Page 24 of Badges
Tossing my pencil down doesn’t vent the sudden surge of frustration that runs through me. “They’re all dead, Mason. Of all the days to leave my ouija board at home,” I groan, tilting my hat back.
“Well, ask Dixon if he knows. Hell, Ford was friends with Chris, he might have some insight too once he gets home from his honeymoon.” His shoulders rise and fall in a shrug.
A tiny cry carries from the master suite making Mason glance towards it.
“I gotta go check on Lori. She needs the sleep almost more than the boys do.” He drops a lopsided grin.
“Sawyer said you’re in here napping.” I tilt my cup up, emptying the last swallow, then push away from the table.
“He doesn’t know how tiring it is having little ones. He might one day. I’m old now,” he chuckles, grabbing my mug and setting it in the sink. “When you can find a woman who snuggles up to you, with your baby in her arms…it’s worth it to take the time to help when she needs it.” With a wink, he disappears down the hall.
Rub it in.
I suppose it’s about time to head to the office. I want to hear the rest of the details Elena has to share now that she’s agreed.
And then, she’ll come home with me until I can find the one behind these attacks.
I just need my cock to behave.
Please Plea
Elena
My wormy lawyer shiftsin his seat making the fabric of his suit brush my arm in an irritating tickle.
“So what you’re saying, Ms. Evans, is that this man—” The District Attorney glances down at his notes. “—’Mad Man’, called you out of the blue? I find that odd.” One of his bushy gray brows raises as he fixes me with a stare.
Wade’s mustache twitches watching me.
It’s interesting to see that he shaved, highlighting the copper-colored whiskers framing his mouth.
Makes him look like one of those guys on Tombstone. Mom loved that movie.
I kinda get it now.
“That’s correct. I had filed a request for custody for my sister. It was denied, and that guy called shortly afterwards to tell me he made sure she went where he had access.” A shiver works through me remembering his chilling voice.
“Hmm.” The older man jots down a note in his folder. “So he possibly either works with CPS, or is close to someone who does. We’re going to need all of her information to—”
“No! He’ll hurt her! That wasn’t the deal.” My words tumble out in a rush.
Wade leans forward, threading his fingers on the table. “That’s right, Pete. We have to hold tight on dozing right in. We don’t want to tip this guy off. But I have a few leads that might get us closer.” He gives me a small nod before settling back into his chair.
I slip a grateful smile his way.
Having him in my corner is unexpected, but helpful.
“My question is why did he choose you? You were in Texas, not exactly next door.” The D.A. shakes his head thoughtfully.
“I think because he mentioned he knew my dad. He said he knew I must have a dark side like my father. At first I didn’t believe him, but then he sent me that picture…” I trail off. The memory makes my stomach roll.
“This one?” He slides a grainy printout towards me.
I can recognize it even upside down. “Yep. It’s been a few years since I saw her, but there’s her birthmark.” I jab at the port-wine spot on the back of her exposed elbow jutting out of the covers. “I don’t know anyone else who has one like that. Not easy to fake.”
I wish I could have seen her face, but she’s partially buried in the blankets.
“Tell me more about how he would contact you, and what he said.” He switches gears, pulling the photo away. “The number he called from is a burner phone. I need to know more.”
