“Just a heads up. I’m on my way back.”
“It’s about fucking time.”
“Oh, and can you do me a favor?”
He cleared his throat. “I guess?”
“The next time you’re fucking my girl, wear some goddamn gloves or something. I was fine until I saw the fucking bat.”
“Oh, you saw that, huh?”
“Yes, I fucking saw it. What was that about anyway? I thought you despised sex work? You two a thing?”
“Strictly platonic, and the videos were just for some extra cash.”
“You sure? Does she feel that way?” I ran my hand through my hair.
“Yeah, don’t worry.” The anger in his tone was palpable. “She’s still stuck on you. I was just there when she needed someone.”
That stung, knowing I was the reason she needed someone in the first place. “Okay. Well, keep taking care of her for me. I don’t know when I’ll see her.”
“Mmhmm.” Click.
I shoved my phone into my pocket, paid, and headed back to the truck. Sleep was something everyone needed right now, and I wasn’t special.
My phone chimed. Maggie?
Shoving my snacks under my arm like a football, I pulled my phone back out, trying not to spill my coffee.
Nettles: I don’t know if you’re done with your little temper tantrum or not, but I need you here. There’s a case I’m pretty sure you’d be interested in. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Call me.
Figures, he’d call just as I was about to get a little shuteye.
I dialed his number.
“Locke, where the hell are you?”
“Nice to hear your voice too, Cap,” I said, settling into the seat.
“You’re needed here.” His voice sounded panicky, and I didn’t like that.
“Yeah, that’s what I hear. What is it?”
“There’s a serial killer sweeping the entire East Coast.”
“What’s his MO?”
“Blonde. Brown-eyed… thick… See where I’m going?”
“Yeah. I fucking see it.”
“They’re also all sex workers.” He paused. “After you left, Maggie started making videos?—”
“I know…”
“Pretty nice there, Locke… pretty nice.”
The fuck? My grip tightened on the phone. “Tuck your dick back in, Cap. I know what I threw away. Besides, I thought you were always so worried about my professionalism. Now that she’s broadcasting, you think I wanna hear what you think about the women I’m fucking?” I took a sip of coffee.
