All the work I’d put into proving their innocence didn’t mean anything.
I had to warn them.
Despite everything.
Despite Rafe’s dismissal and the way he’d looked at me like I was something he’d scrape off his boot, I had to warn them.
Tonight.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.
That would be too late.
I checked my watch and bit my lip.
Even if I drove all night, the man in the captain’s office might be right behind me.
I had to reach them before they headed out from the warehouse.
After sliding behind the wheel, I stopped long enough to fuel up, grabbed enough coffee to keep me up through the drive, and I locked in on my goal.
I didn’t stop until I pulled outside the clubhouse.
It looked different in the predawn light.
Three men standing on the front porch recognized me as soon as I left my car.
One moved to block the steps and crossed his arms. “Sorry, Noelle. You’re banned.”
I’d worked through a dozen possible scenarios as I drove.
I’d texted and tried to call all three of them.
No one answered.
And none of them responded to my text messages.
“It’s important, D.” I kept my hands loose and open by my sides. “Please.”
“Nothing you have to say is important to us anymore. Go back to your police friends where you belong.”
But I didn’t belong there.
My heart screamed at me.
I belonged here.
I had from the minute I met Rafe’s eyes. I blinked back tears. “It’s about the toy drive.”
All three men shared a look. “What about it?”
“I have to tell Rafe.” It would be easier to tell Bishop, but Rafe was the one who controlled everything.
One of the men turned and disappeared inside.
He returned a few minutes later with Rafe.
I almost ran into his arms.
