“Did she go to the substation on the West side?”
“Think so.”
“Yeah, he’s known for doing business in that plaza. One of the smoke shops is a front and he has a mid-level person there.”
Punc’s brows drew together. “That person would be on the lookout for her? Really?”
“Not to give into stereotypes, but a woman like Ava stands out in a plaza that has a rent-to-own shop, an urban fashion store, two vape shops, and a police substation. If she went before nine in the morning, only the vape shop might have been open… She’d be noticeable.”
Hell, he was right.
Punc knew Savannah’s style. She’d stand out even if there were a crowd.
Turk continued, “The sister’s in high school, it isn’t hard to watch for her leaving at dismissal.”
“Right. I’m still not leaving them alone.”
“Your call. I’ll text Volt.”
Punc shook his head. “I’ll text him. You let Yak know.”
“Gotcha. Later.”
13
Give a Little Here
Savannah
CatalinatookNomebackto her room, and turned out her light. Even when I knew the threat from Prime was gone, Catalina and I liked having the sweet labradoodle around. We offered to keep the Hader’s pooch at night, and the occasional weekends.
I needed to take a shower, but I wasn’t doing anything until I knew Punc was going home. If I had a bad habit, it was my uncontrollable nosiness, and through the peephole I saw Punc sitting astride his bike, so I figured he was heading out. To kill time until I heard the thunder of his bike, I went to the kitchen and prepped the coffee maker.
I heard the front door open, and I ran into Punc at the mouth of the foyer. “Punc, I’m pretty sure Frank isn’t going to react well to your involvement.”
He laughed, and it sounded ominous. “Don’t give a fuck. In fact, I’ll love it if he doesn’t like my involvement.”
“Really? Even if he hurts Cat?” I asked, my tone bordering on snippy.
His eyes hardened. “No, I won’t hesitate to take him down.”
My eyes widened. “You’re gonna kill him?”
“I didn’t say that, but I won’t shy away from it either.”
Part of me wondered if Alanis knew this about him, because that definitely wasn’t a misdemeanor. “Was that what your phone call was all about with Volt or whoever?”
He cocked his head a touch. “Somewhat. Turk wants me to hold off.”
“Good,” I blurted.
He stepped closer to me. “Why is that good?”
Between it being so late, and how tired I was, I didn’t weigh my words. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
He shook his head. “I’m gonna get you and your sisteroutof trouble.”
“Not at your own expense.”
