Page 43 of Girl Lost

Luna could take him, she was sure of it. But what she really wanted was answers. She took a step toward him. “We’re looking for our friend, Stryker. Maybe you’ve heard of him?”

“You’re meddling in things that are none of your concern,” he said. “I’d advise you to mind your own business.”

He stepped forward.

“Don’t,” Corbin said. “No need for things to get ugly.”

They might be past that.

The man’s smile widened, revealing teeth that were too white, too perfect. He turned toward Corbin. “Oh, but I think things are about to get very ugly. You see, you’re poking your noses where they don’t belong. And I can’t have that.”

Steve took a step closer. His palm touched the butt of his weapon. “Now, here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to get in your car and you’re going to drive away. You’re going to forget about Stryker, forget about Carlie, and forget you ever came to thisneighborhood.” He pointed his finger. “And if I ever see you talking to my friends again, you’ll see just how ugly I can be.”

This guy was used to pushing people around. Using threats and intimidation to get what he wanted. But he’d made a huge mistake. He’d mentioned Carlie.

They hadn’t.

15

ONEWRONG MOVE,and this could go sideways. Fast. The man’s cold eyes unsettled Corbin. Calculated. Predatory.

“Oh, this is your neighborhood? I wasn’t aware.” Corbin kept his tone steady. Years on the force had drilled that into him. Even when his pulse hammered a frantic rhythm. Even when every cell in his body screamed to take the guy down, he held his cool. Unlike his father, he had self-control.

“I don’t think you’re listening to me, son.” Steve’s voice rasped like dry leaves skittering across pavement. “Go on and get outta here.”

“I don’t think so.” He moved his gun hand closer to his holster. “Steve, is it?”

Steve’s face twisted, and he made a noise that sounded like a growl. His fist slammed into Corbin’s chest.

The impact knocked the air from his lungs and sent a starburst of pain exploding in his ribs. He staggered back a step, fighting for balance. The guy hit hard.

Corbin took a defensive stance. Game on.

Steve’s right fist was already drawn back, telegraphing his next move. He threw a wild haymaker at Corbin’s jaw.

Corbin seized the man’s wrist and, instead of blocking the punch, pulled the hand in tighter, throwing Steve off balance. He smacked his palm against Steve’s nose, shattering it. Corbin twisted, crushing the man’s wrist, feeling the bones grind, hearing Steve’s grunt of pain. He spun around the big man’s torso, locking him in a standing arm bar.

He hadn’t gotten slow in his old age.

“Whoa. Hold on, both of you. This isn’t helping anyone.” Luna stepped closer.

What was she doing? Couldn’t she see how dangerous this was? “I got this, Luna. Stay back.”

Steve squirmed, trying to escape the pressure Corbin held on his arm. He could feel the man’s pulse hammering against his thumb. “I’m going to let go and you’re going to walk back to your car and drive away. Okay?”

Steve swore at Corbin.

“See, that’s not smart. What with you in the position you’re in, and me in the position I’m in.” Corbin arched away, adding pressure on the arm until a strangled cry tore from Steve’s throat.

“Okay! Okay!” Steve tapped Corbin’s thigh.

Corbin helped himself to the gun tucked in Steve’s waistband. “You won’t be needing this.” He released him with a backward shove.

Steve backed away, cradling his arm.Good. Let him feel the pain. Maybe nexttime he’ll think twice before pulling a gun.

Without breaking eye contact with Steve, he released the magazine and let it drop to the ground. He cycled the gun to eject the round from the chamber. His thumb pressed the release button and unseated the slide from the frame. Corbin tossed the parts at Steve’s feet. The metallic pieces clattered across the pavement and scattered like dice.

Corbin’s chest heaved. Steve’s chest too.