Page 24 of Lethal Justice

Chapter Fourteen

With Malco’senveloping heat and strength surrounding her, Frida could’ve easily forgotten about the storm brewing around them. Between a pregnant teenager, a young man forced back into a gang, and two clearly corrupt civil servants, and no tangible proof to bring them down, Frida wasn’t sure where to start.

Now the motive for the attempt to steal the files at her office became clearer; they contained evidence of the money transfers from Pool to the Union, aka Kasten and his associates. Even though everyone seemed to be stepping down or retiring, the chase remained nonetheless. Following the money was obvious, but Frida was ready to use any evidence she could find.

“I can hear the wheels turning in your head, Frida, and they’re making a lot of noise.”

It was pure torture pushing away from Malco, but it couldn’t be helped. Frida sighed and reluctantly untangled herself from his arms. “Only noise? I think I can almost smell burning as well. You’re right. There’s much to think about. What will happen to Danie? We can’t let her go back on her own. It’s too dangerous.”

Malco nodded, his eyes darker than usual. “I’ll talk to Shane. I’m sure he knows of a couple of safe houses outside the city where Danie will be safe until we’re certain she can go home.”

It settled Frida’s worry a bit. “She’s not going to want to leave, but if she knows it’s only for a short period, I think we can convince her.”

“Won’t that be a lie? We don’t know what’s going to happen. And JaKheel is deep in the Blood Razors. We’re not talking about collateral damage here, he’s fully in the line of fire.”

How she wished Malco wasn’t right, but they’d both experienced firsthand what being involved with a gang meant. “I know. I just hope it doesn’t turn out like your brother and my sister.”

“It looks like history is repeating itself and in the worst way possible. I wish I had your optimism, but I don’t.”

It tore at her to see Malco’s obvious scars, how his cold façade went up like a shield. She couldn’t fault him for that, more often than not, she donned her own protective armor.

Shaking those gloomy thoughts away, Frida decided that keeping their focus on this mission would be best for both of them.

“I was thinking, how about we make a little visit to Kasten? I just heard from Chief Randall that he’s retiring early.”

“Is that so?”

“And I really think I should go and wish him well for the next phase of his life.”

Malco’s mouth quirked up, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “I like how your mind works. We can’t let such an outstanding officer leave without at least saying goodbye.”

Frida winked and grabbed her bag. “Totally. So, let’s go wish him well, shall we?”

* * *

Mid-afternoon meanta shift change took place, which allowed Frida to slip by the reception desk and head directly to the bullpen. As she passed a few officers, she resisted the impulse to touch her ear where Malco had installed a comm device. As far as she could tell, it was invisible, but she was walking toward a man who was cunning and dangerous, so nothing could be left to chance.

Malco hadn’t been ecstatic about her plan but couldn’t fault her intention. By coming here alone, Kasten would inevitably feel he had the upper hand, and with a little luck, he’d let slip something that may help the investigation.

With what was in her ear, Malco would be able to hear everything and intervene if need be. Not that Kasten would be fool enough to try anything so close to his colleagues.

Kasten’s office was on the left, and his door was open. He was inside, sorting through stacks of papers. He almost looked normal, but Frida knew better.

“Detective Kasten. What a surprise to see you so hard at work.”

When the man lifted his face to her, she thought he was about to snarl in disgust. Instead, he looked down at his papers. “I’m busy, Miss Montalvo.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you are, but not for long, I hear. I’ve heard through the grapevine that congratulations are in order on your early retirement. How lucky for you.” He remained silent, so Frida pushed a little. “Before you go, I want to know the status of the investigation concerning the break and enter at my office.”

“I thought you told me not to investigate?”

She heard the snide sneer in his voice as he said the words. “Come now, you wouldn’t have me believe that you listened, would you?”

“There are more important cases in this town than yours. But if it reassures you and makes you leave my office faster I’m passing all my files to Colson. You can annoy her from now on. Get the fuck out of my office, now.”

Instead of leaving, she closed the door behind her. “Are there so many other important cases to solve, or do you just skip those crimes you organize yourself?”

At least that caught his attention enough for him to abandon his papers. “Exactly what are you insinuating?”