Page 86 of Viktor

“How the fuck did Roger get in the house? The security system was installed.”

“I got a theory about that.” Conner’s hooded eyes followed the night nurse. She flirted right back with her eyes.

“Conner, now is not the time to be hooking up. We got shit to do.”

“There’s always time to make connections.” He flashed a dangerous smile. “But back to my theory. I think Roger did something when he knocked Mason out. A virus, maybe, or a work around the code. I’m not a computer expert, so I don’t know.”

“Did you ask Mason?”

“No.” His fists clenched. “Fucker told me he was fine. We got here, and Delia was so upset and terrified, he demanded to stay with her. Told everyone he was her uncle. I didn’t think anything of it, but an hour later, he was choking. Fucker had smoke inhalation. He didn’t bother to tell anyone. Stupid ass motherfucker. Didn’t he realize that is how people die? Fucker needs to watchGrey’s Anatomy.”

“You watch that shit?”

He narrowed his eyes. “I will punch you in the face for laughing at my shows.”

“Whatever. Are the cops looking for the bastard?”

“The locals aren’t, but the state boys are. Uncle Pete’s making sure of it.”

“You said Kade was coming?”

“Yeah. You’ll get to meet Mateo. Kade won’t let him out of his sight.”

“Can’t blame him. Delia will be lucky to get five feet from any of us after tonight.”

“Yeah.” Conner wet his lips. “I’m hoping meeting his cousin will help him start to adjust to life outside the cartel.”

“Is he dangerous?” Viktor felt like shit for asking, but he had to protect Delia.

Conner’s nostrils flared. “I don’t think so, but we won’t leave them alone together until we can answer that without doubt.”

“If you hadn’t been here…” Viktor slid down the wall until his butt hit the floor. Conner sat beside him and bumped his shoulder like they used to do in elementary school.

“You’re my other half, Vik. You don’t need to say anything. I know.”

“What the fuck you boys doing down there?”

They both looked up, startled at the sound of Pete’s voice. The man stood not more than a few feet away, his beer belly hanging over his belt. He’d filled out more in his old age, but his blue eyes were sharp against the backdrop of his balding white head.

“What do we know?” Viktor didn’t bother to get up. He didn’t know if his legs would hold him yet.

“It ain’t good.” Pete rubbed his chin, looking tired. “Fire department did their best, but the farmhouse is pretty much gone, as is the barn. Gasoline was the accelerant. It was everywhere, upstairs and downstairs. You folks are lucky there weren’t any serious injuries aside from a gunshot.”

“Did you find the bastard?” Viktor bit out, unable to even say his name.

“Roger Riley is an official person of interest in the arson. Sheriff’s office put a BOLO out on him. We’ll find him soon enough.”

“The local PD?”

“Worthless. They kept trying to steer us away from the bastard.”

“He has friends and family in the jurisdiction.”

“He ain’t the only one with friends and family. Nobody messes withmyfamily. I got a few tricks up my sleeve too.”

“The investigating officer needs to come talk to Delia.” Conner scrubbed a hand over his face. “She saw her father barricading Mason’s door.”

“The fuck?”