Page 10 of Girl Lost (The King Legacy #1)
“You, you what?” A vein throbbed at the man’s temple.
“My daughter is missing, and you’re out here chasing down some two- bit meth head?
And Salas? Burned half to death!” His gaze snapped to Luna, eyes like ice.
“And I suppose this is the civilian you brought along and nearly got killed on your unauthorized operation.”
Corbin flinched. He still didn’t look at her. “Broward County asked FDLE for additional resources and—”
“Don’t give me that, Agent!” Tinch’s words came like a whip crack.
“We both know you’re freelancing on this.
Playing hero for your old pal Stryker. I get it.
He’s like family. But my daughter is family too.
I gave you a direct order. Carlie is your only priority.
Period. I don’t care if the Mother Mary herself is missing, you understand? ”
“Yes sir. But sir, Stryker is a good man.” Corbin stood tall, meeting Tinch’s gaze. “He’s helped a lot of people, including me. I couldn’t just stand by and—”
“I understand your loyalty,” Tinch cut him off again. “But right now, your loyalty belongs to this case. To my daughter. You will drop everything else and focus on finding Carlie. Is that clear?”
“Crystal clear, sir.” Corbin motioned toward the patrol car where two officers were loading a handcuffed Abercorn. “Can I just wrap things up here? Then I’ll be back on Carlie’s case, no distractions.”
“He can work both, sir.” Luna stepped forward, meeting Tinch’s gaze. “With my help.”
Tinch’s eyebrows dropped low. “And why would I allow that? I have no idea who you are or why King would even think of bringing you in on this.”
She met his stare, channeling the confidence that had served her well in countless interrogations. “I recently resigned from a federal agency. The details are classified, but I can assure you my background and skills are appropriate.”
“You invited a federal agent into this case without talking to me?”
“No, sir.” She didn’t give Corbin a chance to respond. “I offered my services. I was present during the execution of the search warrant this afternoon. As a consultant.”
“A consultant.” Tinch jerked his chin up. “And who’s paying for this?”
“I’m not charging a fee. I’ll work with Blade—” She caught herself. “Detective St. James’s task force on the kidnapping case, and I’ll help King find your daughter.” She held Tinch’s gaze. “My former supervisor can vouch for my credentials. If you’ll give me your number, I’ll have him call you.”
Corbin shook his head. “Sir, I don’t need—”
“I don’t want to hear it. You brought her along in the first place,” Tinch said. “Do you have any idea how much trouble you’re in right now? You disobeyed a direct order. I could have your badge over this.”
“Sir, I know how much this hurts,” Luna said. “Believe me, I do. I lost someone too. Someone I’d do anything to find.” A daughter she hadn’t seen in eighteen years, and now ... Stryker. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could help. Let me help you bring her home.”
Tinch studied her for a long moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. He seemed to like the idea of an extra investigator at no cost to his budget.
Luna reached for the card he held between his first two fingers, but he pulled it back and said, “I expect a call in the next hour. Until then, if you so much as breathe on a police cruiser before I clear you, I’ll throw you in jail so fast your head will spin. Understand?”
“Yes, sir. I understand how to follow orders. Maybe some of us understand that better than others.” She couldn’t resist a little dig at Corbin.
Tinch held out the card again. “Good. Then we understand each other.”
“Thank you, sir.” Corbin said as Luna accepted the business card. “I’ll keep an eye on her until I hear from you.”
“Don’t push it, King.” Tinch walked to his vehicle, opened the door, and got in.
Corbin waited until Tinch drove away before he spoke. “What was that all about?”
“What does it look like?” She slid the card into her pocket. “I’m helping you. Unless you’d rather face Tinch’s wrath alone?”
He ran a hand through his hair, his expression frustrated. “I don’t get you, Luna.”
The officer who’d loaded Abercorn into the patrol car approached them. “Taking him to the station. Need a ride?”
“Yes,” Corbin said at the same time Luna said, “No.”
Corbin frowned. “What?”
“I’ve got a call to make,” she said, already pulling her phone out of her pocket.
“Besides, if I so much as breathe on a police car, remember? I’ll just walk back to Abercorn’s place and catch a ride from there.
” And maybe have someone look at that burn.
She glanced down at her ankle. The denim was stiff and wet. She was guessing it wasn’t sweat.
“You sure?” Corbin gestured. “It’s not exactly the safest neighborhood.”
“Clearly.” She laughed. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
She turned and walked away, rubbing the burn of sand out of her eyes. She could feel his gaze on her, but she didn’t look back. He was trying. She could see that. But it wasn’t enough.
She wasn’t ready to forgive him. Not yet.
Maybe never.