“And who’s fault is it that I’m under suspicion?” Sylvie jerked her shoulder away from Frank’s hand. “You guys used me. You set me up.”
“Hey, we just followed the smoke on that one.”
Sylvie glared. “Oh, you asshole!”
“You are not without blame here, Rookie.” Frank gave her an ugly smile. “I’m starting to thinkyou’recompromised and maybe we should investigate you. Where were you last night?”
“Frank! What the fuck? Just because—”
“You’re a good cop, Sylvie. But even women think with the little head sometimes.”
It took everything she had not to deck him. “I’m not. I’m a professional.”
“Then act like one. You wanted in, here’s your chance. You’ve got the inside track on Watchdog—or you could, if you pushed it. Until I know beyond the shadow of a doubt they aren’t involved, they’re guilty.”
“I thought the law was supposed to work the other way around.”
He fixed her with a condescending stare. “We know better.”
No,wedon’t. She bit back her words.
Frank took her silence for affirmation. He patted her on the arm. “You want this to go away? You look into Watchdog for me. I want to know their schedules, if anyone from the cartel goes in or out of there and who they talk to. You’re the one with theday pass,” he said the two words like they were dirty, “so you can get the info I need.”
Sylvie put her hands on her hips. “I want to talk to your handler first.”
Frank shook his head and walked on, leaving Sylvie with a sick feeling in her stomach.
Maybe Tom’s the one I need to talk to after allshe thought.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Sylvie texted Carla to let her know she wouldn’t be on patrol with her, that she was headed up to talk with George in Lyons instead. Then she sent another text to Alex. She didn’t want him to worry because worrying would lead to involvement, so she reminded him she’d meet him at the festival that night. Then she took off for Lyons, hoping to get there before Tom so they could set up a strategy.
No such luck. Tom was already in with George. Her father stood when Sylvie walked in but her full attention was on Tom.
“What the hell, Hicks?” she started, and Tom insulted her by giving George a look that was pure essence ofcontrol your daughter. George ignored the man, crossing his arms instead.
Tom shook his head. He had the actual nerve to look offended.
Frank wasn’t far behind Sylvie, and neither were Kyle, Jake, and Wolf, along with Valkyrie, who took up a position in the corner watching everyone.
“Are we waiting on anyone else?” George asked.
“Brock should be along soon,” Kyle said. “He’s at the hospital with Brianna, seeing her brother.” Kyle gave Tom a disgusted look and the officer returned it in equal measure. Sylvie heard the front door open again and someone hurrying down the hall. Frank and Tom exchanged looks, and Frank rapped his knuckles on the desk.
So, Tom does know the secret signal, tooshe thought. Tom’s shoulders dropped now that Frank indicated he’d take the lead.
Brock entered the office.
“Sorry, I’m late. Brian is fucked up bad and the whole family wants answers.” He studied their faces, pausing at Frank’s.
Kyle introduced Frank, who started with an apology. “There is no excuse for Brian Taylor to have gone missing and I’m not here to offer one. I’m only here to give my apologies for our slip-up. As soon as Mr. Taylor wakes up, we’ll be getting a statement from him. In the meantime, we’re still trying to find the records of the officers who took him to rehab.”
Sylvie gave Frank the side-eye. There were no records, and he knew it. This was complete CYA.
“IfBrian wakes up,” Brock said. “I just got back from the hospital and he’s in a bad way.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sylvie said. “We’ll get to the bottom of this. The problem is, the officers were in plainclothes, and Brian’s parents don’t remember getting names or badge numbers.”
