Finn followed his gaze, studying the two women as they sat. “She’s going to be a handful.”
“I’d say that’s a given.” Dylan glanced at him. “I don’t have to tell you not to underestimate her, do I?”
“Not a chance.” Finn kept his eye on the dark-haired woman. “Not a chance,” he repeated.
…
Skye finished off the last of her fries, finally quelling the rumbling in her stomach. “The Brotherhood.” She was surprised at how easily the words rolled off her tongue. “It’s a good name.” She looked at Jessie. “How did you get involved?”
“I was kidnapped by a mobster, and my best friend came to Dylan for help.” Jessie said it so nonchalantly that Skye wasn’t sure for a second that she wasn’t being played.
She studied Jessie’s face, realization dawning as she recognized the woman from the news reports. The memories came rushing back, pushing her immediate concerns away. “The Fluxxx? That crazy shootout in the casino a few months ago.” She gasped as she put the pieces together. “That was you?”
“Yep.” Jessie nodded. “That was me and that was the Brotherhood. They saved me.” She held up her hand, two fingers in the air. “Twice. But it all worked out.”
Before she could ask for more details, the door opened and Dylan walked back in, followed by Finn. He settled behind his desk again as Finn stayed nearby.
She automatically got to her feet. Jessie also rose, dropping her napkin onto the near-empty plate.
“How was the burger?” Dylan asked. His gentle smile soothed her jittery nerves.
Finn, on the other hand, wasn’t smiling. His lips were pressed into a tight line, his gaze on the floor.
Skye held back a frown.
Is he mad at me?
“Excellent. My compliments to your cook. It’s my own fault. I should have known better to come out here all upset and on an empty stomach.” Her cheeks burned. “I need to apologize for what happened before. I…” She stopped, seeing Dylan’s upraised hand.
“Don’t. I can’t imagine what I’d do if it were my brother in a coma, in that situation.” His smile turned hard. “You know we can’t help you do what you asked. Or let you, now that you’ve told us. We won’t be accomplices to murder.”
She nodded, taking the admonishment in hand.
“But we are going to help you take this gang down. Finn here is going to go back with you and see what the situation is, see what we can manage.” His tone softened. “That’s tomorrow. You’re staying here tonight.”
She shook her head. “I can’t…”
“We’ve arranged for a man to go to your brother’s hospital room and stand watch. Nothing’s going to happen to him while you’re here. We have some suites in the building, and you can rest up until morning. Get some sleep now, and you and Finn can drive back after breakfast, tackle the problem with fresh, rested eyes.”
“Good idea.” Jessie took Skye’s arm and headed for the door. “I’ll get her settled while you two do whatever you men do when I’m not around.”
Skye smiled as she let herself be led out of the office. “You sure you’re not in charge here?”
Jessie chuckled. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell.”
Chapter Four
It was now almost midnight, and the dance floor was at capacity, bodies pressed against each other in the nightly mating dance, the mob writhing and undulating as the live band pushed on through the last set of the night.
Finn took his usual post high above the floor, where he’d been only a few hours ago. He caught more than one admiring glance from the women below.
One redhead with long, luscious legs gave him a suggestive swivel of the hips, inviting him down.
Finn ignored her and stayed where he was.
“You okay?”
Trey stood beside him, his piercing blue eyes freezing him.
“Shit.” Finn shook his head. “You got to stop that ninja stuff.”
Trey grinned in response.
Finn held back a curse. Trey’s ability to sneak up on people was legendary, and while it was invaluable in the field, at times it was just plain old annoying. No one had been able to catch him yet.
“You don’t look happy about going to Whistling Willows.”
“That’s what Dylan wants.” Finn watched a thin blonde weave her way through the crowd, leading a potential lover off the dance floor.
“You don’t want the job?” Trey let out a low whistle. “Surprising.”
“What?” Finn glared at Trey. “I don’t have to get involved in every case where drugs are involved.”
“I know.” Trey nodded. “I know.” He rested his hands on the railing and looked out over the crowd.
“She’s an interesting woman,” Finn said.
“Skye?”
“No, the woman over there dragging some poor fool to his doom.”
Trey chuckled. “Don’t be mean. I’m sure she’ll leave him cab fare.” He looked at Finn. “You can say no. Dylan’s always told us that’s allowed. This isn’t the military. You can walk, and no one’s going to think less of you for it.” He studied the crowd. “He’ll put someone else on it, and you can stay here watching lovely ladies.”
“Yeah. I could blow this off.” Finn rubbed the back of his neck. “But I can’t. And I won’t.” He touched his right temple. “Because the ghosts keep calling, and I can’t avoid them forever.” He hesitated only a second before finishing his thought. “She needs me. No one else would understand, but I do. I can’t let her go down that rabbit hole alone, because she won’t be the same person when she comes out on the other side.”
Before Trey could reply, he spun around and marched off, starting his patrol around the club to make sure everyone was having a good time and staying safe.
He had a long way to go before he could sleep.
…
At exactly eight o’clock the next morning, Finn knocked on Skye’s door. The suite was one of a handful at the club, ready for any of the Brotherhood who didn’t want to go home for some reason or other—and for those they wanted to keep safe.
After his shift, he’d gone back to his own apartment on the outskirts of Vegas, far away from the Devil’s Playground and the Brotherhood.
And Skye Harris, who had come asking for help to kill a man.
There was a lot more to this waitress and odd-job laborer than at first glance.
Finn knocked again on the door, adding a bit more force.
It opened a crack to show Skye, her short black hair brushing against her shoulders. The deep circles under her eyes pained him, and he frowned out of concern.
“What’s up?” She slurred her words.
“Hey.” A lock of hair was stuck to her cheek, and before he could think about what he was doing, Finn reached out and slid his finger along the soft skin, freeing it. “I came to see if you were ready to go to breakfast. Jessie said she stopped by a half hour ago and you were up.”
She let him tuck the dark hair behind her ear before she blinked awake. Her cheeks reddened as she took in the intimate gesture. “Yes. Yes.” Skye cleared her throat. “I fell back asleep, sorry.”
“No problem.” He smiled.
They looked at each other for a few seconds more before Skye spoke. “Ah, let me get myself together. I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Before he could answer, the door shut, leaving him alone in the hall.
He took a step back and allowed himself a smirk, enjoying the reaction his touch had on her. It’d been a long time since he’d had that sort of response, and it was hard not to wonder what else he could bring out of her, given the right time and place.
The door opened again, and he gave a start, realizing he’d been caught up in his own thoughts for a few moments.
Skye stepped out. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a place not far from here that serves a hearty breakfast. Figure we’ll fuel up before heading out.”
She touched her hair. “S
orry I’m not looking my best. Wasn’t planning on staying overnight.”
“You look fine.” Finn returned her smile. “We’ll drive over in my truck to the diner and afterward I’ll bring you back to your vehicle.”
“Works for me. I could use a cup of coffee.” She stepped out beside him. “I’m still a bit woozy from driving in last night.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you,” he said, and he meant it.
…
She had slept well, the best she had in days. Guilt gnawed at her insides at feeling so good when she was so far from her brother. But at least she’d done something to help him, something more than sit by his side and wait.
Then there was Finn.
She snuck a look at him as they walked side by side down the hall to the elevator. He made her feel safe by his mere presence, and she couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.
“I spoke to Wyatt. Robby’s resting comfortably,” Finn said as the elevator doors opened.
“Good. Thanks for arranging that.” She nodded. “I don’t like the idea of him waking up and being alone.”
“I understand,” Finn said, and she realized with a shock that he did.
There was more to this man than she’d first thought.
They went into the elevator, emerging on a lower floor.
Finn led her down a corridor, past a series of closed doors, none of them labeled except the one at the end, which had a large sign that said: Garage.
He held the door open for her. “My truck’s over there to the left.”
A redheaded man peeked out from under the hood of a car and scowled at them as they walked through the large underground facility. A variety of cars and trucks waited in line for the mechanic’s attention.
“Don’t mind him. He’s not the sociable type.” Finn led her to a bright red pickup truck. “This is my ride.”
“It’s a nice truck.” She slid in over the leather, enjoying the feel of the smooth material under her hand.
“Thank you.” Finn went around to the other side. He grinned as he got in and turned the engine over. “Hope you don’t mind if I push the speed limit. I like the smell of burning rubber in the morning.”
Skye let out a squeal of delight as they peeled out of the underground garage with a burst of smoke, earning another disapproving look from the mechanic as they flew out onto the nearby street.
The diner wasn’t far away from the nightclub. It was a lovely little hole-in-the-wall that reminded her of the café where she worked back home. Dylan and Jessie were already there, waiting for them in a corner booth. Skye studied the menu and surprised herself by ordering bacon and eggs with an extra order of bacon.
Finn gave her an approving look as he did the same. “Good old red meat made me the man I am today,” he said as he thumped his washboard abs.
Skye fought the urge to reach over and stroke the rippled muscles to verify his statement. Instead she flexed her fingers around her fork and concentrated on her food.
“Can you help Finn find a local hotel near your apartment? Doesn’t have to be cheap, but don’t put him up in the penthouse,” Dylan asked.
“He doesn’t have to do that.” The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could hold them back. “He can stay with me. With Robby in the hospital…”
The world around her faded as she remembered Robby hooked up to all those machines and monitors, every beep signaling another few seconds of life.
Her fork clattered to the floor, the sound a gunshot in her mind.
“Hey.” Finn moved close and touched her arm. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered.
His soft voice brought her crashing back to the here and now.
“We’ll stop at the hospital on the way in and check on how he’s doing.” His smile soothed over her panic. “I wouldn’t mind meeting him.”
Skye looked into his deep blue eyes, taking comfort in his words. She nodded, swiping at her cheeks with her napkin. “I’m sorry. It’s just that since my parents died, it’s only been the two of us against the world.”
“You did a fine job raising him. He’s a fighter,” Finn said. “Wouldn’t have lasted this long if he didn’t have a strong spirit.”
Jessie joined in. “I’m sure the hospital’s taking good care of him. Wyatt and Ace are there—Robby’s safe with them.”
A waitress swooped in to refresh their coffees and retrieve the fork off the floor. She put another one on the table by Skye’s elbow without missing a beat.
Skye frowned. “That’s two. How many more men are you sending back with me?”
“Wyatt and Ace are with Robby full-time—they’ll live out of their van for the time being, their only assignment guarding your brother. Finn’s running solo for now. He’ll assess the situation and see what he can do. Sometimes a single man can do a whole lot more than an entire squad if he’s got the right equipment and attitude,” Dylan replied. “Don’t worry. He’ll call if he needs help.”
Finn raised one eyebrow. “I’m a tough guy. See the way I’m beating up this toast?”
Jessie chuckled. “The testosterone in the room is overwhelming.” She picked up her napkin and fluttered it like a fan, adding in a thick Southern accent, “I swear I’m going to faint from all this manliness swirling around us poor lil’ girls.”
Dylan cleared his throat. “It’s not the best time to talk about this, but we need to.” He stared at her, his intense gaze locking her in place. “Before we go any further, I need you to understand something. We’re not going to kill Mick Smith for you, no matter how much you think the bastard deserves it.” He pointed at Finn and then at himself. “We’ve killed in the line of duty. It’s not something to be taken lightly. It won’t solve your problems and might make them even worse, if you can imagine that. I’d like you to keep that in mind as we move on with this case.”
The passion in Dylan’s words sent a cold chill up Skye’s spine.
These weren’t men who hung out in bars and bragged about what they’d done. These were seasoned warriors who meant what they said and said what they meant.
Including Finn.
They sat in silence for a moment.
Finn waved at the waitress, asking for the check. “When you’re ready, we’ll go.”
Skye drank the last of her coffee. “I’m ready.”
…
Finn watched Skye as they drove back to the club. Dylan had a good way with words, but Finn knew the power of emotions and the need for revenge.
It was hard to talk and reason your way out of that.
Skye stayed quiet. He didn’t press her, thankful for the silence.
He glanced at her as they pulled into the parking lot next to her dark green Jeep.
“I’ve already got your address and the location of the hospital programmed into my GPS,” he told her. “I’ll meet you at the hospital.”
Skye hesitated, her hand on the car door. “I can see how you’d guess the hospital he’s at, there’s only one in town. But how did you get my address?”
“Trey has his ways.” Finn grinned. “And he Googled you.”
She shook her head as she got out. “I should have guessed.” She glanced over her shoulder. “You find out anything else about me?”
“You’re beautiful when you first wake up.” He touched his cheek, mimicking the motion he’d used earlier.
That earned him a deep blush as she turned and headed for her Jeep.
Finn waited until she’d pulled out, then fell in behind her, driving well within the speed limit. They entered the highway a few minutes later, and he relaxed slightly, settling in for the long drive ahead.
The comm link in his ear beeped, alerting him to an incoming phone call. He tapped it, opening the line.
“Wyatt and Ace checked in.” He paused. “There’s already a thug watching Robby. Wyatt made him in the waiting room.”
“Damn.” Finn shook his head. “What did you tell them to do?”
“Stay frosty, don’t cause a scene. Our guys are booked in as private nurses; one’s in Robby’s room at all times. Pat made sure the paperwork matched what they needed.”
“How about hospital security? Want to pull them in on this?”
“Not unless we have to. Don’t need them getting in the way, or worse, someone deciding to be a hero and challenging the punk. Better to keep the circle small. Don’t worry about it. Stay focused on the primary.”
“Understood.” Finn looked forward at the Jeep again, seeing her change lanes. “Going silent now. I’ll send daily reports and call if the situation goes hot.”
“Right,” Dylan said. “Good luck.”
The comm link went dead. Finn took the device out of his ear and stuffed it in his bag, inside the pouch carrying his “real” identity. The forged documents Trey had come up with sat in his wallet now, the false persona alive and kicking if anyone started looking around.
Finn Storm was taking a short vacation from the Devil’s Playground, kicking it back for a fishing trip at Lake Meade.
Finn Trotter was driving to Whistling Willows to see about getting some work, legal or illegal.
Chapter Five
Finn found the exit for the hospital easily enough, an hour into the drive. As he pulled up in the parking lot, Skye emerged from the Jeep, her eyes red and puffy.
Finn cursed under his breath as he cut the engine and got out. He walked over and faced her, shaking his head.
“You shouldn’t be driving like this. Do you want to come back later? Hop in my truck, and we’ll go to your apartment so you can lie down. I can grab a cab back and pick up your car.”
She leaned back and stared at the ground.
“Listen.” He put one hand on her shoulder. “No one’s going to think any less of you if you take a break. Robby’s not alone in there, and someone will call the second he wakes up.”
She cleared her throat. “I’ll be okay. Just hitting me again, the reason I’m here. Why you’re here.” Skye shook her head. “Sometimes it all seems like a crazy dream and I’ll wake up and find everything’s the way it used to be.”
“Yeah. I know.”
Hard Run Page 3
