Page 54 of Back in the Saddle

She did a massive eye roll they could probably see from space when she spotted us before she took her time strolling down the walkway, the steps, and across the parking lot to where we’d pushed away from the Sportage to gather and wait for her arrival.

“Yougringasare bad for business,” she griped in greeting.

“Was he a regular?” Raye asked.

“Not yet. But I hope he will be since he’s gotta be new, ’cause I charged him ten bucks more than the usual and he didn’t blink.” She paused before she finished, “And he gave me a big tip and he has a big dick.”

“Nice,” Luna drawled.

“What you bitches doin’ here?” Jinx asked.

“I called,” Luna told her.

“I know. The night’s been busy. This is good. I can get done before it gets too cold,” Jinx replied.

“Right then, we won’t take a lot of your time,” I said.

“Excelente,” Jinx muttered.

“Have you heard of the Street Warriors?” I asked.

She tipped her head to the side. “Is that a gang?”

God, I hoped my brother didn’t join a gang.

“I don’t think so,” I told her.

“Why you askin’?” she queried.

“My brother is missing. I’m worried he’s sleeping rough. He has mental health issues,” I shared.

Jinx tried to hide it, but the flash of compassion showed in her face before she nodded curtly.

“And I got some information he’s a Street Warrior,” I went on.

“Never heard of them,linda,” she said quietly.

That was a gift. Right on display.

Jinx was a tough nut.

But still.

She liked us.

And there was the evidence.

No matter the stereotype of women in her profession, the truth of it was, under that street smart exterior, lay a heart of gold.

Alternately, the Rolex Raye scored for her on our last case bought a shit ton of loyalty.

“Can you ask around?” Luna requested.

“My ass on the line if I do?” Jinx returned.

“We honestly have no idea,” Raye admitted. “We think maybe they look after homeless people.”

Jinx nodded. “I’ll be careful, and I’ll ask. I find something, you buy me a burger.”

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