Page 98 of Violent Little Thing

Court glanced down at me. “You were protecting me.”

I shrugged. “Protection or not, there were too many tourists and witnesses. I should’ve been more strategic. Maybe followed them home and done it in the dark outside their house. I don’t know. What I shouldn’t have done was hit them here. But that’s in the past. Will you bail me out, lover?”

Court snorted. “I’m riding in with you.”

Just as he said this, his phone went off.

So did mine.

We both checked and each of us groaned at the group text from Dottie.

Dottie:

Mayday. One of the players just got in the biggest bar fight in history. I need some backup.

I grinned and looked up at Court. “Looks like your beloved Condors need you, lover.”

He grumbled something low under his breath then looked at the two deputies. “If anything happens to her in your care, I’ll show you what I learned in prison.”

Gentry laughed.

Dempsey did not.

She narrowed her eyes, ready to shoot back, but Gentry stopped her with a soft touch on her shoulder. “Don’t.”

She stilled.

Gentry looked at Court. “I’ll take care of her, man. Next on shift is Magnus. He’ll watch out for her, too. But no way she’s getting bailed out tonight. It’s going to be morning at the earliest.”

I winced. “So, how are the sleeping accommodations there?”

Court groaned. “Gentry…”

“She can sleep in my office.”

“That’s not…” Dempsey started, but stopped when Gentry glared at her.

“You’re still in training. You don’t know what is going on here.”

Dempsey closed her mouth.

“I know how this looks,” I said to her. “I’ll stay in the cell. It’s okay…”

Gentry jerked his head toward the car. “Come on, let’s make this at least look legit.”

I gave him my hands, and he rolled his eyes and led me to the door uncuffed.

I waved at Herschel over my shoulder, and he winked. “Be safe.”

I gave him a thumbs-up and was smiling when I made it outside the door.

“What the hell is the meaning of this?” Rebecca snarled as soon as we hit the outdoors. “Why isn’t she arrested?”

“She is,” Gentry countered.

“Why isn’t she in cuffs?” Jacklyn snarled.

“Because she’s cooperating.” Gentry rolled his eyes. “You watch too many movies.”