One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

“As long as they don’t decide to pursue it.”

“They won’t. We cleaned it up too well. There’s nothing to pursue.”

He’s quiet again, that darkness back. I know he doesn’t want to talk, so I switch on the music and let it fill the space for our drive south.

The woman who greets us at the Skinniflute is not the Toni Durango I’d expected. Instead of being back in her usual biker gear of hotpants, jet-black tease and velvet-red lipstick, she’s maintained the light-brown waves. She’s wearing a modest dress, and she actually looks somewhat professional, despite her inked-up arms.

“I figured you earned this.” I slide the large brown envelope across the table to her. “It’s a grand extra. That should give you a boost.”

She picks it up, and for a few moments she seems nervous—a first.

“I was thinking…” Her voice is a little higher as opposed to the usual smoky deep. Dark eyes flicker from me to Derek. “I might try going to community college. See if I can be a secretary for real. Or maybe a police dispatcher.”

The shift in my partner’s demeanor is almost palpable. “Sounds like a good plan.”

Satisfaction shines in Toni’s face, and I have to blink twice. Did I miss something?

“I thought… since I have some experience doing undercover work, I might try working my way into criminal justice. Maybe I can help there.”

I’m nodding, wondering how that might play out exactly, but Derek is more than encouraging. “If you need a reference or have questions, let me know. Here’s my card.”

She takes the thin rectangle, and holds it, staring at it a few moments. “The way you handled that guy… I guess I saw not everybody in this business is perfect. All it takes is having your heart in the right place.”

My partner shifts in his chair, and I’m not sure her words have the intended effect.

He clears his throat. “You shouldn’t use me as a role model.”

Her eyes flash up at him, and I can tell she’s confused. “You’re saying you did something wrong?”

“Yes. I did.”

“I don’t know that I agree with you. I was on the receiving end of that guy, and you gave him what he deserved.”

Derek shakes his head. “That’s not how our country is supposed to work. And if you do go into criminal justice, you’ll see why I’m right.”

She scoots forward in her seat and reaches across to grab his arm. I lean back and watch this play out.

“I know you don’t trust me. Hell, why should you? But you’re a good man. So you did something questionable. I know why you did it—it was to protect me. And her.”

“And what would she say if she knew the whole story?”

“Don’t tell her.” Toni releases his arm and straightens in her seat. “If you love her, you won’t let her take that blame on her shoulders.”

His eyes go to hers, and he’s frowning. “Blame for what?”

“For being the reason you did it.”

The two of them regard each other a few moments in silence. I can tell that statement had an impact, and I’ll be damned if Toni doesn’t have real potential in some legitimate field. What the fuck it’ll be, I don’t know, but I’m impressed.

Standing, I drop a few bills on the table. “It’s after noon. We’d better take off if we plan to be home by three.”

Derek studies her a bit longer. “Good luck to you. You’re pretty tough.”

“Mata Hari.” She stands and follows us to the door.

I stop before leaving and give her a hug. “Thanks, girl.”

Derek holds out his hand, and she gives it a shake.