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Not thinking about that at all.

“Well, Da—Coach Turner,” James clears his throat. Smooth, dude, real smooth. “If you think of anything that might be beneficial to our investigation, you know how to reach me.”

Darius nods and holds out his hand. “I will. Thank you for everything you do.”

When James shakes his hand, he holds on a few seconds too long. He nods at me before heading out of the locker room.

Darius turns to watch him go, but I’m watching Darius. That’s more than just a casual work acquaintance look. Interesting. Maybe there’s something there. After all, James is attractive and age appropriate and would know Darius is undercover.

Honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad match if their personalities fit. I ship it.

“Jack.” Darius walks around his desk in his office. He gestures to the chair across from him as he takes his seat. “How can I help you?”

After I close the door, I take a seat. It’s really none of my business, but I arch an eyebrow and give him a smirk. “Is he hanging around for a while?”

“I can’t tell you that, Jack. But I believe they’re still working on their investigation.” Darius glances toward the door and rubs the back of his neck before stopping himself.

“You like him.” I smirk.

He clears his throat and meets my eyes. “Everyone good?”

Changing the subject. Nice.

“Yeah.” I lean back in the chair. And think about last night.

I breathe easier with Harper if the others are around. I don’t know what will happen tonight when it’s just her and me. When I’m the one responsible for keeping her safe.

I failed the last time.

I clear the lump from my throat. “I wanted to thank you. And say sorry for outing you to Caden.”

“Fuck, Jack. You were in trouble. I’m just glad Caden knew he could trust me at the time.” Darius leans his elbows on the desk and meets my eyes. “I’ve been filled in on what they suspect that house was used for.” He shakes his head. “I’m glad we got to you in time.”

I nod because I can’t speak over the lump in my throat. The plans they had for Harper were horrifying. I didn’t think about what they had in store for me. My focus was on her and getting her out.

If my friends had been the ones to come through that door, things could have gone a lot worse. It’s possible someone could have gotten killed or seriously injured.

One of us might have ended up facing murder or manslaughter charges.

As it was, everyone survived. Even Tanner.

I rub my jaw. “I owe you.”

When I lift my gaze to his, he’s studying me, but I’m giving him my truth here. We owe him everything.

“Any help you need. It’s yours,” I say.

Darius tips his head to the side like he’s not quite sure what to make of my offer. “You don’t owe me anything, Jack. Fuck. I did what any normal person would have done. I just had the power to help more than most.”

“That’s not how the world works here.” I blow out a breath. “That’s not how the adults operate in this town. They’re all scared of William Foster and men like him. The ones who rule this city. Things only happen because they let them.”

“They aren’t above the law, Jack.” Darius sounds so sure of himself.

I laugh, but it’s bitter. We’ve spent our lives under their shadows. We just want a way out. Even if it’s impossible. “That’s what you don’t understand yet. They are.”

I rise to my feet and start for the door. When I touch the handle, I say, “The offer stands. You need help, you know where to find me.”

Caden