Page 87 of His Wounded Heart

“Then I’ll call her.”

Simon rubbed at the silver scruff on his chin. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, it could just escalate things. What time does Bella go to bed?”

“Eight o’clock. Why?”

“I’m coming over. We can talk about this more after I’ve had time to think about it.”

For the first time since getting the email with Bella’s picture, I can take a whole breath. “Really?” I ask.

“Yes, really. What kind of wine do you drink?”

“I’m not picky.”

Simon chuckles. “So, you’re not a wine drinker.”

I duck my head. “How do you know?” I mumble.

“Because a wine drinker would at least say red or white. What can I bring?”

“Are we going to be talking about someone sending me stalkerish emails?”

He nods. “That’s the plan.”

“You can bring ice cream.”

“What kind?”

“Toffee chocolate chip.”

“Ahhh, you’re an ice cream connoisseur.”

I look up and smile. “Yes. Yes I am.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

I’d told Dave and Renzo I had some pressing business I had to work on. Dave took it just fine, but Renzo looked at me suspiciously. Great, apparently his brother has been gossiping. Just what I needed. Still, I didn’t have time to dwell on petty shit. I need some information, and I need it now.

I have eight men to choose from, four lieutenants and then their team’s computer/communications specialists. I didn’t want to go to Lieutenant Mason Gault, because his second in command was Trenda’s brother. I wanted to let that sleeping dog lie for a while. But I need to find out which teams are out on missions. That leaves me with three lieutenants and three communications specialists.

I press the call command on my truck, and holler out Gray Tyler’s name. He usually has a good idea where everybody is, and since he’s on the West Coast, I could ask him what was going on with Drake.

“Hey, Commander. It’s good to hear from you,” Gray answers.

“It’s just Simon these days,” I respond.

“Okay. Am I going to see you at Nic’s wedding? Only six more weeks.”

I run my fingers through my hair. God, I need a haircut.

“Josiah has threatened to send Scarlett after me if I don’t show up, so yeah, I’m going.” I smile when Gray laughs.

“I’m thinking you’re not calling to find out what kind of gift to send them, but if you are, they’re registered at Pottery Barn.”

“Fuck you, Gray.”

Gray laughs again. I miss my men.

“How can I help?” Again, I miss my men.