Dmitri Sanclare stood in his office talking on the phone with Stephan Koldovic, the head of a Russian crime syndicate based in New York. Dmitri had known him for years, and recently they had conducted some business together. In fact, Galvin and his team had just returned from an excursion more than a week ago. But this call was on behalf of Mary Higgins. Longtime family friend and resourceful woman.

"I sent Vadim and Anton in to gather information as you requested. You must understand, Dmitri, the Tenth Street gang is a notorious, ruthless group of individuals that rule a lot of the street action in the city. This woman, the detective who killed Aces and eight of his main men, will not be able to hide for long."

"Am I understanding you correctly, Stephan? Are you telling me that Miklos and his brother have more power than you and your family? This is upsetting to hear."

"Of course not. That is not what I'm saying. There are gangs that rule the street drugs and dealings. Our family, who is at the top of the food chain, take care of the highest paying customers and work with distributors."

"I hear that Tenth Street gang is attempting to move in on your cousin Thor's businesses on the eastside."

"He's got that under control. Miklos and his brother Rafael are on a rampage right now. They're seeking justice for their brother's death. They also had to close down a few manufacturing companies because the Feds and the state police were in on a raid on them. That cop worked them over good in their own club. She sat in on a meeting with the heads. A twenty-four-million-dollar operation turned to s.h.i.t because of that woman."

"Well, she did her job."

"Why don't you just issue protection for her?"

"She's not family, and I don't ever issue anything like that. She's well hidden and I intend to keep her that way," Dmitri told Stephan.

"Well, hate to tell you this, but there a lot of people who have money invested in the Tenth Street gang that want this detective dead."

"Really?"

"Yep. Vadin found out some men in blue were a.s.sisting the Tenth Street gang. Looks like people were getting paid off to do more than turn the other cheek."

"Cops? Huh, I'm not totally surprised. People get greedy. Money has a way of making the most honest people corrupt. It's not like it's the first time we've come across anything like this. Detroit, New York, Texas, it doesn't matter. People see the wealth and power and they want it, too."

"Dmitri, the difference here, and with this detective, is that she overheard some big plans. She cost Miklos more than just the death of eight men and his brother Aces. She caused him to lose money, to lose credibility amongst the dealers and buyers, and the power of negotiating terms. These men are Mexican mobsters. They will not let up on finding her and making her suffer. Her death may be inevitable."

Dmitri felt the anger boil within him. Why had her and that partner of hers gone in after Miklos and their friends that night? What was the reasoning behind it? Plans were supposedly being made to take down the Tenth Street gang operation entirely. Had her and her partner been tempted by the money and drugs that were with Aces and his posse that night?

He didn't like the feeling he had. Friend of Mary's or not, he didn't a.s.sociate himself with rats. Nor with connivers and people who played victim but were really just playing a role to remain alive. He had to find out if this detective was on the up and up.

"I'll look into the information you've given me."

"And if she's just another greedy cop looking for easy dough and used the badge for her own success?"

"Then I'll take care of it, Stephan. She won't have my protection any further."

"Good. I'll keep you informed of any updates, Dmitri. Hopefully I'll see you soon my friend."

"You bet."

Dmitri disconnected the call and leaned back in his chair. Could this cop have really been looking to rip off the gang? How was he going to figure out if she was legit or not? Who the h.e.l.l could he get to figure it out?

His cell phone rang and he glanced at the caller I.D, He squinted his eyes and licked his lips before he answered.

"h.e.l.lo, Mary. How is everything?" he asked her.

"You tell me, Dmitri. Did you ask Harper and his team to engage Lauren as an additional protection measure?"

He was surprised by her question and his mind instantly began to process what was going on as Mary continued.

"She met Harper while jogging. He's pursuing her and she's in a panic. I did say that the people protecting her, that the ones who got her to safety as a favor to me, knew Harper and his team. Did you set this up?"

"No, Mary. I didn't. But it's not a bad idea for her to have additional protection."

"Why? Is she still in danger? Here in Pearl? How could that be?"

"It's precaution, Mary. These men that are looking for her are desperate and they seek revenge. Their reputations are disturbing to say the least. Having the additional protection is a plus."

"But you didn't initially talk with Harper and the rest of his team and tell them about Lauren and ask them to watch over her?"

"No. I didn't."

"Good. Then you do what you think is best, Dmitri. I trust you, and I know you'll keep Lauren safe and alive."

They made some small talk and then he ended the call. He leaned back in his chair and thought about the conversation. It appeared that Harper was attracted to Lauren. It was only right to inform him of who she was and what he thought may be going on here. If anyone could figure out if Lauren was a straight and honest cop caught in the middle of a s.h.i.tty situation, it would be these men.

He scrolled down his contacts list and looked at Galvin Watts's number. A fellow Navy SEAL. A man who was always resourceful, tough, and ready for action just like the rest of his team. He would understand the fragility of this situation, and he would appoint each member of his team to evaluate and take action. Dmitri just hoped that Lauren was legit, or telling Mary that her best friend's niece was a criminal and bad cop would not go over well at all. This was why he hated doing favors for friends of the family. Sometimes even they were fooled by the person they wanted protected and wound up in a lot of trouble themselves, or even dead. Dmitri would make sure that Mary stayed safe and alive.

"So what are you thinking?" Galvin asked Harper as the whole team gathered around the porch and the fire pit. They were drinking beers and enjoying the fire and cool night.

"I think she's running from something. I think she has an injury she's favoring and hiding."

"Harper, you said she pulled a gun on you in the woods. You should have reported it to Wyatt," Galvin told him.

"He didn't want to look like an idiot. You know the s.h.i.t he'd get when the guys found out a woman, some civilian, got the upper hand on him?" Mace asked, teasing Harper. His face was so unreadable, but his tone was upbeat.

"I didn't think anything of it. She was working out, alone in the woods, and taking precautions. She was definitely familiar with the Glock," Harper added.

"The next time you met up with her what happened?" Orin asked him and Harper explained.

"So you get a taste and a feel for this woman and you want her? Just f.u.c.k her and be done. Everybody has secrets, man. She obviously has hers," Mace said with an att.i.tude. It got under Galvin's skin but apparently really under Harper's as he sat forward and tore into Mace.

"You're such a callous b.a.s.t.a.r.d. This is not about getting a piece of a.s.s. There's something more here. I like her. I think you all would like her, too," he said.

"Whoa, slow down, Harper. Are you f.u.c.king talking about sharing this woman?" Gus asked, getting into the conversation now.

Galvin felt his chest tighten at the thought of a menage. It was something they were all interested in but not quite all on board for. Mace had his anger and intensity issues. He was cold and distant with everyone but them, sort of. Orin and Gus barely ever showed interest in a woman for longer than necessary, and Harper was the most likable and approachable of the bunch. No wonder it was him who found a woman he was attracted to for more than just s.e.x.

"Possibly. It's up to Lauren. But I think she's worth exploring the possibility with. I really think you'll see in her what I do."

Mace waved his hand at Harper, dismissing him. "This woman has her claws into you already and all you did is kiss her. s.h.i.t, you need more experience with women and with s.e.x, Harper," Mace told him.

"Screw you, Mace. You're the one who needs more experience. You're such a d.a.m.n tight a.s.s, you don't even know how to let go and enjoy s.e.x. You think of it as a means to get what you want and then be done. No connections, no lasting emotions, just cold, quick s.e.x."

"Who the f.u.c.k are you? Dr. Phil? Since when are you an expert in relationships or s.e.x? If I'm not mistaken, you haven't had one relationship with a woman since we met years ago in boot camp. So don't f.u.c.king stand here and try to act like you know what the f.u.c.k you're talking about," Mace snapped at him.

"Calm down, you two. There's no need to fight and say s.h.i.t you're going to regret. The bottom line is none of us ever felt comfortable in a relationship with a woman. None of us ever found a woman we wanted to learn more about or be around more than just for a roll or two in the hay. So no one is an expert here," Gus told them.

They were all quiet for a moment when Orin spoke.

He took a slug from his beer and stared at the fire. "I guess it would be kind of nice to be with the same woman for a while. You know, get to know her, take care of her, and let my guard down enough to enjoy her for a while instead of for a night," Orin told them.

"Great, now he has you thinking of precious moments and being tender and courting some woman. We're doomed," Mace added.

Gus, Harper, and Galvin chuckled just as Galvin's phone rang.

"It's Dmitri," he said and took the call.

They all looked concerned. Even Galvin felt that slight tension in his chest. Most of the time when Dmitri called them it was for a job, or some work he needed done discretely. But as he listened to Dmitri talk, he couldn't help but look at Harper and feel bad for the guy. It seemed this woman Lauren he was so interested in could be a criminal herself, and as good as dead with the Tenth Street gang from New York after her.

"So what is it that you want us to do?"

Dmitri explained and then Galvin told him he was going to put him on speaker so the others could hear. When he did, he saw all their expressions change and then Harper's face turn bright red as he clenched his jaw. It seemed he wasn't going to take the information lightly. This woman Lauren he felt was perfect for them was either a corrupt cop, or an innocent one caught in the middle of a drug raid gone badly. Throw in the mark for death on her chest, and yeah, even he felt a bit on guard.

"So we're talking full investigation and full contact with this woman?" Orin asked, joining the conversation. His curiosity was growing about Lauren, and his buddy's deep, and instant, interest in her. Right now, Orin thought Harper looked ready to explode.

"Don't be so obvious about it. You already have an in now that Harper has made contact with her," Dmitri said.

Harper's eyes widened. "How do you know that?" Harper asked.

"The woman whose house Lauren is staying in is the one that contacted me to save her from getting killed while she was in the hospital," Dmitri told him.

"The hospital? So Lauren did sustain injuries?" Harper asked.

"Victor is sending you everything I have including how I first came in contact with Lauren."

"Who is she staying with?" Orin asked.

"Mary Higgins," Dmitri replied.

"The wealthy older lady who lives in that estate behind the Inn?" Gus asked.

"Yes. She's like family so when she called needing help I immediately stepped in."

"What's your take on this, Dmitri?" Galvin asked.

"I want to believe Lauren's a good detective, caught in the middle of corruption and a bad situation. But we'll need to figure that out quickly. It's all in the file. Let me know if you have further questions."

Dmitri disconnected the call and Mace walked inside to get the laptop.

Orin looked at the fire slowly burning out. They had been getting ready to add another log, but it wasn't necessary now. The atmosphere had changed immensely. They now had another job to do, but this time it was closer to home and that put Orin on edge and certainly the rest of the team as well.

Chapter 8.

Lauren needed to head into town. Beth got the wrong protein shakes and Lauren couldn't help but to think she did it on purpose. It seemed Mary and Beth were pushing for some kind of love match to happen between Lauren and Harper.

Lauren headed down to Main Street when she saw the sheriff standing by his truck on the corner talking with a woman and two children. He immediately looked up and caught Lauren's eye. She nodded and gave a small smile and he looked her over.

She wasn't in hiding today so much. She wore jeans, sneakers, a pale blue V-neck T-shirt, and carried a backpack with her.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," the sheriff said and stopped talking to the woman with the two children so he could talk with Lauren. She eyed him over. The sheriff was a big man. He had lots of muscles, a firm expression, and defined lines by his eyes probably from being in the sun a lot or even squinting or scowling. He seemed very commanding. She respected that.

"Good morning, Sheriff," she said and held his gaze.

"I haven't seen you in town much. Are you starting to feel a bit more comfortable here?" he asked. She wasn't stupid. She knew he knew about why she was here in Pearl and why she was living with Mary.

Lauren looked around the town. "I was just heading toward the store and hoping they had some things I needed. It looks like you run a nice, safe town here, sheriff. I respect that," she told him as she crossed her arms and stood in a stance she knew probably spoke volumes to Wyatt. It was a cop thing. Body language said a lot about a person.

He eyed her over and smiled. He looked around them and then back down into her eyes.

"You're safe here, Lauren. I want you to know that, and to understand it's not just a line of bulls.h.i.t."

She nodded.

His expression grew firm.

"You're very lucky that Harper didn't hurt you or worse in the woods last week when you drew the gun on him. He's a highly trained SEAL, among other things. It could have been disastrous."

"Only for him if he attacked," she replied in her defense. But actually she felt badly for that incident. Harper seemed so nice. But then after talking with Mary she wasn't even certain if Harper and her met by chance or on purpose. That still p.i.s.sed her off.

"You don't know Harper or his team. They are very capable. Let's just leave it at that. My point here is that it isn't necessary to be carrying, Lauren. The men of Pearl are your protectors."

Lauren shook her head and tried to not let her att.i.tude show. She didn't want to get into a p.i.s.sing contest with the sheriff. Mary had to continue to live here long after Lauren left the town.

"I have a license to carry, and I'm a trained professional."

"Things are different here in Pearl. I understand that you're a detective from New York, and that you're under a lot of stress right now with your current situation. However, as the sheriff, I need to ensure the safety of all members of this community. Drawing a weapon on another citizen cannot become a habitual act."

"I can a.s.sure you that I only drew my weapon because Harper appeared out of nowhere. I have a right to defend and protect myself. Are you telling me that women in this town are completely submissive, and aren't allowed to be in control of their lives and can't even protect themselves when they're alone?"

"The majority of women in Pearl are quite independent and a.s.sertive, I can a.s.sure you. What I'm trying to tell you is that you are not alone. You don't need to feel like you're defending yourself and that no one would be here to a.s.sist you if need be. Sooner or later, someone is going to want to claim guardianship of you and you're going to have to accept it because it is a number one rule of Pearl. It ensures that you truly are being protected and watched over during this time of concern."

She eyed him over, her arms still crossed in front of her chest. "I can take care of myself, Sheriff. No one is staking a claim over me or staking guardianship, as you describe it."