Page 5 of Micah

Hodges blinked rapidly and Micah knew he regretted what he’d said. “What makes you think you can get info from White?”

“I’ll dangle a deal in front of him.”

“We’re not making a deal with that asshole.”

“He doesn’t need to know that. I’ll even let him think if he reneges on his end and has her hurt or killed, the deal is off and he’ll go back to death row.” Micah shrugged. “He just won’t know there’s no deal until I get what I want from him. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve done it.”

“I know, but if he does have someone after this woman, we need to get him before he gets to her. Where is she?”

Hell!Here it comes.

“At my house for now.”

Hodges grinned, his teeth barely visible under the bushy mustache.

“No shit? Well, I suppose she’s as safe there as anywhere.” He sighed. “All right. Go see what you can do, but this is all on you. I’ll play dumb if word gets out you’re doing this. This is against protocol. I think you should take some time off. That way, I don’t know shit. Make sure she doesn’t leave your house without you.”

“I will, and I understand about it being on me. I’ll take some time off. I’ve got some vacation coming so I’ll take a few days,maybe a week or so, starting tomorrow. Thank you, sir.” Micah stood and walked toward the door.

“Turner? Be damn careful. You’ve made some enemies lately. Caporale still has connections too and since you arrested him, he’s out for blood.”

Micah gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

He chuckled when he heard Hodges mutter. “Smartass.”

Making his way back to his desk, he took a seat, picked up the phone then dialed his home. When it went to the answering machine, he sighed with relief she knew not to answer, and waited for the tone.

“Patsy, it’s Micah. Pick up.”

“Yes?” she asked hesitantly.

“Glad you’re screening. I’m leaving the office in a few. I’ll pick up some food on the way home.”

“You’re coming home this early?”

“Yes. I’m going out of town. I’ll tell you about it when I get there. Pizza, all right?”

“Yes. I only like pepperoni though.”

Micah groaned. “I’ll get half with just pepperoni. I’ll see you soon.”

He hung up.

“You’re leaving town?” Agent Marvin Carver asked him, giving him a startle.

“Yeah. I’m...taking a few days off.”

Carver took a seat in the chair across from his desk.

“Why? You never take time off.”

He narrowed his eyes at Carver. “It’s a need to know basis, and you don’t need to know.”

Carver stood quickly. “Fuck you, Turner.”

He shrugged in response. “I don’t have to tell you anything, Carver. If you want to know, ask the boss.”

Carver stared at him for a few seconds before huffing and walking away. Micah was glad he was gone. The man was always sticking his nose into other people’s business, and he wasn’t the only one to feel that way about Carver.

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