Page 51 of Flame's Fight

Dante glances at Ghost. “I was talking with Tally and Caitlin and they both have expressed an interest in learning more self-defense. You mentioned a dojo that your uncle owns? Would he be willing to offer a class for our women? Or could you do it?”

Ghost nods. “I can train them. Show them a few moves. But my uncle has more experience. I was planning on taking Tanya to meet him tomorrow. I can talk to him about having a class just for us.”

“Good.” Dante says. “Now for Younger. Any word on his location?”

“No. And I don’t like it. It’s almost as if he’s disappeared. I had Maestro checking traffic cams to see if we could find where he went after the attack at Brooke’s apartment, but we couldn’t find him leaving the complex. Maestro had an idea and contacted Axel. Axel was still at the apartment, replacing Brooke’s door. He checked the parking lot and the asshole’s car was still there.”

“Why the hell did he abandon his car?” I ask. “Do you think he’s hanging around the apartment waiting for Brooke?”

Smoke shakes his head. “Axel had an idea and went back into Brooke’s apartment. He found a set of keys to a Mercedes under a pile of books. He tested them and they fit the car. We’re thinking he dropped them while ransacking the place.”

We chuckle as Smoke continues. “Axel called Officer Wagstaffe, and they’re towing the car. Just in case he went home to grab a spare set of keys.”

I nod in appreciation. Smart thinking by my little brother.

“SDPD has an APB out on him.” Shield adds. “I asked that they notify me if they bring him in. We had someone go to his apartment, but he wasn’t there. The doorman said he hadn’t seen him since taking his post, which was earlier in the evening. Before his attack on Brooke. He promised to contact the police if Younger shows up. He’ll tell his relief to do the same.”

“His boat?” I ask.

“They checked it. He wasn’t there, either. Same deal. If he shows, we’re supposed to be notified.” Shield says.

I frown. “Is there a guard at the pier?” Shield nods, which causes my temper to spike. “Then why the fuck didn’t he stop Younger from taking Brooke on board his boat?”

“Younger told him they went for a picnic and she had too much to drink and fell asleep.” Shield tells me. “They had no previous problems with him and knew he worked at the hospital. They didn’t have any reason to think he was kidnapping Brooke. When he found out, the guy was angry. Which is why he’s making sure Younger can’t steal his boat and get away. He locked it down. The owner of the dock gave him permission.” Shield grins and glances at Dante. I feel like I’m missing half of the joke.

“Who owns the pier?” I ask.

“Angela Westbrook.” Dante says with a laugh.

Something niggles at me when he mentions his mom, but I can’t pull it free. But I have another topic to bring up.

“I have an idea that I wanted to pass through the club.” After Dante nods for me to continue, I tell them. “I was talking with Brooke’s dad about the wife of Ashlyn’s coach, Lenora Matthews.” I say, sharing a look with Reaper. “She’s currently staying at Evie’s apartment, but she’s anxious to find her own place, a home for her and her baby. It got me thinking. I know we’re building Crossroads to house victims who need a safe place to land, but I think we need to help them move out of Crossroads when they’re ready.”

I hear murmurs around the room and see several of the guys nod, so I continue.

“Working at my mom’s apartment, I learned how to do home maintenance and improvements.” I explain. “Figure I can use that knowledge to buy homes and fix them up. Make them available when the women are ready to get on with their lives. Like Lenora Matthews.”

“That’s a good idea.” Scar says.

“You can use the prospects to help, or maybe Carver’s men?” Dante asks, looking at Carver.

Seeing him considering the idea, I have another suggestion. “I was actually thinking we could use the projects to try out new hires for Carver. I’d have a better opportunity to monitor their work because it would be just the two of us, or at least a smaller group. Those who pass the test can fill vacancies for Carver.”

Carver grins. “I like that plan. It’s like a pre-screening.”

Dante nods. “Ok, work with Ranch and Penny to get the details figured out, and we’ll give it a vote. Good idea.”

CHAPTER THIRTY: BROOKE

“Nervous?” Evie asks, and I nod. “Why?”

“I was so pissed off last night that I really tore into Detective Billings. My dad wasn’t happy either. He said some things that might get him into trouble. I don’t want to cause him problems with his work.”

“Problems for who?” Caitlin asks as she joins us.

“My dad.” I tell her. “He was pretty upset last night. So was I. I can see Billings causing him problems.”

“He’s close to retirement, isn’t he?” Evie asks, and I nod.

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