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Gray wanted to fucking punch Bryce, but he was right. So instead, he pulled out his phone as he settled into the passenger seat of Bryce’s truck and called Thornton.
He answered on the first ring and Gray explained the situation. “The informant I’ve been waiting on called. I’m meeting her at the picnic hut in the park on Orange Ave. If she sees anyone else, she’ll take off.”
“Stall for fifteen. I’ll have someone in place.”
“Thanks.”
“If she’s legit, get everything you can. I just met with the ME. The larger body was Andreas. The others were all girls, probably all sixteen years old or less.”
“Fucking fuck.” Gray didn’t care what it took. They had to stop this killer.
10
Gray texted Jack and Mason when he got in the car. Meeting an informant. Home ASAP. I love you. I’m sorry.
A few seconds later, his phone vibrated. He glanced at it at the next red light. It was Mason. We love you too. Be careful.
A few seconds later another buzz. Stay safe. That came from Jack.
After Gray parked one street over from Orange Park, he sent a return message. I have backup. Don’t worry.
He took a deep breath and checked his gun, even as he prayed he wouldn’t need it.
He approached the picnic hut from the side with the most tree cover. At first, he didn’t see anyone around. The cold had probably deterred any teens who might’ve used the park as a make-out spot.
Just as he reached the hut, he saw a figure approaching. Jenna?
He held himself still, ready to react if necessary but as the person came closer, he could see that it was a young woman. She couldn’t have been over five feet tall. When she moved into the light of a streetlamp, he could see her face better. He guessed she was sixteen or seventeen.
When he took a step toward her, she pulled a gun from her pocket. “Stay back.”
Fuck, now it didn’t matter that he had backup. She could drop him faster than anyone could react.
Stay calm. Talk to her. You’re good at this.
Not as good as Jack.
Good enough.
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
“You’re not going to take me in either.”
“I just want to hear what you have to say.” That he wanted to get her into protective custody wasn’t something he needed to mention, not with a gun pointed at him and her hand shaking.
“I give you my word I won’t touch you. You can put that down.”
She shook her head. “Listen and don’t talk.”
Gray did as he was told. He had no intention of dying without setting things right with Jack and Mason.
“Andreas’s wife died in a car crash six months ago.”
Gray wanted to explain that he knew all about it, but he stayed quiet. Andreas’s deals had gotten more violent since then and he’d behaved more irrationally.
“There’s a man. I don’t know his name. He’s tall, fit, mousy brown hair. He’s not hot or anything, but he’s not ugly either. His eyes, they’re just blank like there’s nothing there. But there is. Rage. So much rage. He loved her.”
“Loved who?” Gray risked the question.
