Page 2 of Gin & Jewels
“Cassandra Davidson?”
“Yeah?” I replied, wondering how the cops knew my name.
“I’m Officer Lamb, and this is Officer Rios. Is your brother home as well?”
I nodded and then yelled, “Keith!”
“What?” he shouted as he opened his bedroom door.
“You’re wanted at the front door.”
“Who is it?” I heard his footsteps on the stairs and glanced over my shoulder. His steps faltered as he noticed the two policemen at the door. “Officers? What can I do for you?”
“We’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news,” Officer Lamb stated, “but there’s been an accident. You need to go to the hospital.”
Present Day
“So, I have some news.”
Everyone looked at Paul as we sat around the large table at the steakhouse. It was Vinny’s bachelor party, so Gabe, Paul, Seth, Nick, Galen, and I were celebrating with Vinny. After dinner, we were going to a small casino off The Strip gamble and drink free drinks. It was what Vinny wanted to do, and honestly, I was okay with a low-key night. In the morning, I was flying to Nashville to visit my mother. I tried to go home once a month if I could because my dad was long gone. She had a few friends but no one to help her out around the house. That was my job. I was all she had.
“Joss is pregnant?” Vinny asked before taking a bite of his steak.
“I wish, but no.”
“Well, spit it out,” Gabe urged.
Paul took a sip of his tequila and Coke. “I’ve decided to apply to be in the FBI.”
The only one at the table surprised by Paul’s news was Galen because he had only been a part of our group for six months, though Seth was never inthe gamesince he was a cop. It was safe to say that all of the guys (except Nick, Galen, and myself) had been mixed up in drama that revolved around the women in their lives, but it had all worked out for them. Vinny was the last one to get married out of our group. I had started calling themThe Fallenbecause each one of my friends—except Seth—was falling out of the game of escorting and getting married.
“Following in Joss’s footsteps, I see.” Seth smirked.
Paul shrugged and grinned. “I liked being undercover and working with my wife. Is that a problem?”
“Nope,” Seth replied.
“I think it’s your calling,” Gabe stated.
I nodded. “From what I’ve heard, I agree.”
“Thanks.” Paul smiled. “I’m super pumped.”
“When do you start?” Nick asked.
“Just waiting for the call. They have four to five classes a year, so hopefully soon.”
“Congrats, man.” Vinny clapped him on the back.
“Who’s taking over your position at your self-defense business?” Seth questioned.
Paul looked to Gabe and shrugged. “Autumn and I should be okay for a few weeks while we find someone,” Gabe answered.
“I can help on my days off,” Seth offered.
“Me too,” I cut in. “Might be good to get back out there and help others.”
Gabe nodded. “All right. We’ll see about getting you two certified to teach both firearms and self-defense.”
