Page 65 of Strip Search

“Jackie,” he said after several long minutes and a few attempts to speak.

“Mmmm,” I said, already half asleep.

“I never want to let you go.”

I smiled. I felt the same way.

Chapter Seventeen

Miles Carvello

My phone was ringing. I let it go to voice mail. Jackie was zonked out over my chest and I was spent from the wild lovemaking. When it rang again, I knew it was trouble. Carefully easing out from under her, I grabbed my phone and took it into the bathroom and closed the door. I wasn't surprised that it was Highway calling. I was surprised that it was only two in the morning. Seemed like it should be later.

“What, for fuck's sake?” I said.

“Ginny's here.”

“She's late.”

“Thought you’d like to know.”

“Keep an eye on her.” I had told Highway that I’d changed my mind about Ginny and decided to give her a second chance. It made him suspicious because I never gave anyone a second chance. “Was that all?” I wanted to get back to Jackie and feel her lithe body against me. I was starting to get my second wind.

“Paulie's back too.”

“Shit.” I wanted to talk to him about the bullshit drugs and the gun.

“Do you want me to have a few words with him?”

“No. Don't scare him off. Zeke's not there too, is he?”

“No.”

“Does Paulie seem frantic, like there was something missing from his locker?”

“Not that I heard.”

“Check around.”

“We got a thief?”

“I don't know what we got. How's security looking?”

“A few drunks. One guy tried licking Raven.”

I winced. “Was there anything left of him by the time you got there?”

“Plenty, and I learned a few new Russian curse words.”

“It's good to have a hobby. Has anyone approached Ginny for anything other than a lap dance?”

“Nope.”

“If she goes back into the dressing room with someone, let it happen.”

“Are you getting a cut of the action now? Is that why she's back?” Highway's tone was flat with disapproval.

“No, but trust me on this. I've got it covered.”