“There’s a chance this is a larger situation than originally thought, too, but I haven’t yet confirmed the claim. I can explain tomorrow.”
“Sounds like your easy little case has turned into shit every which way you look.”
“Yeah,” Dash said, sighing. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
“You need backup tonight?”
“I’ve got coverage.”
“Might not hurt for me to go, too,” Jackson slowly rose from the chair, reaching for his light jacket. “Save you time from explaining everything tomorrow.”
There was no way he was introducing Jackson to Emerson before explanations were made—and especially not since he was headed to the spot where they’d fucked for two nights straight. Jackson might gleanwaytoo much information from seeing him and Emerson together.
“While Crenshaw hired me for his client, I don’t think the missing alphas are linked to him or the case you’re building. These are two separate issues.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows?” Jackson said. “I’ll accompany you.”
“No!”Dash said, maybe a little too forcefully.
Jackson eyed him, confused. “Do you, or do younot, want my help?”
“I do,” Dash said. “Just… not tonight, okay?” He exhaled, not sure what else to say to get the man to back off. “I don’t want to spook my contact. I don’t want to spring you on him.”
“I can listen in from my car. If shit hits the fan, I can be there in two shakes and bail you out. Just like the old days.”
“I recall bailing you out a time or two, too.”
Jackson grinned. “We made a good team.”
“Yeah. Until we didn’t.”
Jackson’s smile faded.
“I’m already late. I’ll call you in the morning.”
Jackson collected the file and followed Dash out. He paused at the door while Dash locked up.
He snagged Dash and gave him another hug. Dash tensed, confused why Jackson was getting up in his space. Jackson winked before walking towards his car parked on the street.
He yelled over one shoulder, “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
“Yeah, sure,” Dash said before jogging to his car and slipping behind the wheel. Halfway to the marina, a thought hit. He reached into his pants pocket but came up empty. Trying the other, he dug deep before he brought his hand out. A tiny disc sat on his fingertip.
That asshole.
Dash rolled down his window and tossed the tracker out.
Scanning the cars behind him, he didn’t see anyone tailing him, but to be sure, he swerved around a corner, barely making it. He floored the gas and took a few more wild turns before sensing the coast was clear.
Fucking Jackson.
21
Hair damp from a quick shower, Emerson sauntered out from his cabin, checking his watch. He’d expected Dash to return earlier. As the seconds ticked by, he grew more and more worried. Trying to keep his mind off things, he’d spent the early afternoon tidying up and grabbing a few groceries. His nerves were shot at the thought of hosting Randall on the boat the family thought was long gone.
Would his brother get even more pissed that he’d hiddenone more thing?
Maybe Dash had been right. Maybe they should’ve met elsewhere. He feared it was too late to change his mind, though. He’d promised Dash, so he was stuck.
