Dash wasn’t with the Guard anymore and couldn’t get a subpoena to get an actual location from the service provider. He might be able to get Jackson to sweet talk his bosses into getting one, but that would take days, if not weeks.
He had no idea what these men were being auctioned off for. He had a guess, but who knew if he was right? Jaye might not have weeks to wait for a subpoena and even if he did, why leave these men to suffer another minute? Hesitant to hack the more secure Fort Seattle company he’d already been caught slipping into once, he sat back and considered his options.
Knowing he’d likely found enough to fully involve the Black Guard, hehadto wait. He reached for his phone and sent a text to Jackson stating that he had something big. He also snuck in another text letting Emerson know he was still at work—for good reason.
After he put his phone down, he eyed his laptop. Seconds ticked by. The need to know who the asshole was screamed within. Dash’s fingers hovered over the keys, the desire to hack the near unhackable calling his name. He’d got in once but left enough of a trail that he’d gotten into hot water. To get out of it, he’d had to call in favors and only succeeded by promisingnever to do it again. The company had likely patched the vulnerabilities he’d exploited the last time but perhaps created new ones in the process.
Wired, Dash growled, shoving his laptop away. As he tapped his fingertips on the desk, his mind spun. An idea formed within minutes. He slid his laptop back and took a deep dive into the dark web.
After hours of digging, he finally found a name. A familiar one.
With the sun rising and brightening his office, all of the pieces came together.
“I’ve got you now, you fucking asshole.”
Emerson heardthe ping and reached for his phone. He’d catnapped all night, waiting to hear from Dash. Scrubbing his face with both hands, he sat up and reached for his phone. The screen lit up with the time—four a.m.
He’d betternotjust be going home.
Dash
Still at work. Found something! Will explain later.
Emerson grinned. While he wasn’t pleased Dash was still working that late, if he’d been in his mate’s shoes, he’d have stayed up all night, too, if he found a crucial, missing piece of an investigation. Hopefully that was it and Dash’s case might soon be over.
Emerson:
If the trail will still be there in the morning, go get some sleep!
He chuckled before laying down his cell and sliding back into bed. It was cold and lonely there without Dash. Drawing the pillow to his face, he inhaled Dash’s scent. It had shifted somewhat during his heat, the sweeter aroma mixing with the spice. It reminded him of Yulemas and the cinnamon buns his papa made every year for them to enjoy after opening presents.
This scent was his gift—or rather the man behind it.
After another couple of hours of catnapping, Emerson dragged himself out of bed, utterly exhausted. Dash had to feel worse. He took a quick shower, dressed in his department uniform, and swung by a bakery, craving a cinnamon bun. Ordering two, along with two coffees, in case Dash was still at the office when he stopped by.
When he arrived, it was a full house. Davis, Jackson, and even his little brother were there, all of them looking at pages Dash had spread out over the conference room table, his mouth flying at rapid speed. Emerson knocked on the glass door. Dash’s gaze flew to his, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Dash strode out of the conference room. He unlocked the door and grinned at Emerson.
“I got him.”
“You found Jaye?”
Dash’s smile faded. “Not exactly—but I know who’s behind the disappearances. My gut tells me Jaye’s among them. I’m trying to convince Jackson to call in the Black Guard.”
Emerson handed Dash the coffee and bag. “He doesn’t believe you?”
“They just got here a few minutes ago. I gave them my theory and they’re reviewing the evidence I found now. Hopefully they see what I see.”
“They will,” Emerson said, being the supportive mate while glaring at the back of Jackson’s head. “How much longer before you go home and crash?”
“Hopefully not much longer.”
“Good,” Emerson said. “Are you taking the rest of the day off?”
“I can’t,” Dash said, wide-eyed. “After a nap and a shower, I’ll be back here.”
Emerson growled. “Then I’m bringing you dinner after my shift.”
