Page 67 of Jasper

“Yes, I expected you to come back and take care of business when we need you.”

A bitter laugh erupted. “You needed me? That’s rich, Kade. Really fucking rich.”

Kade frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You haven’t needed me since I screwed up and failed Angel not once, but twice. It killed me that she got hurt on my watch, and you’ve made sure I’ve paid for it every single day since we got back from Miami.”

Jasper spewed the verbal vomit without realizing what he was doing. This was exactly why he wanted away from this office, and Kade specifically. He should never have come in here until he’d slept. He was mentally and physically exhausted.

Kade’s expression never changed, but he did push off the door and go to the bar he’d put in his office. He pulled out a bottle of vodka and two shot glasses then sat down at his desk, motioning for Jasper to take a seat as well.

Jasper took the shot he was given and swallowed it, the burn welcome. Fuck, he needed sleep.

“You think I blame you for what happened to Angel?”

Jasper nodded. “Trust me when I tell you, I blame myself too.”

Kade sighed. “That’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed, and his anger resurged. “Since Miami, you’ve given all the big cases to Cole and sidelined me. You’ve given me granny duty. I get that you think I’m useless. Hell, I was starting to think it myself. It’s why I needed to get away from this place, from the job…from you and Angel.”

“I thought I made it clear, there just hadn’t been any…”

“Big cases,” Jasper cut him off. “That’s bullshit, and you know it. I get the same briefings as you. You benched me.”

Kade ran a hand through his hair. “You’re wrong.”

Jasper stood. “I’m not an idiot, Kincaid, and I’m not going to sit here and listen to this horse shit. I’m too damn tired.”

“Sit your ass down,” Kade barked. “You’re right, but you’re wrong.”

“That makes no sense.”

“It will if you sit down and let me explain it.” Kade pointed to the chair.

Jasper growled, looking toward the door, worried.

“She’s fine.”

Jasper glared, and Kade smiled. It set his teeth to snapping.

“She’s important to you, isn’t she?”

“I’m keeping her.”

“And what did she say about that?” Kade poured them both another shot when Jasper sat.

“I haven’t quite explained the keeping part yet.”

“How old is she?”

“Twenty-three. I made sure she was legal.”

“You should introduce her to Mason’s Jo. They’re about the same age, and I think Jo’s been feeling a little left out of the wives’ club. All our women are older than she is.”

“I don’t have time for this idle chit chat, Kade. Say your piece, and then I’m going to bed.”

“Cool your shit. I’m trying to find a way to say this so you won’t go off the deep end and disappear again.”