Page 67 of Blind Justice

“It appears all of their clients, or now ex-clients, have associations with Valerie Bradshaw’s father, Quinton Bradshaw. Valerie’s mother runs the scholarship committee.” Duncan blew out a breath. “I can’t figure out why, though. Neither can Asher. The only concrete connector we have is Los Trios and Pueblo Cartels along with Anderson Gunther.”

“Holy shit,” Bella murmured. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack,” Duncan answered.

“Well, that probably keeps them subservient to the cause.” Omar shrugged. “My opinion of course.”

“None of us have money in the cartel,” Bella said. “We were reliant on what Raul gave us. It was how he controlled our actions.”

“Hmm...” Duncan scrubbed his chin. “It would make sense. They were vulnerable. Add in the fact, the Bradshaw family runs the scholarship fund…” The work gave him time to concentrate on something else besides Enzo. Until Thomas arrived with Asher and the team, they were on their own.

“That’s your connector. Cut them off, primo. Make them dependent on the family. If their daughter doesn’t follow through with their wishes, everything is ripped from them.” Bella had a point.

“They’re in default, Bella,” Duncan murmured. “Something changed.”

“Punishment,” she said. “Somewhere along the lines, someone talked or said no.”

“About what, though?” His thoughts began to circle. “What would they know that someone else could use to attack the Bradshaws?”

“Maybe Sasha stumbled onto something or went somewhere she shouldn’t have?” Bella said. “If they’re in dire need of help, maybe they talked about their situation, and the Feds began snooping around.”

The idea had merit. He hadn’t reached out to ask the different agencies in the area to see if they were investigating the Bradshaw family yet, but he would now. “Good thinking, Bella.”

She blushed. “I like this type of stuff.” A small smile spread across her lips. Catching a glimpse of her excitement warmed Duncan’s chest, because those moments were few and far between. “Did you know I used watch this kind of shit all the time when I was a kid? I also love mystery books. I can usually figure out who the bad guy is by the middle of the story.”

As much as the conversation eased some of his jangled nerves and allowed him to focus on the work and not the what ifs, Duncan couldn’t sit still. The idea of having to wait while Raul tortured Enzo with whatever sick and twisted games he played made Duncan sick. Bella placed her hand on Duncan’s knee, stopping him from bouncing it. He hadn’t even realized he’d been doing it. Warmth spread through where she touched him, and he sighed. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Bella’s whiskey-colored eyes were dulled by fear and worry. They were in this together. “It’s one of Enzo’s quirks too.”

Duncan pressed his lips to hers, seeking comfort even for a brief second. When he pulled back, he sighed. “Enzo is coming home. I promise.”

She gave a small, sad smile. “I know. I have faith in you, Duncan.”

Her words pushed away some of the darkness, clearing his head. “I don’t deserve the faith you’ve placed in me.” He kissed her again. “But, I’ll take it.”

A knock came at the door, and Omar answered it.

“You look like shit. What the fuck happened?” Asher pushed into Duncan’s home followed by Noah, Mateo and the SRT team. “Sorry it took so long.”

Took so long? Duncan glanced at the time. “It’s only been forty minutes. What the fuck are you rambling on about?”

“Asshole.” Asher shook his hand. “This her?”

Duncan nodded. “Bella Duran-Suarez, this Asher Rainer, leader of R.O.O.T. and his second in command, Noah Hanover.” He then motioned to the kids and Mateo and frowned. “This is Noah’s husband, Mateo. Alex, Eito, and Jacolobi are part of the team I was telling you about.”

“Thomas, AJ, Scotty, Alé, and Bronx are with Bex right now. Thomas is bringing the crew back to the base when they’re given the all clear to move Bex,” Asher said.

“So, it’ll be the four of us going in?” Duncan didn’t think Mateo had a ruthless bone in his body.

“I like a good fight, but I don’t want my ass kicked,” Asher said. “As long as Raul hasn’t pulled up stakes, we’re good to go within the hour.”

“What about me?” Bella murmured.

Thomas stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Bella, but you’ll be moved to your new location. When Enzo is found, he’ll join you.”

The bottom fell out from under Duncan. So soon? They’d only just settled into their relationship. They were feeling themselves out, and after the care and affection Bella and Enzo had showed him, he didn’t want it to end. Nevertheless, he knew this moment was coming. He’d tried to prepare for it since he first admitted to himself he might have not-so-platonic feelings for Enzo. No matter how much he might yearn for something more, his life wasn’t his own. And though he’d been pushing away from them, he also didn’t want to let go.

“Duncan?” Bella’s voice cracked.

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