Page 20 of Defender
Dani sank onto a barstool at the counter. “Renegade is a resident agency office. We work closely with and report to Denver.”
“Huh.” Josh pulled the milk out of the fridge and set it on the counter. He looked down at her, a slight smirk on his face. “My kid sister. An FBI agent. You always keep things interesting, Dani. That’s for sure.”
There really should be more coffee shops open late for people who worked the night shift. But instead, Michael read the new text message while he waited in line with Finn for his energy smoothie. The autumn air was a little chilly for a cold drink, but at least he could get a serving of veggies in this way.
“What are you smiling at?” Finn asked him.
“Josh texted. His little sister showed up last night unexpectedly. In a matter of twenty-four hours, she’s turned his house upside down, but the kids actually slept through the night and took decent naps today.”
“She sounds like a handful.”
“Let’s just say life with Dani around will never be dull.”
Finn narrowed his eyes. “You say that like you admire her. Do you have a crush on the girl?”
“Psh, no! She’s like a little sister. And besides, you know I like order and organization. Dani is a walking tornado. She thrives on chaos.” She was fearless. And fun, no doubt. She knew how to make him laugh. But this was Dani.
“Maybe you could use a little shaking u?—”
Their radios squawked. “Nearest units to First Street and Powell, respond to burglary in progress. Possible armed suspects.”
Finn looked at him and nodded before rushing out toward their vehicle. Michael called back on his radio, “One four six and three eight three responding. En route.”
Two more units called in, but Michael and Finn were the closest.
They pulled away from the curb, sirens blaring.
“So much for my energy smoothie.” Michael sped down the block and turned at the next corner. The streetlights reflected off the wet streets after the rare rain shower that afternoon.
“I don’t know how you drink it at all.” Finn shuddered. “Or that horrid swill you consume every morning.”
Michael glanced at him. “You’ve gotta be the only cop I know who hates coffee.”
“You don’t know the power of a good Irish breakfast tea. Now that’s the way to fuel your day.”
They pulled up to the little mom-and-pop convenience store before Michael could respond. Game time. They both stepped out of the car but stayed back to assess the situation from behind their doors.
The front door of the store was propped open. Lottery posters and painted advertisements on the windows covered up any line of sight into the place. Michael could only see part of the front counter and the tobacco products behind it. A light inside flickered.
“Police! Come out with your hands up!” Michael waited and listened.
The only sound was whimpering.
Finn called out the same order.
An older teen girl in slouchy joggers and a crop top slowly came out, holding up shaky hands and crying. “They…they left.” Her voice hitched.
Michael ran to her. “Are you okay? Are you sure they’re gone?”
She nodded.
Finn, his weapon out, entered the store. The girl trembled. She was probably scared out of her mind. She didn’t seem injured though.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Why don’t you sit here on the curb?” Michael led her to the edge of the sidewalk, glancing back at the store. He really should cover Finn, but he couldn’t leave the girl like this and unprotected. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself.
“Can you tell me what happened?” Michael asked her.
“I…I just came to get snacks for our study group. I was standing at the back by the drinks when these men started yelling. Which I thought was weird, because Mr. Carter is a quiet guy.”
