Page 109 of Bad Attitude
“Exactly that,” I say, nonplussed.
Ah, we all have secrets, but my cover is solid. It’s Kurt’s hidden goals that interest me.
What is in that vault that’s so damn important to him?
I take an Uber home alone, doing my best to ignore the hurt look in Raven’s eyes.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and we need the space.Sheneeds the space. I need her.
I also need the privacy to pull the dresser aside, lift up my loose floorboard, and retrieve my burner phone. I grimace at the number of messages that start coming through, don’t bother reading any of them, and dial Mercer’s number.
She picks up immediately. “Where the fuck haveyoubeen?”
“I got shot. Apologies if my almost-death is an inconvenience.”
“You’re alive, though. That doesn’t stop you responding.”
“It does when I’m not here. I’m fine now, thank you for the sympathy.”
She mutters something I don’t catch. “Why didn’t you keep our scheduled call?”
“Because I’mundercover,” I say slowly, emphasizing the words. “Itmeans—”
“Fuck you, Maddox. That isn’t good enough, and you know it.” She’s breathing hard down the line. “We’re talking a bank job, a jewelry store smash-and-grab, a security guard with a concussion, and alotof unanswered questions. You won’tbelievethe pressure I’m under, and you’re giving menothing.”
“I have confirmation of the next job.”
That stops her. For almost five seconds. “And Renner’s contractor?”
“Confirmation there is one, but I’m not sure yet—”
“Confirmation?” she snaps. “You alreadyassuredme that the contractor existed!”
Oops. I might’ve at that. I’m getting sloppy, and I know why.
Raven. Distracting me.
“Now I’m assuring you again.”
“This Wednesday evening. Eight o’clock. We need to meet, face-to-face.”
I can’t help my sigh. “I have a gunshot wound, Mercer. I’m not riding anywhere, and I don’t even have my bike right now.”
“Fine, then I’ll come to you. Make sure you’re in,Hale.”
“I’mundercover, for fuck’s—” But I’m speaking to a dead line.
Damn it. That woman is the most infuriating one I know.
I chuckle to myself. That may not beentirelytrue.
At least the Wednesday commitment is an excuse that keeps me from seeing Raven. I can’t afford more distractions, not when I have to balance my job, and I need the time to think.
It gives me three days. I spend some of it researching Meridian Pacific through my FBI access, and some of it in the gym, working mostly on my upper body, being careful of my side. A little on my legs, as much as my thigh will bear.
I also order new leathers. The same Dainese jacket again, as mine has a bullet hole in it. More pants, two pairs this time. Off the shelf, fortunately, and they turn up within a day.
The rest of my time is filled with thoughts of Raven. I can see her so clearly, especially herlooksof disapproval every time I pull my thigh and wince. It’s like she’s standing right next to me, not just in my head.
