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“Got a call today from the Attorney General’s Office. Something’s going on that’s got the attention of SLED. As far as they can tell, it started as petty theft then moved on to boosting cars. Now, these cars are showing up all over the state. They may want to enlist our help.”

This gets my attention, and I sit up, leaning my elbows on my knees and waiting for him to continue. SLED is the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, similar to a state bureau of investigation. If they’re involved, it’s coming from the top.

“Told them you’re one of the best we have. One of the best I’ve ever seen.”

“Seems like a huge jump for SLED to get involved in auto theft. Do you know anything else?”

“Something is fishy. They’re putting a man on it and want us to watch for any unusual patterns or rise in theft in the area.”

“Do they think we’re amateurs? We’d do that anyway.”

“Told them the same thing. You’re taking over a special assignment. Any type of theft that comes through the station will be investigated by the unit assigned, but every report will pass your desk. I want you to review for similarities, repetitions, and anything that sticks out. You may be a grunt, but you’re a smart son of a bitch.”

I let out a short laugh and shake my head. “Not sure I’m interested in getting into bed with SLED.”

“No one’s getting in bed with anyone. You find something, come to me.”

“So, I’m going to be pushing paper for the foreseeable future?”

“Right now, everything remains the same and stays confidential. I’m not sure what we’re dealing with.”

“Basically, I’m looking for needles in haystacks?”

“I’ve got a call scheduled next week, hope to have more details then. This was a heads up. But, clear warning, if we come across something, we’ll be obligated to report it.”

I stand, my head swimming with this information. I’ve never been interested in working with SLED and purposely bypassed the application process when transitioning out of the Army. But I can’t deny a part of me is intrigued.

“Keep me updated,” I tell him, heading out.

“When are you going to invite me up to that hunting camp of yours? I understand there’s some decent deer running those woods.”

“Open invitation, old man. This is the last weekend of regulations, but the season opens back in eight months. The only requirement is you don’t shoot yourself or me. Marcus is fair game.”

His laughter roars until the door closes behind me. I smile to myself, not paying attention to anyone around as I make my way to the exit. The sound of an enraged shout stops me in my tracks.

My eyes sweep the bullpen and grow wide when they land on Emerson Baker, who is in the face of a uniformed officer, stabbing her finger in his chest as she rants.

I stare at the woman whose face has flashed through my mind more times than I can count the last few days. Today, she’s more casual in jeans and a white sweater. Her hair’s swept on top of her head in a high bun, exposing the creamy skin of her neck and chest. I take a second to appreciate the view, watching her face turn pink as she yells at Oliver.

“It was him! I know it. You need to get your butt to his office, arrest him, and tell that ass I’m pressing charges. He’s going to pay for this.”

“Em, that’s not how this works. You know that.”

“Ollie, if you don’t take care of this, I’m going to take it to your boss!”

Ollie?

Oliver’s face heats up at the nickname, and he twists around to see who heard. There are a few snickers, including my own.

Oliver is a beast of a man, towering over Emerson with at least eighty pounds on her. He demands respect when he walks into a room from his size alone. Any man with sense would be smart not to bait him. Obviously, she has no fear.

Similar to the other night at the bar, all eyes are on her and she’s oblivious to the attention.

I check my watch and see that I’m already late, but Marcus will have to wait. Without a second thought, my feet start moving, taking me to where they are standing. Her fingers are still jabbing his chest while she glares at him.

“What’s happening here?” I direct my question to Oliver first.

“What’s happening is that asshole keyed my car the other night. My beautiful baby. The shop says it’ll take three thousand dollars to do a full paint job, and I want to press charges.”