Page 64 of Castling the Rook (Checkmate 3)

It’s like I can hear his shrug. “I’ve been thinking, that’s all. Got a lot on my mind, lots of decisions to make. I’m not alone anymore, so I’m making decisions for both of us. I can’t choose wrong.”

“Who is she, Bish? Who’s your blonde?”

He scoffs. “She’s none of your fuckin’ business, so don’t ask after her again. As for tonight; it’s a good day. It’s the end of Abel Hayes, so smile, fucker, it’s almost all done.”

“And if you die?”

He laughs. “I won’t die. I’m like a cockroach; not even a nuclear blast will get me.” Finally, reality dampens his laughter. “We’re still searching for Jay… My brother’s been out of comms since last weekend, and I’m sick with worry.” He swallows noisily. “I think he’s gone, Cruz. I think that motherfucker got him.”

“It’ll be okay,” I whisper. IfeelKane’s pain, I feel the sickness in his gut. Jay asked me not to snitch; he’s not ready to see his brother, he’s not ready to admit his addiction, so he’d rather Kane lives with the worry for a minute longer, until he’s ready to come back swinging when the worst has passed.

He just doesn’t want to disappoint his big brother.

I don’t agree with his plan. I don’t agree with the unnecessary worry, but this isn’t my war, and he specifically asked me to zip it, so I shut my trap and break Kane a little more when he should be laser focused on his job. “Um…” I clear my throat. “Side note; you’re not allowed to shoot at my squad. Not even to put on a show. You point a single gun at my people, and I’m gonna cut and run and leave you in the cold.”

Scoffing, he plays along with my ‘we don’t have to discuss Jay’ plans. “I think you forget whose side I’m on sometimes. I’ve got this. You take care of your shit, stay awake, and wait for it to go down. I’ve got a lot riding on tonight, so don’t let me down.”

“I won’t.”

“Don’t fret, man. We’re all on the same team. I have a badge just like yours, the only difference is mine’s tucked away in a drawer at home. If I carry it and Abel finds it, I end up with a bullet in my head while I’m taking a piss.”

“Yeah.” I toe the wet grass beneath my boots and let out a sigh. “Okay. You’ve got my number, so stay in contact. I’ll be at the station all night, so when you get arrested, I’ll be waiting.”

“If!” He laughs. “IfI get arrested. I’m a smooth operator, Cruz, and I haven’t been arrested yet.”

“Alright.” I look up when the station door opens and Tate steps out. “I’ve gotta go, but I’ll catch you on the other side. Be safe, man. Be smart. I’ll be waiting.”

“Appreciate it. See you in a bit.”

I slide the cell into my pocket and head back into the garage. “Hey. What’s up?”

Libby Tate watches me with suspicious eyes. They dart from my hands, to my pockets, to the garage exit. It’s like she has this sixth sense that Oz and Alex don’t; they see me like an innocent little puppy waiting for a pat on the head, but Tate sees something else. Something more… “Whatcha doing?”

“Talking on the phone. Did you need something?”

“No…” She lets her suspicion hang a minute longer.Does she know? Has she heard me on the phone, or watched Jay come and go from my house?

She’s one of the smartest cops we have in our squad, constantly overlooked because she’s not loud like her colleagues. She has a solid solve rate and a reputation for making the idiots in town shake in their boots.

With narrowed eyes, she pushes her hands into her pockets and watches me.That’s how she solves a case; she stares at the perp until they throw themselves on her mercy because they can’t stand the fire anymore.“We’ve got men walking into a dangerous situation tonight, Cruz. I feel like something weird is going on, and I really don’t like it.”

“Abel Hayes is a dangerous guy.” I toe the concrete floor and fight against her intimidating stare. I’ve been with the Bishops way too long to hand them over at the eleventh hour. A guilty conscience, a hurting heart, and a female in front of me who long ago perfected the mom eyes is a dangerous combination for a guy who possesses the information I do. “Oz and X are smart. They’ll be okay.” And Kane will have their back out there.

“Back inside, guys!” Alex’s booming shout echoes into the garage and through my heart. “We’ve gotta talk, then we’re moving out.”

Because I can’t stand under Libby’s stare, I move around her and step into the station. Through the cold hallway and into the office, I swallow at the sight of my superiors dressed in full tactical gear. It makes what’s going to happen tonight that much more real. It makes it more dangerous. “Chief?”

Alex’s light eyes meet mine. “We’re rolling out. We’re going extra early, since my deputy has ants in his pants and won’t sit still.”

Oz snorts and fixes a gun to his thigh holster.

“We’ll be at Paddy’s truck stop. We’ll be out of sight until Bishop turns up for the drop.” Alex ticks the pertinent details off with his fingers. “We’ll be on comms the whole time, but don’t call out unless it’s important. Keep the lines clear.” His eyes meet Libby’s. “I need you on the street. Keep our shit on lockdown until this is over. Word gets out that tonight’s the night, we’re all in the shit. Keep everyone quiet, keep everyone safe.”

Possibly one of the most serious cops in our station, because as the only woman, she’s constantly trying to prove her worth, Libby’s spine snaps straight and her feet come together. “Yes, Chief.”

Alex’s eyes meet mine. “You’re here. Don’t step outside of this station until you get the green. Not even to the dock for personal calls. If we have calls come into dispatch that you have to see to, use your brain. Decide where you need to be more, then go with that. I’m trusting you to know what’s best.”

“Yes, Chief.”

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