Page 58 of Rascal

“Then tell me how to trap Kira. Because we don’t have a clue what her alias could be. I highly doubt she’s using Hallie’s name because we’d be able to whittle that down. Where do we start? It’s not going to be easy, Rascal. Because so many sightings would be Hallie. If I put Kira on TV, Hallie’s neighbours will call her in. It hinders rather than helps, much like the APB,” Lio continued.

Lio’s phone pinged, and he read his message. “Well, that is the final nail in Kira’s coffin. They found the missing footage, and it’s been watched. That was Chief Holmes; the Attorney General notified him as a courtesy. The video clearly shows Hallie shopping, exactly where she claimed to be. The AG has taken the evidence into custody.”

“And?” I asked, knowing there was more.

“Sheriff Bentley will be charged with multiple counts. Hallie has her vindication. A statement should be released soon,” Lio continued.

“Shit. Jane’s going to feel that pressure. She’ll make a rash move,” I announced, and Lio nodded.

“Yeah. The problem is we can’t tell what she’ll do. She’s unpredictable,” Lio confirmed.

“If Kira wants me, she’ll attack Hallie.”

“It’s more likely she’ll hit you first to draw Hallie out,” Wraith disagreed.

“So, remove that option. Bring Hallie here,” I said.

“You’ll be lucky; she hates us,” Chance chuckled.

“Yeah, but Hallie has her life back. This is the path to her getting it. If she believes that Hallie and I are together, it will cause Kira to be sloppy, and she’ll make a rash move,” I stated.

“You have to get Hallie to agree to this, and that won’t happen,” Wraith pointed out. I glowered at him. Who needed enemies when you had brothers like him?

Hallie

“Go fuck yourself,” I said sweetly and hung up. King began roaring with laughter as I shook my head in disbelief. “He honestly expects me to stay at their clubhouse to lure Kira out?”

“The man has some balls,” King agreed. “Although he also has a point. How much longer do you want to keep living like this? Kira has you hiding in your own home. She’s winning right now.”

“Then let’s draw her out. You don’t think I’m tired of this?” I asked, feeling grumpy. I was well and truly over Kira and her psycho drama we were all staying in.

“And that worries me.”

“What does?” I demanded.

“That you’re so cavalier. This bitch sent you down for five years; she then tried framing you for a second murder and has kept up constant harassment. Kira is one step ahead of us. Christ, she even fooled your parents into spending a day with her. For all Kira’s fuckin’ nuts, she’s cunning with it.”

“I won’t stay locked up, King.”

“No, but we can set the trap and be clever with it. Kira’s used to you reacting. If you and Rascal become proactive, she won’t know what to do.”

I pursed my lips and folded my arms. “How other than my playing bait?”

“I think rage-baiting her is the way. Kira will freak the hell out if she thinks you and Rascal are a couple. She’s proved that time and time again,” King replied.

“You’re telling me to stay at their clubhouse!” I accused.

“Yes, for a couple of days to trap her.”

“I’ll end up doing time for murder because I will kill him if I have to spend too long around him,” I muttered.

King smirked. “That’s why I’ll come with you.”

“Oh, this’ll be fun,” I grinned and rubbed my hands together.

King offered me a wink. “You’re my ride or die.”

“Don’t think this implies I forgive you; this is a means to an end,” I declared as I held Rascal’s eyes. He seemed far too happy that I was here on his turf. His gaze flickered to King, and he frowned in confusion as King placed two cases on the floor.