Page 43 of Property of Riptide
“No, there wasn’t any time,” jackass one retorts.
“You know that’s not the way this works, fellas. I’m gonna need your badge numbers. Follow me,” Parkins orders.
As he guides them back to his squad car, my phone rings. When I see it’s Rio, I lift it to my ear and answer. “Did my friendly show up? You guys good?”
“We were about to spend some time behind bars for suspicion,” I tell him. “Your guy showed up in the nick of time.”
“I have a clean-up crew on the way, unless they were sitting in the shadows during your showdown, there won’t be any evidence to support their claims. Parkins will keep them buried in paperwork for the rest of the day so they won’t be able to set you up, brother.”
“Thank you for having our backs, Rio,” I sigh, feeling relieved.
“You’re a King and my cousin, nobody fucks with those who belong to me and walk away free and clear,” Rio snaps. “Safetravels. If you run into any more problems make sure you reach out.”
“That’s a given. Talk to you later, brother.”
Soon after I end the call, Parkins comes strolling over to us. “You’re free to go, guys. Your women are with one of my men, they’re safe. He’s going to stay with them until you catch up. If you run into any more men like that, give me a ring.” He hands over a business card, nods his head at us and rolls out. I tuck the square card into the pocket of my cut and watch him high tail it out of there.
“Well, that was fun, said no one ever,” Indiana snorts.
“Let’s hope no more pigs are on their payroll and the coast is clear the rest of the way back home. Rally up, boys, let’s go get the women and kids then get the fuck back home,” I edict.
“I need to put my eyes on the kids, I hope you motherfuckers can keep up,” Icer says before he revs his engine and starts eating up the asphalt going ninety to nothing.
“Somedays, I wonder if these guys remember I’m the one in charge,” I groan as I throttle my bike and skid my tires as I put my speedometer to the test. “Show me what you’ve got, baby. Let’s go find our family.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
Van
How one cop managed to pull over two vehicles traveling at high rates of speed is an anomaly. He passed Zoey, pointed at her, released some sort of chirp sound and then repeated that action with me before pulling onto the emergency access lane. My mind was such a damn mess, I was in flight mode, that I’m unsure how I had the mental capacity to understand his directive.
He comes to me first since I’m directly behind him, rapping his knuckles against the passenger side window. “Morning, ma’am,” he says, dipping his hat after I hit the button that cracks the glass. I only lower it a smidgeon, barely enough for him to fit his fingers through.
“Officer,” I greet, keeping my wits. I may sound calm, cool, and collected but that’s not the case. I’m a ball of nervous energy that’s wound up so tight it won’t take much for me to snap.
“Rio’s a friend, he sent me and another man from the Rangers to help y’all out. I’m only here as a layer of protection. There’s a Ma and Pa diner down the road, Marietta’s Cafe, where you’ll besafe until your men can make it and you can continue along your journey. I’ll sit outside and watch over you and your friend while you’re there.”
If he hadn’t mentioned Rio, I wouldn’t be inclined to believe him. I’m still a bit skeptical and need to make a call to verify what he told me. I lift my phone from the cup holder, wave it through the air, and say, “It’s not that I doubt you, but I’d like to confirm what you’re telling me.”
“That’s a mighty fine idea, ma’am,” he says with a Texas drawl, smirking. “You can never be too careful. Even men carrying a badge can be crooked.”
“That’s unfortunate, but true,” I remark. Dialing Rio’s number that has recently been added to my list of contacts, I call him.
“Rio,” he answers.
“Do you know an Officer Rodriguez?” I ask, not beating around the bush.
“Teddy? Yeah, he’s a good guy. He’s on our side, Van. He’ll keep watch over you and Zoey until the guys can wrap up.”
This seems like my opportunity to ask about Riptide. “Have you talked to them, Rio? Are they okay?”
“They’re alright, Van. They’re just caught up in something and need to take care of it before heading your way.”
“Will they know where to find us?” I ask, not wanting to get off the path Riptide told me to keep going on.
“They’ve been advised and will be with you shortly. I’ll call Zoey and tell her what I’m about to tell you. Go where Teddy wants you to go, he’ll keep you safe. You need a minute to catch yourbreath and you’ll feel better if there is a group of people around you.” It sounds more like an order than a suggestion, but Rio has a point, I need to be somewhere surrounded by people.
