Page 7 of Genevieve

Did she just dismiss me?

None of the women I have spoken to tonight have shown me an ounce of respect, and as soon as I’m back in Nevada, that is going to fucking change.

5

MIYA

“Dammit, Karma, you should not be moving around.” Doc looks ready to spank my ass.

“I can’t sit here all day. I’m going to check on the renovations. I promise to be a good girl.” He snorts at that statement.

“Sure. I’ll drive.” He grabs his keys, and I sigh.

“I have my bike.” I remind him.

“If you won’t let me drive you, then you aren’t going. You can’t ride yet and don’t even think of arguing with me. I’ve had enough of you assholes not listening. I will tie you down. Try me.” He lifts an eyebrow at me.

“Fine.” I walk out of the infirmary slowly.

My stitches are pulling slightly, but I’m not in too much discomfort. The common room is quiet for once, and I know it’s because everyone is out trying to help figure out what is going on with the Admiral’s death and Genevieve being in jail.

“Any word from Abel?” Doc opens and holds the door for me, and we walk out into the early morning sun.

“Nothing new, just that he got Dragon out, and he’s getting the run around about seeing Judge.” That makes me frown and look up at him.

“Why?” I get into his truck with help and wait for him to join me.

“They’re claiming she’s in processing, and he can’t see her until the process is complete. He’s livid, and Cane is trying his best to keep him calm. If we see a drone attack on the LAPD on the news, we’ll know why.” His attempt at a joke would be funny if not for the fact that Abel can be a loose cannon when he’s mildly inconvenienced.

“Have they said how long the processing will take?” He nods and grits his teeth.

“Up to twenty-four hours, but it’s Friday, so if they drag their feet, he won’t get to see her until Monday morning.” Fucking hell.

We’re silent the whole way to my shop.

MorningStar Ink is getting a facelift thanks to an arsonist Phoenix caught a few months back. The construction team is due to be done today, and I just need to do a final walk-through to make sure everything is to my liking.

“Wow, Karma, this looks great.” Doc looks around the new design Abel helped me with.

I have two viewing galleries on either side of the front door and five private rooms. The front counter is all glass with displays for all my art, jewelry, and after-care merchandise. It’s in a U-shape with shelves on the wall for other item displays.

“Thanks. I just need to get in here and paint now. It’s too white.” He laughs and nods.

It’s too shiny and brand new. My need to make it emo and grungy has me wishing I had one of my sketch pads. I can see a mural in my mind for one of the walls, and I need to get it down on paper.

The bell on the door rings and makes both me and Doc turn around. We aren’t open for business, so there shouldn’t be anyone just walking in.

“Aurora?” Doc goes over to Abe’s niece, who is sobbing, and hugs her.

I look behind her and walk closer to the front door. I pull back the sheet the painters haven’t taken down yet to make sure she wasn’t being chased. I hear Doc asking her questions, but she’s incapable of speech. I turn the deadbolt and return the sheet so no one can see inside.

When I turn, I find Doc on the floor, rocking her like a baby.

“Call Abe.” I nod at him and step into the back where my office will be to dial her uncle.

“Karma darling, this ain’t a good time.” I hurry to speak before he hangs up.

“I have Aurora at MorningStar Ink. She’s scared shitless, Abe.” He curses and yells at his wife.

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