Page 34 of Chill

A cold smile crossed my lips. “Why wouldn’t I be? Oh, does my poor clothing make me a criminal? Perhaps I ought to take my business elsewhere. Never mind, your judgemental attitude doesn’t bother me. Do you have a head of security?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Would you ask them to come, please?” I said and didn’t wait for a reply. “So, what has Gerard done now?” I demanded, sitting.

“Your house was broken into, the rental. Someone completely trashed it, I’m sorry to say,” Ramirez replied.

“And you don’t know if it’s Gerard?”

“No. Sadly, there’s no camera there. Crime Scene is processing it, but so many people have lived there,” Ramirez explained.

“And worse, I doubt they cleaned it very well before renting. I mean, I did scrub everything, but I understand how it goes.”

A man in uniform approached and stood towering over me. “You wished to see me?”

Ramirez looked up and turned to me. “I thought this concerned Gerard, and I wanted security to be aware.”

“Good idea. Do you have a picture?”

“Yes.” I pulled up my photo as Ramirez explained to the security guard that if Gerard appeared, there was a restraining order against him. The guy nodded and asked for the photo to be forwarded.

“I’ll share with reception and make them aware to call us if he turns up,” the man stated and left.

“Be careful,” Ramirez warned, standing up. “Would you like me to accompany you back to check the house out?”

“I removed everything I wanted yesterday. Thank you, Detective. But I’ll be fine,” I replied. Ramirez nodded and headed for the exit.

I blew my cheeks out and took a few moments to compose myself before heading out to the realtor.

Chill

“Hey. How’s it going?” I turned around and saw Tiny approaching.

“Back at ya,” I responded, leaning in to clasp elbows.

“I’m here to see if you’ve heard any rumours about an underground fighting ring,” Tiny said, catching me by surprise.

“No, but I am aware of a couple of incidents a snitch brought me.” I motioned Tiny towards the clubhouse, and he fell into step beside me.

“Wanna share?” Tiny asked, and I nodded.

“When we’re inside.”

I pushed through the doors and found the clubhouse empty apart from Nanci, who was cleaning. She turned with a smile, which dropped.

“I can leave,” she said.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll take Tiny somewhere private,” I replied.

“Do you need Inglorious?”

“Not yet,” I responded.

Nanci nodded before moving away. I opened the door to my office and let him inside, and I shut it firmly behind me.

“What brings you here?” I asked.

“Five of the fighters who use my gym are either dead or ain’t waking up the same.”