“And? How do you feel about that?”
“I’ve come to terms with it. I respect the Rebels. Cash runs a tight ship, and while I know we’ve all looked the other way at certain times over the years, they’re here for good, not evil. I just don’t know how the NOPD will take it,” I sigh. “But that’s their problem.”
“Well, if you want to grab some brunch downtown, we can talk about it some more.” She thumbs toward the creche. “I’ve just got to grab Aubrey-May and duck home to have a quick shower. I could meet you at Muso?”
I nod. “That sounds perfect. I am a little peckish. I have to call into work, shower and change, so I can meet you there.”
“Okay, see you in an hour or so?”
“Sounds good.” We wave goodbye and I head to the patrol car. I glance around — the prospect van is nowhere in sight. Maybe Haze called them off, but maybe not.
“Hey, Willow, right?” A woman’s voice says behind me, making me jump. I turn to see… Clare? I think her name was. She has a yoga mat slung over her back with one of those trendy carry straps. I need to get myself one of those.
“Oh, hey,” I say. “Did you just do the same class? We didn’t see you.”
She nods, smiling. “Sure did. It was fantastic. I know some people don’t like hot yoga, but I just love it. Sally-Ann is a fantastic instructor.”
“It was my first class,” I admit. “But I’ll definitely be back.”
“This is kinda awkward,” she starts, “but my ride bailed and I’m heading downtown, I don’t suppose I could catch a ride with you?”
I don’t usually pick up strangers off the street, but she went out with the girls over the weekend, and Payden said they had a good time.
“Sure, hop in.”
“Thanks so much, you’re a lifesaver! Ugh, my brother was meant to pick me up because I don’t have a car right now, and Uber is gonna cost a fortune.”
“Hey, it’s fine. I’m going to work for a little bit, so I can drop you off near the station.”
“Perfect, thanks, Willow.”
We climb in as I quickly check my phone. There are texts and missed calls from Haze but I’ll deal with him later.
I shoot a reply to Carl: he told me Haze showed up and was pissed he couldn’t get into the building.
Me
I’ll be there soon, heading over now
I put my seatbelt on and start the engine. I guess I’ve now gotta make small talk. “So,” I start. “How long have you lived in New Orleans?”
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
Haze
I sit in Hally’s car while she spills her guts. I didn’t think I’d get much out of her, but this chick is a little nervous around me. I don’t enjoy playing on women’s emotions, but in this scenario, it involves Willow so I need to know.
“I overheard Mr. Sinclair talking to the Commissioner about a threat against Willow,” she blurts. “I didn’t know what to do. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I wasn’t snooping. I wanted to help…”
“Be straight with me,” I say. “Then this won’t have to go south. Got me?”
She eyes me quickly. “You said you won’t hurt me.”
“Maybe I lied?”
“But Willow trusts you — if anything happened to me…”
