Moth(39)

Windy sits her bag down on the bed and turns to face me. “You should go, Moth.”

This time I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ve been patient, but enough is enough. “Look, I know I’ve said I wouldn’t ask, but what the f*ck is going on? Who is after you? Why would they mess with your brakes? That could be attempted murder. Should we call the cops?”

“No!” She’s waving her hands around. “Please. If you want to be my friend you have to trust me. No cops. We can’t contact them. No one can know.”

I run my hand through my hair. “If you want my help then the secrets stop now. What are you involved in?”

She slumps down on the mattress. “I told you to go. I’ll pay you back for this room as soon as I can figure out what to do next. I can’t stay here for more than one night.”

“Why?”

She’s crying. I can hear the sniffles resonating. “If I tell you, they’ll come after you too. Moth, I’m not a bad person, but I’ve done things. I’ve seen things. You shouldn’t be here with me. If they find out we’re involved.”

This is like a light switch going off. “Involved? You’ve pushed me away since we met. Now, of all the times, you’re going to admit there is something between us. Make up your damn mind or I’m walking out that door and you’ll never see me again.”

“You should. It’s the best choice for you.”

I plop down next to her and fold my hands together. “Windy, be straight with me.”

“Fine. My life was over before we met.”

“Are you running from something?”

“No. I can’t get away from the people who are threatening me. They’re everywhere.”

“What kind of trouble are you in? Did you witness a murder? You mentioned your brother once. Does he have something to do with this?”

She nods. “It’s his fault. This is all his fault.”

“Do the people know that?”

“They have him. They’re using him as leverage so I do what they want.”

“Which is what?”

She stands and refuses to face me. “I’ve said enough. Please, Moth. You have to go. I won’t be responsible for another person. I can’t. You’re a nice guy. You don’t deserve to be a part of this.”

I reach for her hand and take it. She turns and flashes me an inquisitive glare. “I’m a selfish bastard. I’m cocky and arrogant when I want to be. I’m old enough to make my own choices. I’m staying here with you, not because I expect gratitude, but because if I walk out that door and something happens to you I’ll never forgive myself.”

She’s in my arms before I can blink. I bring my hands up and hold her close. I’m overwhelmed with emotions I’ve never experienced before on the job. This isn’t pity. It’s instinct. This girl is scared. She’s petrified. Right now I’m going to be her friend, and when I know she’s out of harm’s way I’m going to figure this out and make these people pay.





Chapter 13


She’s stopped talking. Windy hasn’t moved from the bed. She’s been crying on and off since we arrived. I’ve order us food twice and she refuses to touch it. I don’t know how much more of this silent treatment I can take.

A new message sounds on my phone. I check to make sure she isn’t looking before checking it.

We’ve uncovered some information regarding Windy Lewis before she was reported missing. It turns out she was in the same graduating class as a ?Fredo Angelos. You might recognize the name as the guy we took down last year when we raided that compound in Honduras. He was making the synthetic grade heroin connected to those deaths in Pennsylvania. His connection to Alizar was already a dead end when he refused to turn over evidence regarding the operation. He knew he was better off dying in jail than double crossing him. - Renner

No shit! That can't be a coincidence. This case is going to bite us in the ass. - Moth

We’re thinking the same damn thing. What do you want to do now? - Renner

I look over at Windy, who appears to be asleep, then text him back.

I’m staying here with the female. I’ll do what it takes to uncover whatever it is she’s hiding. – Moth

You’re going to f*ck her, aren’t you? – Renner

Fuck off. – Moth

House bet me fifty bucks you’re getting it on right now. - Renner

Since you’re not busy, contact Stebbins with local police. See if he can dig up the investigator on the original missing person’s case, and find out why the f*ck it’s no longer in the system. - Moth



As much as I’d like to know what she’s like in the sack, I can’t taint an investigation to get my dick wet. I’ve devoted my life to getting justice. No * is worth losing my badge over, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t considered crossing the lines. Windy is different. I may not know her name. I may not know her game, but when I’m with her it feels right. When I look into those huge brown eyes I see innocence. I can’t shake it. I’ve never been wrong about anyone before. Why would it happen now?



After shoving my phone back in my pocket I stretch out my arms and turn to face the bed. I need to head out for a bit and gather some things so I’ll be more comfortable. I can’t exactly walk around armed in fear of people noticing I’m packing.