AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Booker had to give Wyatt credit. The guy didn’t yell. Didn’t react at all for a good thirty seconds before calmly tapping her shoulder —gaining her attention.
Wyatt cleared his throat, his other hand fisted so tightly around his beer bottle, Booker was surprised the damn thing didn’t shatter. “You took photographs? Of the poachers?”
Kirby sighed. “We deal with poachers all the time. This ring was just a bit nastier than usual. Maybe a bit more organized, but…” She held up her hand to stop him from interrupting. “The police did all the work. We merely provided them with the evidence to get the job done.”
“And did they? Get the job done?”
“I just said it was better.”
“Better doesn’t mean the threat’s been eliminated. Did they arrest everyone?”
“I think so. I don’t know, I wasn’t there when they raided their camp. All I know is that it’s been a few weeks, and it’s been quiet. So, yeah, I think they got everyone.”
“Or maybe some of the bastards are hiding, biding their time until they think it’s safe to retaliate.”
“Why would anyone retaliate when they can simply move to another location where they won’t catch any grief? We’re fine.”
Wyatt looked over at him, and Booker knew exactly what his buddy was thinking. That things weren’t over until he and Wyatt had gone through everything and ensured the local cops hadn’t missed anyone.
Booker nudged Kirby. “I don’t suppose you have a copy of that evidence?”
Her frown deepened. “We gave it all to the cops. Why?”
“We just like to be thorough. Occupational hazard.”
“It’s been taken care of. Period. Can we talk about something else? Like where your date’s hiding?”
Wyatt chuckled, though Booker heard the slight edge to it. How his buddy wasn’t close to wanting to discuss something else. “Yeah, buddy. Where’s your date?”
Booker sighed, forcing a smile. “It’s like you two share a brain. I don’t have one, unless Wyatt wants to let me slap another kiss on him.” He leaned toward Kirby, motioning to Wyatt with a nod. “I can arm wrestle you for him.”
She laughed. “Now I know why Wyatt thinks you’re an ass.”
“I am an ass. But I’m an adorable one.”
“You’re something.” She slid her finger along the bottle, looking as if she wasn’t sure if she wanted to say something before meeting his gaze. “So, whatever happened to Calliope? You two looked pretty cozy the last time I saw you.”
“I guess she just wasn’t that into me.”
“Seriously? You think she wasn’t that into you? Are all men this dense?”
“It’s been a year, Kirby. Even I can take that kind of message.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Booker, I’d usually agree but… The girl was more than a bit into you. She had it bad. Maybe she’s just been busy at work? It can’t be easy being in the DEA, doing regular stints into Mexico. And with you sidelined for a while, then moving out here…”
“I guess that’s possible.”
“But you don’t think so. Have you tried calling her?”
“A few times, but it’s always the same answer. She’s unavailable. No idea when she’llbeavailable.”
Wyatt thumbed the lip of his beer. “You think she’s in trouble?”
“I think she knows how to find me if she wants to, so… Another round?”
He got up, ignoring the clench in the pit of his stomach. That scratchy feeling on his neck that wouldn’t go away. Not when Wyatt’s words echoed in his head. How Booker had been harboring concerns for longer than he cared to admit.
Not that it mattered. He’d been serious. He’d tried her office more than a few times, but no one was talking. And the inquiries he’d made on the side — the favors he’d called in — hadn’t gotten him any answers. Which only made him feel like a stalker.
