Page 123 of Pressure

The officer nodded and Lance pointed to a car.

“In. Now.”

She opened her mouth and he glowered. “If you even think about arguing with me, I will make sure you don’t sit for a God damn week.”

She hustled to the back of the SUV he pointed to and slid in. He climbed in behind her and ordered her to scoot over.

He was clearly pissed.

Three hours later, they approached Solitaire having finished with the police. When the stepped out of the car, Samuel stepped out of the shadows and approached Lance.

“I hope you plan on teaching your girl a lesson,” he muttered darkly.

Lance tossed her a sidelong stare before turning his attention to Samuel. “You have no idea. Thank you so much for rescuing her.”

Marissa bristled at that. She wasn’t technically his girl. Though she damn sure wanted to be after tonight.

Samuel shoved a hand in his pocket and rubbed at the back of his neck with the other. “Look. Things are getting a little too hot for me right now. I need to step away from Solitaire for a little while. Pass it along to the others that I’m tendering my resignation effective immediately. Someone else can fill my shoes on the board. It’s just too dangerous.”

Lance looked crestfallen. “I’m so sorry things got so out of hand.”

Samuel clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s not you, brother. I chose this line of work and the life I live. I always knew this place might just be a temporary home for me.”

“I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble,” Marissa whispered, suddenly feeling guilty.

Samuel turned to her and flashed a smile she’d never seen before. “I won’t lie and say not at all, but I would be making this decision whether or not I had to save your dumb ass tonight. I wish I could have stuck around longer to get to know you. Lance here sure seems taken. Do us all a favor and get him to take a fucking break every once in a while. Maybe someday I’ll be back. I hope to still find you here when I am.”

Marissa gave him a sad smile. It seemed like such a sad goodbye, but she didn’t fully grasp why.

With a little wave, Samuel disappeared into the shadows again.

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