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Chapter 5
"I'll drop you off at home," Luca told Octavius after their mission.
"Thanks, brother." Octavius loaded their gear into the trunk while Luca whistled for Trident. They drove for a while, listening to music in a comfortable silence.
"Interesting, running into Lieutenant Downy tonight, wasn't it? I wouldn't peg him as one of Sleazy's fans," Luca said.
"I don't think he was there to give a personal endorsement," Octavius said, shrugging. "I got the feeling he was there on official business."
"Damn shame the department is endorsing that scum. I can't imagine Teagan being happy to know that. I'm surprised she hasn't brought it up."
"I don't know about that. I mean, like it or not, Sleazy is going to be her brother-in-law."
"Fuck, I didn't think about it that way." Luca sounded alarmed.
"I'm not any happier about it than you are. I mean, he is going to be my brother-in-law, too. Unless Ro can talk some sense into their sister. Evie seems to think it's her duty to marry him, stubborn woman. Ro is trying to convince her that she deserves to be loved and to love someone back."
"How's that going?"
"It's not. Evie is just as stubborn as Ro and Teagan. Plus, there's an added sense of duty that seems to be motivating her. There's something else, but I can't put my finger on it. Ro is acting shady, like she's keeping something from me. Jason said that Evie appears scared of our great Governor-elect."
"I've noticed that, too. Do you think the bastard is hitting her?"
"I don't know. He's too smart to leave visible marks or do it in front of anyone. Without witnesses or Evie asking for help, our hands are tied. I've instructed Jason to increase surveillance at the house, under the guise of security, of course." Octavius informed Luca of their most recent plan.
"Evie's security," Luca said, nodding. "I like it."
"It isn't like Ro to keep things from me. Whatever it is, it has to be serious if she is risking my wrath over it."
"Speaking of your wrath, I've noticed that she hasn't tried any matchmaking lately."
"I would hope not. I don't like repeating myself. It was the second time I've had to spank her for the same issue, which means she got more than just my hand this time."
"Stubborn women, I tell you," Luca said. Both men laughed.
"Speaking of stubborn women," Octavius started. "Have you spoken to Teagan recently?"
"We text back and forth some, but nothing too serious. I've asked her out a couple times, and she always has some sort of excuse. I know she is into me; I don't get it."
"Ro told me that Teagan's scared. She's had a rough life. She doesn't think she's worthy of love."
"What? That is unacceptable. I knew she had walls up. I assumed it was from a broken heart or asshole ex."
"No, from what she's told us, she's never really been in a serious relationship. She has some idea in her head that she is unlovable and that's why everyone always leaves her. Her fears are deep rooted from childhood abandonment. She is complicated, and if you hurt her, I will kill you."
"Really, Erikson? Do you really think I would hurt her?" Offense dripped from Luca's tone. "We've known each other going on fifteen years, and I would literally take a bullet for you."
"I know, I know!" Octavius said as he held up a hand. "It's my duty as her big brother to warn you—"
"Besides," Luca interrupted, "I could take you."
"Ha. That's funny. You didn't take me in Guam," Octavius said, starting the men down a conversation of reminiscing until they pulled up in front of the Erikson's house. They had barely gotten into the driveway when Ro came bouncing out of the front door.
"Are you hungry? I had far more taco fixings than Teagan and I could eat. I can have the meat reheated in a few minutes," Ro offered as she greeted them.
"Is Teagan here?" Luca asked, hoping he didn't sound overly eager to see her. Damn, if he wasn't attracted to the frustrating woman.
"No. She left about ten minutes ago. I asked her to stay, but she accused me of trying to set her up again, so I all but pushed her out the door." Ro shyly eyed her husband.
