Page 123 of Broken
“So?”
“Aren’t you allergic to dogs?”
Z chuckled. “No, I’m not, but that’s irrelevant. I don’t live there. If she refuses to move out, I’ll have Nicholas install a security system in the condo. How’s that?”
“Not fucking good enough,” Prescott bit out. “I’ll handle it.”
“I need you two to put together a profile and find that damn killer,” Z snapped before the line went dead.
“Dammit,” Prescott hissed. Every Op in ALPHA was counting on him to take out a killer. An assassin hiding in the shadows, planning his next attack.
And he would not fail them.
* * *
Jacqueline
Excitement hadJacqueline hurrying inside the pet store. She couldn’t believe she was getting a dog. It was something she’d wanted to do for years, but the timing had never been right. While she wasn’t convinced the timing was right now, she knew that Loki was the perfect dog for her.
After selecting a collar and leash, she walked down the toy isle and stopped. There was so many to choose from. Six toys later, she headed toward the doggie bedding section. More options awaited her. She selected one that gave Loki room to grow, but was still cozy, then continued to the crate area.
Crate training was an option if she were leaving him at home, but she’d planned on taking him with her as often as she could. Skipping them, she found a portable dog carrier to transport him in the car. At some point, he’d be old enough to ride in the back, but for now, she needed to ensure he stayed in one place.
Naomi had suggested she keep Loki on the same food to avoid any gastro issues. Since the store was out, she checked out, then drove to the grocery store, found the refrigerated puppy food she needed, and loaded up.
While waiting in the self-check-out line, she texted Naomi. “Be there shortly!”
“Jacqueline, is that you?” asked a man behind her.
She turned. Lou stood behind her, a case of beer in his cart.
What the hell?
She glanced around for Leslie, but he was alone.
“I thought that was you,” he said. “I keep running into you everywhere.”
He was dressed in a T-shirt and pants, the knit cap in place. Black sunglasses shadowed his eyes. “Small world, huh?”
“What brings you out here?” she asked. “There are plenty of stores in Reston that sell beer.”
“I’m jammin’ with my band this afternoon.” He leaned over, eyed her cart.
“You got a dog?”
“I’m getting a puppy.” She moved up in line.
“That’s great,” he continued. “Whatcha getting?”
“A German Shepherd.”
“Great breed.” He rolled his cart forward. “Leslie and I were talking about you this morning. I told her I ran into you last night. She was sorry she missed you.”
Yeah, right.
“What college did you go to?” Lou asked.
Hairs on the back of her neck prickled.Too many questions.
