Page 16 of Hard Pass

“Who’s the backup?” I ask.

“Not the backup.”

“Then who?” I ask with a healthy dose of incredulity and a tickling sense of dread.

“Cole Valor.” My thoughts tumble like a brainstorm gone awry.

Cole. Valor.

Young. High profile. All-American boy next door. In his second year here in the league after being a college phenom. A player used to everything going his way.

A player who thinks he’s untouchable.

And the same man—a short, sharp laugh escapes before I can stop it.

“What’s so funny?” Marcus asks.

My grip tightens on my phone.

Heat. Sun-drenched skin. Pale blue eyes. His mouth on mine for the kiss to rival all kisses.

Trouble.

I blink, forcing the memory back where it belongs. Buried. Forgotten.

“I just . . .” I shake my head, staring at the crowd around me and seeing nothing. “Never expected to hear that name come across my desk.”

Now what the hell am I supposed to do about it?

He wouldn’t remember me. Why would he?

“You know him?” Marcus asks.

“No. Of course not.” I emit a nervous laugh.

“You sure? I know you both live in Austin so it’s not unheard of, but if you do, I need to know now. We can’t compromise the integrity of the investigation.”

“No. I don’t.” I have no idea why the lie slides so easily off my tongue. Or why I suddenly want this case enough to lie about it.

This isn’t like me—wanting the case part is, for sure—but not the lying to get it.

“You’re quiet,” Marcus says.

“Just thinking.” I shake the pinch of guilt from my conscience. “He wouldn’t be that stupid with only a year under his belt in the league, would he?”

“I’d hope not but we both know we’ve seen some crazy shit over the years, all done for some nonsensical reasons.”

“True. Send me everything you have,” I say, exhaling in frustrated disbelief.

I investigate men who have everything in the palm of their hands—a job most would kill for, a healthy contract and bank balance, endless opportunities—and yet some are willing to throw that all away for what? Greed? More money?

“You’re in that easily? I don’t have to negotiate with you for more?”

“I was never out, but yes, there will be significant negotiating added time off when this case is over. And I mean it, I need a break, Marcus.”

He exhales, relieved. “Noted and agreed. You’ve been busting your ass. I appreciate it more than you know. You shouldn’t be so good at your job, or I wouldn’t need you so much.”

A compliment is a compliment even when you don’t want to hear it.