“If you aren’t offered the position, I would need to understand why,” he pushed back. “You’re well qualified.”
She smiled. “Are you biased?”
“As your dad, one hundred percent. As Z, no, I’m not.”
“Living in Colorado was great, but I’m hoping this works out. I’d love to move back here. I realized I’m alone too much.”
“I thought you had friends.”
“I did, but when I had that boyfriend, I spent all my free time with him. I let those friendships go.”
“I didn’t like him, and I never met the man.”
“Not sure he qualifies as a man. More like a boy in a man’s body. You would have liked him less if youhadmet him. Anyway, Addison said I can stay with her and Hawk, but she said you still have your condo in Arlington.”
“I’ve been thinking about selling it. Staying with Addison would be more fun, especially since you’ve been alone.”
“True, well, I’ll have decisions to make, butonlyif I get offered the job.”
“Whenyou get offered the job.”
His phone rang. He answered. “Are you here?” He listened, then hung up.
“Don’t you ever say goodbye or thank you?” Brit asked.
That made her dad smile. “Can I have your rental car key?”
“What? What for?”
“Someone is here to return your car. You’ll be driving an ALPHA SUV.”
“I’m not even in ALPHA.” On a huff, she handed him the key fob. He went to the front door, spoke briefly with someone, then returned with a different fob.
“Thank you for not arguing with me over this,” he said. “I know you love to do battle with me, but you wouldn’t have won this one.” He shot her a smile.
“Thank you for making sure I’m safe,” she replied.
After they cleaned up and put away the leftovers, they went out back. The cold air chilled her, but seconds after he turned on the gas firepit, she warmed right up. Together, they sipped their cognac.
“I have one request,” he said. “Stay away from Joaquin Dillinger.”
Oh, c’mon. He can’t be serious.
“Now, you’re dictating who I hang with?”
“He’s too wild and independent.”
“I’m guessing that’s why he’s called Rebel.” After a pause, she said, “If he ever finds out I eliminated those men he was meeting with, I’m thelastperson he’d want to be around.”
And I can’t really blame him.
Joaquin
Rebel staredat the online file labeled DILLINGER. For over a decade, he’d been waiting for answers. Waiting for new eyes to resurrect an old case and find the monster who shredded his family.
But none of that happened. The case grew cold. Someone had gotten away with murdering a career lawman. A man everyone respected, admired, and loved.
I’m gonna find him, Dad, and when I do, I’ll rip his fuckin’ heart out.
