Page 113 of Every Broken Piece
Eventually she falls asleep. I pushed the boundaries of her endurance, and she finally succumbed to her exhaustion.
My phone vibrates and I quickly answer it, taking it off the car’s speaker so it doesn’t wake her.
“This is Gabriel.”
“Mr. Strong, it’s Detective Hardwick.”
That heart that’s no longer mine drops to my stomach. “Detective. I take it this isn’t a social call.”
“I have news.”
I glance at Tess. She should probably hear what Hardwick has to say, but I don’t want to wake her and if it’s bad news I’d rather tell her myself. “I’m listening.”
“The man who attacked Ms. James is named Ryan Carter. He’s from the O’Malley crime family out of Chicago. Seems Sandra Jansen was a small-time dealer for them but was caught skimming some of the profit. Good news is Ryan was called back to Chicago, so I don’t think he’s a threat to Ms. James any longer.”
“I sense there’s more you’re not telling me.”
“There is. Sandra Jansen was caught trying to break into Ms. James’ apartment. A neighbor called the police. Sandra was a bit out of control and was taken in for a psych hold. Unfortunately, she was released a few days later and we don’t know where she went.”
My jaw clenches. I pulled Roger from Tess’s building because there was no need for him to be there if Tess wasn’t there. Now I wish I’d kept the team in place.
“What are you doing about finding her?”
“We’re working on it.”
“And Carson? Are you arresting him for attacking Tess?” I bite my words out, keeping them low so I don’t wake Tess when what I really want to do is put my hand through the windshield.
“We’re working on that too. He’s protected by the O’Malley’s so that adds a layer of difficulty.”
I squeeze the steering wheel, my gaze cutting to Tess when she shifts positions, bringing her wrist up to her chest.
No one knows where Tess is. Even Hardwick doesn’t know. All the same, it wouldn’t be difficult to find her. It’s not like where I live is a secret. I have to remind myself that she’s protected. My apartment building is secure and she’s always with me.
“You’ll keep me updated?” I ask.
“Of course. But it’s my belief that Carson and the O’Malley’s have moved on. Twenty grand is not that significant when they’re funneling millions.”
“Maybe.” Maybe not. I’m not taking a chance that the O’Malley’s forgot about Sandra and the money she owes.
I gently shake Tess awake when we’re securely in the parking garage of my building. The rest of the drive home was tense as I continuously checked my rear view for a tail. Hardwick assured me Carson was in Chicago, and I doubt Sandra Jansen has the wherewithal mentally, physically, and financially to get herself to Denver. I feel like we’re safe for now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let my guard down.
“We’re home, Spitfire.”
She opens those gorgeous tiger eyes and blinks. A slow, sleepy smile tilts her lips, and, in this moment, I’d give everything I own if she’d tell me she’ll stay with me forever.
“Hey, you.” I smooth her wild, windblown hair from her face.
“I fell asleep.”
“I wore you out. We shouldn’t have stayed so long.”
She straightens and unbuckles her seatbelt. “I loved every minute of it. When can we go back?”
My heart fucking soars that she wants to make future plans. “Whenever you want.”
I grab the cooler while Tess slides out of the car, still blinking the sleep from her eyes.
With a palm to the small of her back I lead her to the elevators where my handprint opens the lift that shoots us up to my apartment. “Remind me to have your prints added.”
