Controlled Burn (Liv DeMarco Book 9) by G.K. Parks

Author:G.K. Parks [Parks, G.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Modus Operandi
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-five

Brad knew how long it’d take to get to Spark. So when my phone beeped as I was parking my car, I didn’t have to check the display to know the text was from him. After telling him I arrived safely and promised to update him the moment I left, I tucked my phone away, checked my reflection in the mirror, and got out of the car.

Before going to the Tipsy Toucan, I had changed into regular clothes, but Spark was on another level. The members only club wasn’t used to department store jeans. But since Axel had requested my presence, I was sure he’d make an exception.

“Hey, George,” I said to the doorman, “Mr. Kincaid wants to see me.”

George remained in front of the door, the tablet in his hand. He must have tapped the screen, but I didn’t notice. “Use the employee entrance.”

“Why?”

George folded his arms over his chest. “Detective DeMarco, you know the way. Don’t be difficult.”

George was rarely that gruff with me. Something was up.

“Fine.” I backed away from the front door and went around the side of the building. Several exotic imports were parked in the alleyway. At least one of the cars belonged to Axel. I wasn’t sure about the others.

Even with security cameras and a streetlight, I took precautions before stepping into the alleyway, but I didn’t see anyone lurking in the shadows. I was three steps in when the side door opened. Axel pressed his back against it, holding it open while he ogled me. “Detective.”

“Mr. Kincaid.”

He snickered. “It’s nice to know you come when I call, Liv.”

“That’s not what this is.”

“Are you sure? I texted, and here you are. Very obedient.”

“Do you want me to leave?” I stopped moving toward him. Axel Kincaid was always a little unpredictable and dangerous, but tonight, the dial was turned to eleven. He wasn’t wearing his usual club attire. Instead, he stood at the door in dark jeans and a work shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, faint grease stains smeared on his chest and pants. I looked over my shoulder at the street. “You wouldn’t even let me in the front door.”

“It’s not that kind of night.”

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled. “What kind of night is it?”

“I saw the news.”

That kept me from retreating. “And?”

“Is it true?”

“I need more than that. I don’t know what you’ve seen or heard.”

“You made an arrest. You IDed the bomber.”

“Yes.”

His eyes narrowed. “Another bomb detonated while you were following up on a lead. Detective Fennel saved Tyson Jerrod’s life, or so Tyson kept saying during his interview.”

“Uh-huh.” I had nearly pushed those images out of my head. Now they were back.

Axel’s voice became raspy. “Were you there? Were you hurt?”

“I was there, but I’m fine. We’re all fine.”

“How close were you?”

“Far enough away that we’re having this ridiculous conversation.”

Axel stepped back, making the hinges on the door squeak when they reached their limit. “Come inside. We need to talk.”

“We can talk here.

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