“We—or the Regulators—still have to round up everyone else who knew about the fights, including the fighters.”
“Flynn.” I sighed and turned my gaze upward. “He’s a paid scout who works at the club. Just when I thought I could have a little reprieve.”
“No rest for the wicked.”
“I know where he lives and what time he gets off work. Let me take a quick shower before we leave. I can’t go out like this or I’ll get arrested. Feel like coming along?”
Christian practically purred as he pulled me in close. “I could use a shower.”
“I meant to Flynn’s house.”
He lightly squeezed my ass before lifting me up. “I can do that too. Can I tear away your clothes?”
“No. I need something to wear.”
“I’m afraid Tide won’t take out those stains.”
“There’s a bag down below. Someone can bring it up.”
“Ah, then Icantear away your clothes,” he said, walking toward the shower room.
“If you insist.”
“Aye, Precious. I insist.”
Chapter 33
Christian parked his old Ducati in front of a small house. After dismounting, I rubbed my cold arms to get the blood circulating. The only clothes I’d stuffed in that plastic bag were a white tank top and black shorts. Christian had retrieved my boots, so at least my feet weren’t frozen from the bike ride.
Christian shut off the bike and stared at the house. A streetlamp cast light on a holly tree, which was in full bloom. “Are you sure he’s here?”
“It’ll be sunrise soon. According to his schedule, he gets off at 2:00 a.m. That was over an hour ago, so he’s had plenty of time to make it home.”
“What’s his Breed?”
I shivered. “Mage.”
After striding up to the porch, Christian gripped the knob and shouldered the door open. The wood splintered as the frame broke.
He glared at me. “I suppose you’re going to rabbit on about trying the knob.”
I stepped over the threshold. “No, I was only going to suggest using the doorbell. People are less likely to run.” After switching on a lamp, I looked inside the tiny house. “Flynn? It’s me, Robin.” The back door in the kitchen was visible over the pony wall that divided it from the living room on the right.
Christian headed that way.
I went behind a partition wall on the left and searched the bedrooms. The first one was empty and only contained workout equipment. The second bedroom was also empty, so I checked the bathroom. Whiskers covered the sink, towels were on the floor—still damp—and yet I saw no toothbrush or shaver. I returned to the larger bedroom and flipped on the light. A few clothes were askew on the closet floor, but all the hangers were bare.
I sat down on the bed just as Christian appeared in the doorway.
“The garage is empty,” he informed me. “The backyard is clear—no storage shed or place to hide. We should turn off the lights.”
“What for?”
“If he drives up and sees them on, he’ll know something’s wrong.”
“Flynn doesn’t have a car. Anyhow, he’ll know something’s wrong if he sees the door busted apart. I have a feeling he won’t be coming back.”
Christian furrowed his brow. “And how do you figure?”
