Page 35 of Always Mine

“Not your fault. Alert your guard to watch for her, until I get there.”

At least Katie Donovan wasn’t standing post tonight. Diego wasn’t in the mood to take her grief.

* * *

Will couldn’t find Annie so he drove to Diego’s house. And as bad luck would have it, Katie Donovan was guarding the door. She frowned when he reached her. “What are you doing here?” she asked, sounding irked.

His mouth fell open. “Um…What happened to your hair?” It was free of its knot and chestnut waves fell nearly to her waist.

“Excuse me?”

Now he noticed she was dressed to the hilt. High heels and a slinky blue dress. “Why are you dressed like that?”

“If you must know, I was on a date. While I was out, the chief called me. He had some news. I brought the night guard coffee and he’s sitting in his car. I came to talk to Diego. Why are you here?”

“Diego called me. Said Annie was on her way over. She said she was coming alone this time.”

“Holy hell, Will. We agreed that she was off-limits.”

“Don’t shoot the messenger.” He circled her and opened the door with his key. From the foyer, he called out, “Diego, it’s Katie and me.”

“Kate, Will. I told you.”

When they reached the kitchen, Diego was just opening the back door, To Annie Stefano. Fuck.

Will marched over to them. To her, he said, “Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?”

“Will, cut the tone.” Diego even stood in front of her. “She’s had a rough day. She’s here and safe.”

His gaze lasered on his friend. “You and I need to have a conversation.”

Katie faced Annie. Will had never seen Annie so disheveled. Her hair was unbound and her face flushed. “And we need to guarantee your safety, Annie. We can’t do it if you run around like a crazy woman on your own.”

Annie stepped forward and shook back her hair like some avenging goddess. “Don’t call me names, Detective. Something happened. I had to see Diego. So I came.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Katie asked. “Don’t you care about Diego’s safety?”

“And your own.” This from Will. “It was stupid of you to come again.”

“That’s enough! Back off, you two. Now!”

“Not until we settle this.” Katie’s face flushed. “And don’t talk tomethat way, Lieutenant Rodriguez.”

Diego had drawn Annie around and put his good arm around her. She leaned into his chest. “I’m sorry, Katie…Kate. Annie was upset…and she just came over.”

“Annie?” This from Katie.

“I’m sorry,” was all she got out.

Both Will and Katie shook their heads. Will said. “I’ll come back to take you home.” He turned to leave.

“Wait, Kirkland. I have some news, which is why I’m here.” Katie motioned to the living room. She turned on a few lights, to chase away the gloom. When they were seated, she said, “The police are pretty sure only one Cobra survived.”

“It takes just one bullet to kill somebody.”

“We have a name. Denise Lomax. Denzi, for short.”

“A girl?” Diego asked.

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