Page 6 of Rascal

“Hallie blamed me for identifying her. She hated that I took the stand and testified against her. She used her meek, unassuming appearance to try to get away with attempted murder. Hallie knows exactly what she’s doing, and that’s the danger. Nobody sees it coming until it’s too late, and then, bam—she hits hard.”

“And no doubt in your mind, Hallie is guilty?”

“Prez. I woke up with Hallie on top of me and stabbing me. I can’t be mistaken about that. It didn’t happen down a dark alley or in a locked room, but in my bedroom, and the lamp was on. It was Hallie.”

“She got sisters or a twin?” Chance asked,

“No. Two brothers. Hallie’s whole family cut her off; that speaks volumes. Her oldest brother told me she was always manipulative. At the end of the day, they stood by me and condemned her.”

“Okay. We’ll tighten up security around here. I’d rather you stayed home for a few days; let’s see if Hallie comes for you. You can help Jinx; you get on all right with the kid?”

“Yeah. Jinx is decent; he’ll be a good brother one day,” I replied.

“Yup. Find him. Rascal, no gate duty either. Hallie will find you much easier there,” Chance ordered.

“Okay. That makes sense.”

“I’ll have the guys start looking for her. The quicker we locate Hallie Milton, the better. Is there anyone else who’d stand by her?”

“Kingston Albert. He’s her best friend; he was the only one who believed she was innocent. Stated to all and sundry I’d set her up to protect some whore. If Hallie is out, she’s insane, angry, and bent on revenge. Prez, it might be best if I leave for a bit. The DA is reviewing her file. The information I have says Hallie got out on a technicality.”

“You got any further evidence?”

“What more did I need? She sat on top of me and stabbed me. Her DNA was all over me.”

“Rascal, that’s a damn hard thing to suffer. Did you get help?”

“Yeah, I had hours of therapy while recovering. Life is pretty shit when your fiancée wants to kill you. What’s worse is Hallie never once explained why. I’ve no idea what made her turn on me… It haunts me.”

“You’ve not been with a woman since arriving,” Chance stated.

“No. Why would I allow anyone close after what Hallie did? No pun intended, but not a chance in hell. Some things scar you for life, even if you walk away from them,” I admitted.

“Sunny’s already digging, so he’ll keep us updated. Not gonna lie, Rascal, something ain’t sitting right with me about this.”

“Prez, nothing has been right since Hallie picked that knife up and tried to kill me. And I can’t erase the memory of it either.”

Chance held my eyes and nodded. “Go find Jinx. Stay in the compound, hear me?”

“Yes, Pres,” I replied and left. Somewhere, Hallie Milton was planning revenge. I needed to be ready for anything.

Chapter Two.

Rascal

I was on edge as I headed out with Jinx to the tattoo parlour. I had an appointment with Wraith. Sunny had tracked Hallie down, and Slaughter had put one of his men on her, but Hallie was on the move. She appeared to be heading this way.

I’d finally heard why she’d been released, and I didn’t believe it. Had her alibi been buried? What a crock of shit. The cops in my hometown weren’t crooked. Hallie could spin her bullshit any which way she wanted, but she forgot one thing. I’d seen her. Sitting on my waist and stabbing down.

I shook my head before memories overwhelmed me again. I’d never forget that memory. No, I shoved it away. Not happening.

My phone rang, and I looked down and frowned.

“Lieutenant,” I replied.

“It’s fuckin’ Sunny,” he growled, and I hid a laugh.

“Sunny.”