Page 10 of Beyond the Badge: Crew

“The feds only rented the third floor?”

“Yes.”

“Are the other two floors abandoned?”

“No.”

“Who occupies them, and do they know what we’re doing on the top floor?”

“Whatwe’redoing?”

“Am I not part of the team?” she asked his broad back as they stopped in front of a metal door with a numeric keypad.

He spun on her, making her take a half-step back. “Not yet. This task force has been in place for a year now. We’re a cohesive team. Everyone knows what they need to do, and they do it.”

“And you think I’m going to screw that up.”

“Don’t screw that up,” he warned and turned back to the door. He punched in a code she didn’t catch because he was blocking it with his body.

“I’ll need that code.”

“Yep.” He pulled the door open and walked inside.

The interior did not match the exterior at all. It was surprisingly decent. Like a lot of work—and thought—had been put into the workspace.

The top floor was almost completely open. The exception was what looked like a bathroom and large closet along the back wall. In the center was a long conference table with chairs. Along the walls, desks were lined up with computers. Attached to another wall was a large whiteboard full of notes and scribblings. Next to it was a just as large cork board with pictures and mugshots pinned to it of who she figured were members of the Deadly Demons MC. File cabinets, a table full of snacks and a coffeemaker, along with a full-size refrigerator, filled the rest of the wall space.

She frowned at the cot tucked in the back corner by the bathroom.Interesting.

If late nights were going to be the norm with this assignment, getting a place in the vicinity would be a priority since she would not be spending one night on that cot. As soon as she was discharged from the Navy, she bought the most comfortable bed she could afford.

She valued her sleep, and she didn’t see a cot anywhere in that equation. Tonight, she’d get serious about looking for an apartment or condo to rent nearby.

“Next time we have a meeting, you’ll get to meet the rest of the team. For now, this is Mullins. He’s a narcotics detective with the Pittsburgh PD.”

The man rose from where he was working at the conference table and gave her extended hand a firm shake. He tried not to be obvious about sizing her up. He failed. “Don Mullins.”

“Camila Cabrera. Narcotics detective, huh? This task force is right up your alley, then.”

“Sure is. Welcome aboard.”

That sounded like a genuine welcome. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to digging my teeth in.”

While Mullins’ smile had been warm, she didn’t miss the exchange of looks between him and Crew.

Crew grabbed her upper arm and pulled her over to two men sitting in front of computers.

“This is Bradley Lennox, but he goes by Nox. He’s going through some of the recorded footage from the two locations where we have cameras planted. We’ll go over that another time.”

Nox didn’t get up, smile or shake her hand, he gave her a slight chin lift before turning back to the computer.

Friendly.

“Did you say Camila Cabrera?” asked the man two desks away. He got up from his seat and approached. Before Crew could introduce him, he did it himself. “Luis Torres.”

He jutted out his hand first and Cami took it. His grip was warm and firm, and his eyes were inviting.

“My father’s name is Luis, as well,” she told him.

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