Malicious Intent: A Detective Liv DeMarco Thriller by G.K. Parks

Author:G.K. Parks [Parks, G.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Modus Operandi
Published: 2023-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty-five

Brad draped his arm over my shoulders as we headed toward the main club entrance. Axel Kincaid wanted us to blend in, so that’s what we were doing. But I could tell my partner would have preferred having vice raid the place. Knocking on the side door and flashing a badge at the security camera was more our speed, but tonight, we were going in the front, like the rest of the club’s members.

“How’s your neck?” Brad asked before we made it inside. “I haven’t seen you scratch it today.”

“The ointment helped. It’s still red and a little puffy, but it hasn’t bothered me much. I only notice it when I get aggravated.”

“Is that why you chose a halter? To keep from scratching it when Axel pisses you off?”

“Something like that.”

“You didn’t have to get all fancy, not for this.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, Axel’s all about presentation and flash.” I looked up at Brad, adjusting the edge of his opened collar. “Not all of us can pull it off so seamlessly.”

He hid his grin, pulling me a little tighter against his side. “Are you sure covering the rest of your scar in makeup was a good idea when you’re already having a reaction to something?”

“You sound like Emma.”

“Shit.” Brad laughed, that familiar, comforting, velvety sound. “I’m sorry. I’m in a weird headspace. Maybe my blood sugar’s low. Have you given any thought to what you want for dinner after we finish here?”

“You can pick.”

“I’m thinking Italian, which is next to impossible to find without dairy or grains. But I have half a tray of baked ziti in my fridge. It’s not as good as your mom’s, but it is her recipe.”

“When did she teach you to make that?”

“The same day she taught me the lasagna recipe.” In response to Brad’s answer, my stomach growled. “It sounds like we should have stopped for dinner first.” He stared at the looming club entrance. “It’s not too late. We can always come back later.”

“Why are you so opposed to this?”

“It’s that whole weird headspace thing. Plus, we’re both starving.”

I stopped and forced him to turn and look at me. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Fine. It’s cool. I’m good.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

I narrowed my eyes, but he didn’t seem to be harboring some deep, dark secret. “You better be.”

I took his hand, and we walked past the few small groups clustered near the doors. Despite the club having just opened, one group appeared to have been overserved and the other seemed to be debating if they wanted to be bothered going in or doing something else instead.

George glanced up from his tablet, looking bored as always. “He’s in the office.”

“Thanks.”

George scrutinized my partner for another five seconds before allowing us inside.

The lights were dimmed. Neon streaks bounced off the shiny dance floor and across the polished tables and reflected off the glassware. The speakers boomed pulsing rhythms. The bar was surrounded by men in suits and women barely over the legal age. The six cages were filled with Spark’s latest and greatest hires.

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