Page 50 of Fighting Salvation

“Where are we going?”

“I want to speak to Frankie D again.”

They’d left his old home, and as they’d locked up she’d felt some of the tension leave him. The place held so many mixed emotions for her man and she hated that she couldn’t take away his pain. She knew he’d never processed his losses properly and it was why he kept barriers up with everyone. The fact she’d managed to knock through them was a miracle to her.

They were halfway there when a call came through from Lotus.

“We have a problem. Rykov and I came to investigate the vendors and there was a heavy police presence. Turns out one of the homeless guys had his throat slit.”

“Fuck! Do we know who?”

“It was Frankie D. Seems he’s been dead since late this afternoon. From what we can tell, nobody saw or heard anything.”

“Bullshit. He just has them fucking scared shitless.” Bás banged his hand on the steering wheel and Val placed a hand on his thigh as he glanced at her, a haunted look in his eyes. “This is my fault. If I’d just left him alone, Hansen wouldn’t have killed him.”

“You can’t know that, Bás. Hansen is a prick and he knows you’ve spoken to Frankie in the past.”

“Maybe. Either way, it seems people around me die.”

“Everyone dies, and it’s not on you. This is Hansen. Don’t blame yourself.”

Val watched him nod but knew he didn’t believe her but he changed the subject and she let it go.

“Did you have any luck with the vendors?”

“Yes, actually. One of the vendors really close to the alley where the dead guy was found recognised him. Said he comes twice a week, regular as clockwork.”

“When is he coming next?”

“The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon.”

“Okay, see if you can find out anything more and then get back to the house. I need a meeting.”

“Is Watchdog…?”

Val heard the shake in Lotus’ normally calm voice and knew this was hitting her hard. Lotus was brash and hard on the outside but inside she was liquid and a little broken.

“No, Lotus. As far as we know he’s hanging in there and after what you just said, I truly believe that.”

“Okay.” She sounded so small that Val just wanted to hug her and reassure her, but she also knew there were no guarantees.

She glanced out at the darkness and sighed.

“She’ll be okay.”

Her gaze swung to Niall, who was watching the road, but his free hand covered hers on his thigh. The light touch was a connection she needed right now.

“I know. I just hate this for them.”

“What about you? Watchdog is your friend too.”

His comment surprised her and she flinched and tried to remove her hand but he held fast and shook his head.

“Valentina.” His voice was deep and gruff and it made her squirm as a shot of desire moved through her.

“What?” she snapped instead.

“Stop. I asked a question and I want an answer.”