Corrupt Code (Eden Mercer K-9 Mystery Thriller) by Paige Black

Author:Paige Black [Black, Paige]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2026-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 27

O’Sullivan’s sits right on Main, not far from the station, making it popular with cops. Its forest-green facade and brass fixtures catch the fading golden light of early evening. We push through the heavy wooden door, the place lively but not packed—most of the dinner crowd has probably drifted to the back patio to enjoy the warm evening.

The interior is all dark wood paneling and exposed brick, with a massive river rock fireplace dominating the far wall. It’s unlit this time of year, but it’s cozy when the weather’s cold. Low-hanging lights cast warm pools across the scarred wood tables, and there’s a circular bar in the center of the room. Instrumental Irish songs play overhead, just loud enough to add to the atmosphere without drowning out the hum of conversation.

We follow Hanks to our usual table in the back corner. It sits away from the main flow of traffic, far enough from others that we can talk freely. I take the seat next to Wilder, with Hanks across from us. Shadow circles twice, then settles under the table with a contented huff.

Our server appears almost immediately with waters and bread.

Hanks raises a hand in greeting. “Evening, Fiona.”

The owner’s niece flashes the detective a welcoming grin. “What’re you drinking? Getting food?”

We place our orders, and once she’s gone, I lean back against the wooden chair and finally let some tension drain from my shoulders. It’s been a long day of interviewing suspects and chasing leads.

“Anyone else starving?” Wilder drags his hands down his face with a groan. “I can’t think straight.”

“Same.” I trace a finger along the condensation on my water glass. “When was the last time we ate?”

Wilder shrugs. “I had a protein bar around noon.”

“That doesn’t count.” Hanks shakes his head.

“Says who?” Wilder smirks.

“Says anyone with actual nutritional standards.”

Fiona returns to dole out our drinks, then heads back to the kitchen. Under the table, Shadow shifts, and I feel his chin rest on my boot. A moment later, I catch movement from Hanks’s direction—his hand slipping under the table, suspiciously holding a chunk of soda bread from the basket.

Shadow’s tail thumps against my ankle, and I arch a brow at Hanks.

He meets my gaze with complete innocence, his expression bland. “What?”

“Nothing.” I fight a smile.

The conversation drifts, everyone clearly worn out. Thankfully, Fiona returns before long, balancing three plates along her arms with practiced ease. “All right, burger.” She sets mine down in front of me. “Fish and chips.” Hanks’s plate follows. “And chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables.” Wilder’s meal completes the delivery. “Can I get you anything else?”

“We’re good, thanks,” Hanks says.

She nods and moves off to check another table.

I grab a fry immediately, still hot and perfectly crispy. I didn’t realize just how famished I was until this moment.

Across from me, Hanks is already biting into his fish, the golden batter flaking apart, while Wilder slices into his steaming chicken breast. There’s silence between us for a few minutes as we each devour our meals.

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