“Figured you were gonna say that,” I mutter.
“It won’t be bad. Just a few questions.” He drops a kiss on my forehead. “I know one of the lead investigators on Mac’s case. Sometimes we help each other out when we’re in a bind – off the record, of course. Good guy. Name’s Conor Gallagher, he’s a special agent who relocated from New York City not too long ago.”
“What, are you two drinking buddies?” I ask, noting the familiarity in his tone.
“Poker night once a month.” He grins. “Boston. It’s a small town.”
“Especially for you commando types,” I murmur.
“Come on.” He wraps one arm around my shoulder and leads me back toward the warehouse. “Let’s go talk to him so we can get the hell out of here.”
***
The door opens and all of our heads swivel in sync toward it.
A vet tech walks out with a bouncy golden retriever.
I scowl.
Nate’s arm tightens around me.
“I’m sure he’s next,” Gemma says, squeezing my hand.
“Totally,” Lila agrees. “The little fur-ball will be out any minute.”
“Want me to go check what’s taking so long?” Chase offers, smiling. “Receptionists like me.”
Gemma shoots him a look. “Oh, do they now?”
His eyes are warm on her. “Jealous, sunshine?”
“Yep,” she admits easily, grinning back at him.
I roll my eyes and snuggle closer to Nate.
“If I’d known I was going to be fifth wheeling, I’d have dragged Parker along,” Lila grumbles.
Nate chuckles and I feel it vibrate through me.
I sigh happily. “He’s still recovering.”
“How’s he doing?” Gemma asks hesitantly. We’re still testing the waters, when it comes to the sibling stuff. One toe at a time. In the shallow end. Wearing those inflatable arm-floaties.
“He’s crashing at my place, sleeping a lot because of the pain meds and watching the entire series of Sons of Anarchy on Netflix while yelling at me to bring him a near-constant supply of snacks.” I roll my eyes. “He doesn’t seem too upset about the bullet wound. In fact, he keeps saying it’ll be — and I quote — total chick bait.”
Everyone laughs.
“If you don’t mind me asking… What’s going to happen to the company, now that your father’s in federal custody?” Chase asks. I can see the CEO wheels turning in his mind — it’s only natural he’d be curious. WestTech and Croft Industries have done business together in the past.
“We’re still figuring that out,” I say softly, worry churning in my gut. In the two days since the FBI raid, there’s been so much going on I haven’t had time to think what Milo West’s incarceration will do to the family company. “I guess Parker and I will need to have a discussion. Preferably when he’s no longer hopped up on percocet.”
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call,” Chase offers kindly. I can tell by the look in his eyes it’s not some empty offer, either — he means it.
“Thank you.”
The door to the back room swings open again.
We all look at the same time… and sigh in unison when we see a chubby corgi waddling out.
“I hate this.” I knit my hands together.
A kiss lands on my temple. “Don’t worry, little bird. It won’t be too much longer.”
“So, Knox.” The forced nonchalance in Lila’s tone makes both of us glance her way. “Now that Mac is behind bars – at least temporarily – and the police are rounding up his boys and Phoebe’s officially out of danger… does that mean your men aren’t going to be on the clock 24/7 anymore?”
His eyes narrow. “I don’t follow.”
I elbow him. “She’s asking if Theo and Alden and whatever other hotties you’ve got on payroll are going to have nights off.”
He glances at me. “Hotties?”
I nod.
He scoffs and looks back at Lila. “I don’t do matchmaking.”
“You owe me!” she tells him, pointing a finger at me. “That one never would’ve gone for you without a push.” She pauses. “A push from me, in case that wasn’t clear.”