Page 94 of Ballistic

“And I’m assuming you’re going to report said video to the proper authorities.”

“If it’s even real.”

Arms still crossed, she stared off across the lot for what seemed like minutes. Every second marked the frantic beat of my heart, wondering if she’d decide to lock me up, instead. At last, her tongue swept across her lips, and she cleared her throat, lifting her gaze to mine once more. “Fine. But after this, I want you out of my life. No more favors.”

I blew out an easy breath and ran my hands through my hair. “I really am sorry about the other night. I didn’t mean that shit. I’ve just been a little fucked in the head.”

“I see that. Watching snuff? That’ll throw your ass into some hot water. Stay away from it.”

“I wasn’t watching it for kicks, Nancy.”

“I hope not.” Staring back at me, she bit her lip and swiped the bag of donuts from my hand. “I’d hate to think I was fucking a murdering psychopath all that time.”

35

Dax

“Since when did you get a partner?” I asked from the passenger seat of the patrol car, as we headed in the direction of Detroit General’s satellite office.

Nancy didn’t bother to look at me, her jaw still set to a grudging stiffness. “I always have a partner on night patrol. I’m typically off duty when we’ve fucked. But Colton is new. I’m showing him the ropes.”

I snorted and hiked an elbow onto the passenger door beside me. “Ropes, or chains?”

“Very funny. I don’t fuck colleagues, for your information.”

“Just the thugs, right?”

Ignoring me, she kept her eyes on the road, knuckles white enough to let me know she didn’t like any part of the plan. “I’m going to make this clear. If this goes beyond a simple inquiry, and this woman ends up going to my superior? I’m gonna shoot you with my own gun.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Fact.” She shot me a no-bullshit glance. “You better keep your cool and make it quick.”

We reached the outpatient facility, and she parked the cruiser on the side of the building, out of sight.

Nancy lagged a few steps behind, as I strolled in and approached the receptionist at the front desk.

“I’m here to see Mrs. Dawn Richardson?”

Lips pursed, the receptionist entwined her fingers. “May I ask your name?”

“I’m Detective Wolfe, and this is Officer Daniels.” Fuck, I didn’t even know if patrol cops did this shit with investigators, but she bought it, dialing up to the office on her phone.

“She’ll be right down.”

Minutes later, a petite woman in her early twenties, wearing a canary yellow business suit and matching pumps, entered the lobby, her eyes flitting from mine to Nancy’s.

“Can I help you … officers?” Her bright red lips glistened, and at a flash of them wrapped around Kenny’s micro-dick, I flinched and stifled the urge to shiver.

I cleared my throat and stepped toward her. “We’re investigating a hit and run that happened in front of the building last night, and wondered if we might ask you some questions?”

Her face pinched with confusion. “Oh. I … had no idea. Certainly, we have some conference rooms to the right.” Dawn twisted around to the receptionist behind her. “Jill, hold my calls for …” She glanced back at us. “Twenty minutes, or so, officers?” At my nod, she led Nancy and I down the hall, to a set of rooms, only one of which was occupied, and I noticed I couldn’t hear any of the conversation inside.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Nancy whispered through her clenched teeth, as the two of us entered first.

“Relax. No surprises.” I took a seat on one of the chairs set around a small table inside, followed by Nancy and Dawn, and pulled out a pen and notepad. “Hey, do you mind closing the blinds?”

Forehead still creased in confusion, Dawn stood up and drew the blinds, before returning to her seat.