Page 74 of Dark Desires

Luk leans back with his arms crossed. “Christian’s not the kind of guy who waits to assess the damage. He’ll lash out, make a point. He’ll hit where it hurts most.”

“Which could be anywhere,” Lev adds. “Especially now. Hell, this might’ve just pushed him straight to war if he feels like his back is up against the wall.”

My phone buzzes again—another message from Detective Barnes.Don’t do anything stupid.

“Looks like our friend Barnes is earning his paycheck tonight.”

Lev raises an eyebrow. “Finally. Guess miracles do happen.”

“I’m going to see him.” I stand up, slipping my phone into my pocket.

“You think that’s smart?” Luk asks. “Showing up at the station right now might put more heat on us.”

“It’s already hot,” I say. “Might as well see how high the flames are.”

Grigori nods. “Go. We need to know what’s going on, and if Patterson’s involved, she’s going to keep playing her cards close to the vest.”

“She’ll try,” I reply. “But she’s not as good at bluffing as she thinks.”

I grab my coat and head out. If Patterson’s playing hardball with Christian, she might’ve just pushed him over the edge.

The De la Rosas won’t take this lying down, and Omar’s abduction could be the tipping point.

I march into the station, fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The place is a hive as usual, officers rushing around, phones ringing off the hook.

I don’t bother with pleasantries, heading straight for Barnes’ office. The front desk knows better than to stop me.

The door is half-open, and I see Patterson. She’s leaning against Barnes’ desk, arms crossed, her usual gruff demeanor firmly in place. Barnes looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

I knock on the door and enter before hearing a reply. As I step into the room, a smirk forms on Patterson’s lips as if she’d been expecting me.

“Plushenko. What a surprise.”

Her tone is flat, and it’s obvious it’s actually not a surprise at all.

I ignore her and turn my attention to Barnes. “Did she put you up to this? Loop us in?”

He opens his mouth to speak, but a hard glance from Patterson silences him.

“Let’s just say this,” she says. “Barnes is going to be playing ball. His career, and hell, his freedom, depends on it.”

Barnes shrugs.

I’m pissed. But at the same time, what else could he do? It’s all fun and games, and an easy paycheck until the Feds are breathing down your neck.

Finally, Barnes speaks up. “I’ll give you two a minute.” With that, he makes a quick exit, shutting the door behind him.

Once he’s gone, Patterson doesn’t waste time.

“If you’re here to ask about Omar, save your breath. He’s in federal custody, and that’s all you need to know.”

I scoff, leaning against the doorframe. “Federal custody. How convenient. And here I thought you were all about collaboration.”

“The law comes first.”

I fold my arms. “This little stunt of yours just made everything worse. Christian’s not going to take this lightly, and you know it.”

Patterson shrugs, unfazed. “Let him react. We’re ready.”