Page 48 of Love & Consequences

After clocking off, I go downstairs, get changed, grab my bag from my locker and make my way to the lobby where I find Justin and Hawk chatting.

Justin turns my way with a smile when he sees me. “Got any plans for your day off?”

“Nah. Will probably sleep for most of it.”

He nods and it’s Hawk that replies. “I hear you, man. God knows I could sleep for a week right now.”

Justin watches me closely, almost too closely and part of me braces for the inevitable. “See you Monday?”

“Yep. Come in early. We can talk through the details for the security job for Decker.”

“Sure thing,” I reply, giving them both a chin lift before letting myself out the club’s front door.

As soon as I’m outside, I let go of a huge breath, relief coursing through me. It doesn’t mean I’m in the clear, but not being in the club is a good step for me right now. Liking the fresh air, I decide to walk home, hoping it’ll give me time to try and connect all the flailing strings of information in my head.

Unanswered questions like why would Harry be receiving money from Decker?

Why was Barrett's mother-in-law on the list?

Is Barrett compromised? Or worse, Alyssa?

Would that mean Decker has an insider at the bureau?

Is Marlee's cover blown? She could be a sitting duck and no one would know.

My stomach rumbles as I run through multiple scenarios and possibilities in my head. Looking around to see what's open, I spot the all-night diner at the end of my block and walk toward it.

After ordering some food and what seems like a gallon on coffee, I take a seat and eat while trying to process everything that is happening, has happened, and trying to predict what could happen.

What if the threat is more urgent than I think and whatever Decker is planning for next weekend is a diversion? Should call Marlee with the burner phone and warn her? Will she see that as me being thorough and cautious, or just see it as me being overprotective again?

Because if I'm wrong and overreacting, she'll hate it and accuse me of not thinking she can do her job. Which she can, she’s damn good at what she does. In some ways, she’s better than I ever was.

After paying the bill, I make my way back to my apartment, still thinking about what I should do. Everything is telling me we're not safe and that we need a plan. First thing I’m going to do is call Marlee and hear for myself that she’s OK.

Just as I step out of the elevator on my floor, my phone buzzes in my pocket. When I pull it out, I see the call is coming from a blocked number.

“Hello?”

“Aiden, it's me,” Marlee whispers.

My heart skips a beat at the sound of her voice. “Marlee. Are you OK?”

“Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?”

“Because you’re whispering?” I say in a ‘duh’ like tone.

“Oh, sorry. I’m in bed and it’s late and it’s dark so I whispered,” she replies a little louder this time, making me smile as a huge sigh escapes me.

A huge sigh of relief escapes me. "I think Decker's planning something for Saturday,” I say at the same time she says, “Something’s going to happen on Saturday.”

I chuckle and she snickers. “You first,” I reply.

“I've called in to Barrett and we’re getting the task force together this afternoon. That's why I'm calling. We want you there."

“That’s a good idea, but there’s more. I left the audio on after you left the table. Decker and Justin talked about making sure you got home.”

“That's not entirely unexpected. That's why I'm staying at the Quinn apartment. I’m her until we close the case.”

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