When He's Dirty (Walker Security - Adrian's Trilogy 1)

“Good to see you, Pri,” Josh greets, offering me his hand, which I shake but I’m uneasy for no good reason. I know him, albeit not well as Grace does. The DA’s office is large and our cases simply never collided.

“I thought you took another job?” I ask.

Pitt interjects. “I suggested Josh talk to Ed and the US Marshals department about adding a layer of private security protection for the witnesses. Ed says you have that handled.”

And now I know why I’m uneasy. Ed ran his mouth, he trusted outside the circle that Adrian claims is safe. “I have someone I’m considering,” I say quickly, trying to save this. “But truth be told,” I add, “I’m not overly comfortable bringing someone else in who might be compromised.”

“Ed indicated you’ve already made a hire,” Josh says. “If that’s not the case, I’d like to take you to lunch and talk it out.”

“Not today,” I say quickly. “I’m booked. Call me tomorrow and we can talk.”

“What about dinner?” Josh presses. “Every moment counts when witnesses are on the line.”

“She hired someone else,” Pitt says, giving me a keen look. “Ed made that clear.”

I purse my lips. “I need to talk to Ed,” I say, glancing at Josh. “Call me tomorrow.”

“I will,” he says, and when I would walk into Ed’s office, Pitt holds up a staying hand. “I need a word.”

Josh lifts a finger. “I’ll go say goodbye to Grace and be out of here. I’ll call you, Pri.”

I give a nod and he walks away as Pitt steps closer. “Who did you hire?”

“No one yet,” I say. “I’ll talk to Josh. Right now I have something pressing to handle.” I take a step.

He catches my arm and when my eyes go wide, he immediately releases me. “Sorry. I’m sorry. I just—” he scrubs a hand through his hair. “Fuck.” He shoves his jacket back and presses his hands to his hips. “I don’t want this to go to shit. I know you don’t have to include me in these decisions, but I’d appreciate it if you’d think about it.”

His concern is palpable and as much as he frustrates me at times, I believe he cares and more than a little. So much so that if Adrian hadn’t pressed me to leave him out of the circle, I’d feel compelled to pull him inside. Instead, I simply say, “I know this matters to you. I’ll keep you posted the best I can.”

“Which security company?”

“No one yet,” I reply, hating the lie, but owning it for everyone’s safety, but it may be too little too late. With that in mind, I push harder, lay down more of a show. “Anything from Adrian?”

“Nothing. I tried to call him and he didn’t pick up. But before you freak out, I know he’ll show up. He won’t let Waters get away.”

“Tell him I’ll give him full immunity.”

His brow furrows. “You think he needs immunity?”

“I’ve been thinking about what’s holding him back. He was undercover for two years. He had to have crossed lines. Whatever I have to do to make him feel safe, I will. Even if that means hiring Josh or someone else. Just tell him I’ll do what it takes.”

“I’ll reach out to him again.”

“Thank you and please keep all of this under wraps. I don’t need the possibility of us hiring outside security leaking to the press. It’ll look like law enforcement can’t be trusted.”

“You think someone is leaking?”

“I think the walls have ears in a case this big. Please don’t trust anyone. And I’m not even sure I’m a go on this idea of outside contractors.”

“Why does Ed think you are?”

“He’s a master of getting his way,” I say. “Don’t you know that?”

He studies me a moment, his expression unreadable, and then all he says is, “Talk to Josh.”

He doesn’t wait for a reply. He turns and walks away and as I turn to enter Ed’s office I’m left with that uneasy feeling that won’t let go.

***

ADRIAN

I’m sitting at the monitors with Lucifer, Adam, and Savage when Pri and I disconnect. Jacob, our man who arrived last night, is at the DA’s office watching the building and Pri. “Something is bothering me,” I say, setting my phone down.

“I vote Ed’s the problem,” Savage says, shoving the last bite of a stale donut in his mouth. “He vibed like a fish on cocaine.”

“What does that even mean?” Adam asks before I can.

“So fucking jumpy he could have jumped right out of the pond,” Savage says, kicking back in his chair.

“That’s worse than my worst joke,” I say. “And you just told him he’s likely on a hitlist. Of course, he was jumpy.”

“It wasn’t that,” Savage says, turning serious, his attention wholly on me now. “Something, as you said, feels off. What are we missing?”