Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 53361 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 213(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53361 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 213(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“Where?” The question tasted like defeat on my tongue.
Mercer pulled out a small notepad. “The main clubhouse kitchen. Should be easy enough with access. We know you’ve been inside, so this should be a walk in the park.” His smile was anything but reassuring. He looked like an evil villain about to kick a puppy that’d pissed on his Italian shoes. “Under a cabinet or shelf, somewhere not immediately visible. The meeting room where they hold club business. And if possible, Rancor’s personal quarters.”
My stomach lurched at the last request. “Rancor? I can’t get into his apartment. I’ve never been there.” The lie came easily, an instinctive protection of the one private space Marcus had shared with me. Besides, I’d lied before when I said I couldn’t lie. I couldn’t lie to my friends worth a damn. Someone like this fucking bastard, I could lie to all fucking day with a fucking smile on my face.
Reeves studied me for a moment, then nodded. “The first two will be sufficient. For now.”
“How am I supposed to get into their meeting room? I’ve never studied the inner workings of a motorcycle club, but I don’t imagine it’s much different from TV. They’re not going to just talk about their business in front of God and everyone.”
Reeves simply shrugged. “You’ll figure something out.”
“When?”
“Today,” Mercer said. “Now. They’re expecting you, aren’t they?”
I nodded mutely. The devices seemed to grow on the table before me, morphing from tiny objects into massive burdens I was being asked to carry.
Reeves gathered the photos, sliding them back into the folder. “We’ll be listening. Not just to what the devices pick up, but to make sure you fulfill your end of this arrangement.”
“And if I do this,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady, “you’ll leave me alone? Get rid of those photos?”
“Complete this successfully, and we’ll discuss a more permanent arrangement,” he replied silkily, the non-answer hanging between us.
Mercer collected the devices, placing them in a small plastic bag which she handed to me. “Put these in your pocket. Act normal. You’re just doing a good deed.”
I snatched the bag, the plastic crinkling under my tight grip. They returned my phone and led me back through the maze of hallways to the side entrance where we’d come in.
“Just remember,” Mercer said as she opened the door for me to get into the back of the patrol car, but I stood there, unable to force myself inside the vehicle. “You’re doing this for the greater good.” She handed me my phone. “I took the liberty of having one of our tech guys clone your phone. Anything you have on there regarding the animals inside that compound, we now have.”
I clenched my fists, not looking at the other woman. “Then you have the same shit you had before you took my phone. I’m doing this to prevent fabricated evidence being used against me.” Finally, I met her gaze with a steady one of my own. “Funny. I’ve been to that compound several times. Never once have I felt threatened. I’ve also delivered to New Beginnings. The women and children being sheltered there say they’ve never felt safer.”
“You realize that’s all a front,” Reeves interjected. “Right? They’re using those poor women.”
“If you truly believe that, why haven’t you raided the shelter? Why aren’t you doing something to help the women you say you know are abused by the men in the club?”
“They’re smart about it,” Reeves said without hesitation. “They keep the majority of the building under lock and key. Ever wonder why you can’t get past the foyer? They’re hiding something. Likely all kinds of abuse.”
I shook my head, unable to prevent the humorless chuckle from escaping. “Well, Detective Reeves, between the men in Kiss of Death and the two police officers standing here with me, only the police are blackmailing me into doing something that, if you’re telling the truth about this club, is clearly putting me in a life-threatening situation. If I get caught and these guys are the real deal, you’re signing my death warrant.” I pursed my lips. “All for the greater good.”
“We all have to make sacrifices sometimes, Ms. English. This is yours.”
“Yeah? What sacrifices are you making, Detective Reeves? I’m the one taking the risk. I’ve literally not done anything to anyone. You pulled me off the street, threatened me, and now you’re trying to pretend you’re doing the community a service?” I snorted. “You’re a twenty-four-carat gold son of a bitch, Detective Reeves. Karma’s a real thing. I sincerely hope you’re prepared for the blowback you’re earning.”
“Trust me, sweetheart,” he sneered. “I can handle any blowback. Those thugs are all going to get what’s coming to them. Do what we tell you to, and you’ll have a long, happy, uneventful life.”
“Uh-huh.” I slid into the car, fastening my seat belt and staring straight ahead. I glanced up at Detective Mercer. “One woman to another, Detective Mercer, he’s going to drag you down into the muck and mire like an abusive spouse. He won’t take you down with him. No. He’ll shove you overboard and take off with the Goddamned boat.”