Page 83 of Sunny Undone

“They’re gonna send us copies of their security videos that they sent to the police,” I add. “Was wondering if Wren or Vex could do us a solid and get the police report to see what they know.”

Knox nods. “Stay back and we’ll call one of them. What else have we got?”

“We put the cameras on the trail,” North says. “Reaper and I aren’t exactly tech wizards, but we think we put them hidden enough on the trails with clear views of the path into the area Della identified.”

“Good.” Knox runs his hand through his hair. “Cameras run at all times, in the background. North, make sure that happens. But we keep boots on the ground too. Hiding behind tech can get too comfortable. But let’s do it on the down low. We don’t want to scare someone off from doing it; we want to catch them in the act.”

I’m starting to think of the wetlands as an extension of Della. If they get hurt, I know she’ll hurt too. I won’t let that happen.

“Della noticed that repeating pattern of increased concentrations yesterday,” I say. “We probably have forty-eight hours before they return to dump some more.”

North fidgets in his chair. “My gut says we should use tonight/tomorrow morning as a mandatory rest period. All our other business can wait. It might get hectic once we know who’s doing this.”

“In that case, Sunny, you and Ridge stick behind,” Knox says. “The rest of you, go home. To your beds in your own places. Watch the booze. Get some sleep.”

“Says the man who’s gonna go home and bone his old lady,” Havoc replies.

“Perks of having one,” Vandal says, shaking his best friend’s shoulder before bursting into song. “I got a woman waiting, and she’s gonna rock my world toniiiight.”

Havoc stares at him blandly. “Was that supposed to be Bon Jovi?”

“Whitesnake,” Vandal replies.

“That was not fucking Whitesnake,” Knox says.

“Fine,” Vandal admits. “It was spiritually Whitesnake. I channeled their vibe.”

Havoc rolls his eyes. “Go home and channel your old lady’s vibes while I sleep alone. I can take Elsie for the night, if you like.”

Vandal glances down at his watch. “She’ll already be in bed, but I’ll take a rain check.”

I listen to them as they chat and leave until it’s just me and Knox and Ridge.

“Let’s move out to the bar,” Knox says. “I’ll message Jackal, seeing we have the best relationship with him, and see if he can ask Wren to set up a call while I get my laptop.”

A prospect serves up two beers when he sees me and Ridge coming toward him; I lift mine and carry it over to the doors that look out over water and watch the sun set over the horizon. The breeze is cool and ruffles my hair as I take a sip.

“You good?” Ridge asks, coming to stand by me.

“Yeah.” I inhale deeply. “You ever loved someone?”

Ridge does a double take. “You think you and Della are that serious?”

“I know I’ve only known her, like, five minutes, but…can’t stop thinking about her.”

Ridge grins. “Good pussy?”

I huff. Maybe I’m not asking the right question, if that’s the response. “I got no fucking clue what love really looks like. Didn’t get any from my mom. Don’t even know who my dad is because Mom was too drunk to remember. Can’t decide if this is really heading that way, or I’m just feeling things I haven’t felt before and am confusing it with the real thing.”

Ridge leans back against the door frame. “Not sure I can help you on that front. Does she like you?”

I smile at that. “I think she does. Yeah. And we talk about the future. Like, one together.”

“Then keep doing what you’re doing. Make time for her. Date her. Help her save her wetlands and, by default, Gator Flats, so I don’t have to move again.”

I sigh. “Vandal and Knox went all in so fast. Like, they really knew. And I feel like, maybe I know too. But how can I be sure?”

“I don’t think you have to know for sure, yet. Take your time and decide. Haven’t thought about the kind of woman I might end up with, so I sure as fuck haven’t thought about who you would. But I like Della. She’s a classy lady. Wicked smart.”