your nose isn’t wanted.”

His eyes flick to mine. “Riot. You keeping your nose clean?”

Of course he knows all about every one of us. If we ever slip up, I’ve no doubt his smiling face will be there with handcuffs, ready to collect.

“What’s it to you?”

He shrugs. “Just makin’ sure the neighborhood is safe and sound.”

Asshole.

Tag points in his face. “Ain’t nothin’ for you here, like the lil’ lady said, H ain’t here.”

“As always, your hospitality shines through.” His eyes dance.

“If you like, I can check to see if Dad’s up to seeing anyone?” Stella helpfully offers.

Tag grunts.

I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, she’s nineteen and he is in a uniform, or whatever chicks like these days.

Callaghan’s tone is much softer when he addresses her. “That’s gracious of you, Stella, but it won’t be necessary.”

She pouts ever so slightly.

“You’re not goin’ anywhere with him.” Tag crosses his giant arms over his giant chest, not moving a muscle. “And you need to get back to work if you expect to be paid today.”

“Asshat,” she mutters while moving away.

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