Page 54 of Diamonds in the Mud

When I finally saw the flashing lights from a patrol car out my window, I relaxed as someone called my name. Was that Randy?

I blinked and then he was there, standing over me.

“Shit,” he said, kneeling next to me. A look of sheer terror filled his eyes. “Shit,” he said again, just as everything went blank.

Chapter Thirteen

“Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.”

–Decimus Junius Juvenalis

Jameson

By the next morning, news of what had happened to Rayne was everywhere in town. Since I had to be at work at the gym at six, I’d heard it shortly after I arrived and unlocked the doors.

My first inclination was to turn everyone out, lock up, and head to the hospital to see how she was doing.

Then Felix showed up. Felix hardly ever came to the gym. Since he wasn’t carrying a gym bag, I knew he wasn’t there to lift weights.

“What’s up?” I asked when we stepped into the empty waiting area.

“Heard your side piece got in some trouble last night.” Felix chuckled as he ran his eyes over my face. Was he wanting to gauge my reaction?

“Yeah, I heard,” I said, trying to sound unfazed. The truth was, I could think of little else. I desperately wished I could text Rayne even if I couldn’t go see her.

“Ben tells me last night went smooth,” he added.

I shrugged. “I just took a ride,” I said, acting bored.

“Yeah, well, we appreciate you stepping in. It won’t happen again now that Declan is out. He promised me that he is going to fall in line.”

I frowned slightly. “Okay.”

Felix narrowed his eyes. “Until things cool off, I think we gained everything we can from your lady friend. I hope you got your fill of her.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Not really,” I said slowly. “I was hoping for last night.”

Felix laughed and slapped me on my back. “Do what you want. From here on out, the cop is yours to toy with.”

Before I could ask him what that meant, he turned and walked out.

Shit. Declan was out of jail already. Was he the one who shot up Rayne’s house? If the timing matched up then there was no doubt in my mind Declan was the shooter. Which just pissed me off.

Deciding I was in the right place to get rid of that anger, I lifted weights until I couldn’t feel my body.

Once I clocked out for the day, I headed straight home to shoot Rayne a text from my private phone.

“Are you okay?”

When no response came, I tossed the phone back on the desk and paced the small safe room. Shit. Shit.

After an hour, I decided to head to the hospital, not caring if anyone saw me.

After all, I’d just admitted to Felix I wasn’t done with Rayne. Maybe they’d see it as a sign that I just wanted to keep that relationship going.

When I stepped outside my place, a silver-haired man walked up to me. I instantly recognized Randy Cordova, the chief of police.

“We need to talk,” he told me. “Not here.” He motioned towards the coffee shop. “Don’t worry, I made sure no one was around.” He started walking.