Page 71 of Viper

“You’re gonna get to know us real quick.” Wraith sidled forward.

Hedley compressed his lips and his face turned red. “I’ve seen your faces. You won’t get away with this.”

“Easy, old man. I don’t think you’re in any position to make threats. We know the company you keep,” Troy said.

His beady eyes became guarded. “The hell you talking about?”

“I’m sure you heard about the near hit-and-run last night? Well, we got a plate number, and we know that vehicle was registered to you.”

Hedley sputtered. “I-It was stolen. Just noticed this morning and reported it.”

Troy chuckled as he lowered his weapon and slammed his foot on the arm of Hedley’s chair, leaning close. “That might cover your ass, but given your track record and the corrective action you were on last year, it probably won’t come as a surprise to your department that you’re aiding a criminal.”

Hedley’s expression turned lethal. “Get out of my house.”

“Not happening, fucker,” Havoc spat.

“Where’s Craig Brawn?”

“I’ve got nothin’ to do with him. I know what he’s been doin’, though. That he hurt that young woman. You think I’m involved in that?” He shook his head wildly. “No way. I wouldn’t. I’ve got a daughter of my own.”

Troy’s certainty waivered. No, the bastard was covering shit up. Had to be.

But the tortured look in Hedley’s eyes made some of Troy’s wrath leak away. He flicked his gaze to his team. Reaper looked as if he didn’t believe the man, but Wraith’s and Havoc’s expressions looked less cocky.

“You’re telling me it’s just a coincidence then? You have a history of shadiness on the police force and Craig just randomly decided to steal a cop’s car? Seems like a stretch, you’ve gotta admit.”

Hedley raised his hands. “You’re looking at the wrong guy, I swear.” Realization sparked in his milky eyes. “H-Hang on a second. Now this is confidential police information, but given the circumstances . . .” He glanced around the room as if second-guessing what he was about to say.

“Spit it out,” Havoc said.

Hedley lowered his hands to his lap. “We’ve been looking for Craig and discovered his stepbrother is on the force. Name’s Spencer Vokle. This is comin’ from high up, but the department is keeping a close eye on Spencer to see if he’s helping Craig.”

Troy’s interest piqued. He glanced at Havoc, who gave him a nod of understanding and backed away from the group. He’d verify Hedley’s claim right now.

“Where’s Spencer now?”

“On duty. He’ll be done at 8:00 p.m. today.”

Troy rocked his jaw. Too fucking late. “You got his number?”

Hedley nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Of course.”

“Where’s your phone?”

“Bedroom. On my nightstand.”

Troy jerked his head at Reaper, who quickly darted down the hall.

He returned a minute later with Hedley’s phone in hand. He tossed the device in the man’s lap. “Call him,” Reaper ordered.

“And say what?” he asked, looking to Troy, bewildered.

“Tell him to come here. Say it’s personal and you need help with something that can’t wait.”

“H-He’ll be suspicious. We don’t have that kind of relationship. Hell, he’s twenty-five years younger than me. We barely even⁠—”

Troy extended his arm so his weapon was pointed right between Hedley’s eyes. “I didn’t fucking ask.”