He went into his office and shut the door. At his desk, he logged in to a secure portal and entered his sixteen-digit security code. A screen opened and his cousin, Providence, appeared in the window.
“Hey, cuz,” she said. “What’s the word?”
“I need your help with a drug gang in the DMV. The Trinity.”
“Never heard of them. Give me a few.” While Providence searched for information, Stryker checked his phone. He had missed calls from Cooper, Danielle, and Emerson. His pulse kicked up when he saw that Emerson had called…until he read her text. “Can you tell me if Parker’s been at work this week?”
Dammit. He’d hoped she’d moved past his fuck up, but her text was work related. That morning, she’d bolted with barely more than a peck goodbye. He regretted saying anything to her, but he had to tell her the truth about himself.
He clicked the phone app that tracked employee hours and found Parker. “Hmm.”
“Sorry this is taking so long,” Providence said.
“It’s all good,” Stryker replied. “I’m working.”
Parker had requested time off Tuesday and Wednesday. Mavis had scheduled another mixologist to work his shifts.
Stryker texted Emerson. “Sorry I missed your call. Parker requested off on Tues & Wed.”
“I’m back,” Providence said. “I don’t have much on this group. I see that a UC named Doug Easton had been working the case. File shows he’s deceased. Who are they and why are you interested in them?”
“I’m helping a friend out,” he replied.
“I’m sorry I don’t have more info.”
“Did Dakota talk to you about Cooper Grant?” Stryker asked.
“I reached out to him, but haven’t heard back. You might want to give him a heads up. I doubt an ASAC with the Bureau would accept an invitation to tour a meat packing company.”
That made Stryker laugh. ALPHA Meat Packing Company was the agency’s cover.
“I’ll talk to him.” Stryker ended the video call and left his office in search of a caffeine hit.
His assistant flagged him down. “A Detective Easton is waiting for you in the atrium. Do you want her sent up?”
“I’ll go down.” As he passed the executive conference room, Brooks waved him in.
After sticking his head inside, he asked, “You guys still meeting?”
“We could use your help with something,” said one of his execs.
“No can do,” Stryker said. “I’ve got another meeting.”
He took the stairs, entered the lobby of his building, and found her. A rush of heat blanketed his chest. She did it for him every damn time. When she turned, her expression caught him by surprise.
“Hey, I’m glad you came by.” He never showed affection at work, but something was wrong, so he pulled her into his arms. “What’s going on?”
She glanced around the spacious lobby. “Where can we talk in private?”
“My office, top floor. Elevator or stairs?”
“Elevator.”
She hesitated a brief second before stepping inside. Once the doors closed, he rubbed her back.
“Thanks,” she murmured, but said nothing more.
She’s here to end things. Dammit to hell. I royally fucked this up.
