Page 101 of Ozzie

He drives us back to RHS, where I stare at the computer screen, unable to concentrate for most of the day. Jerry comes into the office after punching in his code and gives me a nod. Then he walks straight into Reed’s office and shuts the door.

Even though I shouldn’t, I can’t help it. I walk over and press my ear to the door.

“It’s not looking good,” Jerry says.

“What does that mean?” Reed asks.

“The guy who survived, Chuck, is denying he ever said he was hired to kill the senator’s wife and son. If the senator knows where his wife and son are, he’s refusing to tell anyone. It’s down to Ozzie and Lightning’s word against the guy they shot in the leg. And that man owns the warehouse and is a beloved member of that community.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me? A hitman who takes his victims to his own damn warehouse?”

“I wish this were a joke.”

I sink to the floor. This is really serious. Ozzie could do time—for murder.

“What’s wrong?” Durango asks.

I glance up as Reed opens his door.

He frowns at me but then turns to Durango and tells him everything his father said.

Jerry sighs. “Based on Ozzie and Lightning’s statements, it appears the senator is the one who ordered the hits on his son and wife. We need those two to come forward and testify.”

Durango’s eyes widen. “We need to find them before the senator does.”

“Axel and Thunder are on it. They’ve been searching for them since last night when I first got the call from Lightning,” Reed says.

Durango runs his hands through his hair.

“You should help them,” I say to my cousin.

He frowns. “No, I’m not leaving your side. John could come back at any time.”

Moose steps out of his office. “I may be new, but if there is any way I can help, I’m available.”

Reed crosses his arms in front of him. “Actually, that would work. Moose can protect Piper, and Durango, you can join Axel and Thunder in tracking down the wife and kid.”

Durango turns to me. “Would you be all right with that?”

I don’t really know Moose, but he seems nice. What’s more important is Durango doing everything he can to help prevent Ozzie and Lightning from going to prison. “Yeah, I’m fine with that.”

“Good, it’s settled. Durango, come into my office, and we’ll discuss the plan.”

They step into the office, and Reed closes the door.

“I’m afraid I don’t have any updates on your case, Piper. But if I do, I’ll be in touch,” Jerry says.

“Thanks,” I say.

Jerry leaves, and Moose steps closer. “I was planning on going to the teriyaki place down the street for lunch. Want to join me?”

I don’t mention that Durango won’t let me leave the building during work hours and simply say, “Yes.” I need to get out of here.

We haven’t discussed where Moose will be sleeping, Durango’s room or the couch? “Can we wait until Durango leaves? He’ll probably want to talk to you first.”

Moose smiles. “You’re right. I can wait.” He winks, then spins around and heads back to his office.

Was he flirting with me? No, he’s probably just a winker. He’s got the look to pull it off with those dimples. He’s a good-looking man, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Ozzie.

---