Page 65 of Love at First Rep

Out of the corner of his eye, Lucas leaned forward, his own eyes wide.

“What did he do?” Lucas demanded.

“Nothing! I don’t think…” Garrett trailed off, wondering how much to tell Lucas. “There are some things I’m unsure about, and I want to clear them up, that’s all.”

Lucas hummed and fell back in his seat. “If you say so, but if he betrays you, I’ll have no problem ruining my manicure.”

A much-needed laugh escaped Garrett. “Good to know. Hopefully, I’m just paranoid and it won’t come to that.”

They pulled into Cole and Elena’s driveway. Garrett steeled himself for what came next. Part of him worried about possibly betraying Rafe, but as a detective he knew he had to cover his bases. He needed to protect himself and his friends. He’d do whatever he had to to make sure nothing happened to any of them.

They got out of the car and walked to the front door as Garrett adjusted the leather belt he wore, hoping he wouldn’t need it. He rang the doorbell, and a soft chime echoed from inside.

A moment later, Cole pulled open the door and regarded them warily. He made no move to step aside for them to enter. His dog, Wrigley, whimpered behind him, doing his best to check out the visitors.

“Before I let you in, I need you to promise to put in writing that whatever we’re doing today won’t get me arrested or killed.” His blunt words made Garrett recoil. That wasn’t like Cole. “Elena says you can’t come in otherwise.”

That made more sense. Out of the two of them, Elena was the sensible one. By a lot.

Lucas snorted and covered his mouth to try to stifle his laughter.

“I promise to put in writing that you will not get arrested or killed today,” Garrett said, raising his right hand to make it an oath.

“Awesome, come on in,” Cole said as he stepped aside.

After Lucas and Garrett gave Wrigley the attention he needed, Garrett took in his surroundings. Cole and Elena’s tidy and cozy house welcomed Garrett and Lucas, the aroma of something delicious wafting over from the kitchen. After Cole closed the door behind them, Elena walked out into the living room.

“Oh my goodness, who is this beauty?” Lucas purred as he approached Elena, extending his hand for her to shake. “Cole, who knew you could charm someone this gorgeous into dealing with you every day?”

Elena laughed as she shook Lucas’ hand.

“Lucas, this is my better and hotter half, Elena.”

It shocked Garrett when Elena finally caved in and agreed to go out with Cole. With her glowing brown skin, long, shiny black hair and devastating smile, she could have had any man she wanted. Cole may have been hot, with his rumpled black hair and ice blue eyes, plus a body he honed working out at the gym and playing soccer, but he was also a pain in the ass.

“Nice to meet you, Lucas. Good to see you again, Garrett,” Elena said. “There’s paper on the coffee table for you to write out that promise.”

Garrett strode over to the couch in front of the coffee table, sitting to write the note. He respected Elena’s precautions.

He handed his signed statement over to Elena, who checked it over and deemed it acceptable.

“Thank you. You may proceed,” Elena said as she folded the note and slipped it down her shirt. She held suspicion in her gaze that told Garrett he better be careful. Based on Cole’s stories, he didn’t want to get on her bad side.

“First thing I need is for Elena to translate a recording for me. Is that okay?”

Elena nodded, and Garrett pulled out his phone, the recording already queued up. He hit play, and Rafe’s voice tugged at his heart. As it played, he watched Elena’s eyes widen, and a heaviness settled in his gut.

“Okay, play it again,” she said.

Lo amo.

“I love him,” she said during the pause in Rafe’s words, and her eyes softened.

No puedo. No puedo.

“I can’t. I can’t.”

Si le haces daño, te mataré.