Page 8 of Intense (Beneath The Blaze #3)

FINN

F our contestants. Or, as I like to call them—test subjects.

Their applications are all sitting in my inbox.

Except I’m too busy scrolling through the social media feed for the strip club.

Who the fuck was that woman?

Perhaps I should be more interested in the fact we lost three patients last night. None of which come as a surprise in their conditions. But it doesn’t look good for our stats.

There’s a light knock on my office door and I grin. I like to start my day with an interaction with Stephanie.

“Come in,” I call out.

The door opens slowly, and I see a message pop up from Conan.

I can’t hide my smile as I open the picture of little baby Liam. Born this morning.

God, he looks just like my brother.

Before I can text back, Dr. Miller clears her throat.

I look up and freeze.

She’s standing in front of three police officers, looking like she might pass out.

I rise with a smile that’s all teeth.

“Officers. How can I help?” I ask.

Inside, I’m burning.

We have a deal. This is my fucking place of work.

And Stephanie looks seconds from collapsing.

“We need you to come down to the station, Dr. Quinn.”

My jaw clenches.

“Dr. Miller, you’re good to go.”

I flick my eyes toward the door.

She nods and flees like the room’s on fire.

I don’t recognize any of these cops. That’s the first red flag.

“Am I under arrest?”

They glance at each other.

I tut.

“Look. I need to make a quick phone call. I have someone very important at home that needs feeding. Then I’ll come willingly. No handcuffs. No issues. Okay?”

The one at the front swallows.

“Uh. Yes. Okay.”

I hit dial on Rowan’s number.

“Finn. Where are you? Reggie said the cops came sniffing around earlier.”

I let out a breath.

“Yeah. They’re here. Don’t worry. Get hold of Drago for me. I need a favor.”

“Sure. Anything.”

His chirpy attitude grates on my nerves.

“It’s feeding day for Nyx. Everything you need’s already been defrosted—it’s on the counter. Just toss it in for her.”

He coughs.

My men aren’t scared of anything… except my fucking pet python.

“Just open it up, like fully? What if she gets out?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“She’s not a fucking jumping frog, Rowan. She’s a snake. A docile one. Drop her food in and walk away. Okay? And call Drago.”

“Alright. Alright. Good luck.”

I let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

I cut the call and turn my attention back to the officers.

“Ready when you are.”

I gesture toward the door.

With one officer in front of me and two behind, we head for the exit.

I spot Stephanie in the corridor.

Pale as a ghost.

Frozen.

Watching.

She looks like she’s been sucker-punched instead of wanting to celebrate something. Interesting. I must note that down.

When our eyes lock, she flinches.

“Fill in for my shift, Dr. Miller,” I call out.

Whoever is responsible for this bullshit is going to feel my wrath.

The second this is cleared up, I’m coming for blood.