City of the Lost (Rockton 1)

Isabel bursts out laughing. "Really, sugar? You are indeed a piece of work."

I turn to the radio and say, "So how much is Graham paying you to keep her here?"

Phil doesn't respond, and that silence answers my question.

Diana wheels on Dalton. "It's all true. Everything you've accused me of. I had sex for money. I did dex more than twice. I can get witnesses to both. I wanted to have fun, and I broke the rules doing it, and you don't want me here. I'm going to be pissed off and only cause more trouble."

Before Dalton can answer, Phil interjects. "Any trouble you cause will be subject to double penalties or more if needed. This matter isn't open for discussion. You will be assigned a new job and new quarters, which will improve as your attitude does. Isabel will be in charge of making that determination. Now, good day."

He disconnects before anyone can respond. Even Val stands frozen for at least ten seconds before she says, "All right, then. The council has decreed--"

"Yeah, heard it," Dalton says. "Don't need the replay."

"Fuck, no," Diana says. "Fuck, no. I won't stay. You can't make me. You can't." She stomps her feet, and Isabel sputters a laugh. Diana flies at her.

Dalton hauls her back, and when she won't stop struggling, he strong-arms her toward the door. "Guess your first new residence will be the cell."

"You aren't allowed to restrict my movement. The council said--"

"Pretty sure that's not what they meant," he says, and as he passes me, he gives me a nod and mouths that he'll talk to me as soon as he can, and then he's gone, escorting a still-fighting Diana out the door.

"Well," Isabel says. "This should be entertaining."

I give her a look.

"Oh, I'm sure she'll leave you alone," she says. "She's stuck here, and the only person who'll listen to her badmouth you is Jen." Isabel's lips twitch. "This really could be entertaining. And you never know. Diana might see the error of her ways and become a vital member of the community." She looks toward the door as Diana starts shrieking outside. "Or not."

I don't even know how to process this. It's not what I want, by any means, but a small part of me says I'm actually safer without Diana wreaking revenge and informing on me down south.

"Ever had Rey Sol Anejo?" Isabel says before I can leave. When I turn, she says, "It's tequila."

"Oh, I know. Top, top shelf tequila."

"I have a bottle in my house. A gift from a past resident. I know you and Petra planned to get together after Eric and Diana flew out. He'll still be busy for a while, so I'm inviting you ladies to help me crack the bottle."

I check my watch.

"It's never too early for Rey Sol Anejo," Isabel says. She looks at Val. "I'd invite you too, but I know socializing isn't your thing."

I catch a look on Val's face that says if we did invite her, she might actually come. I should extend the invitation ... and the olive branch. Maybe another time.

"So?" Isabel says as we walk out. "Is that a yes, Detective Butler?"

I look down the road at Eric hauling along a still-struggling Diana. Then I glance back at Isabel. "Yes. And please."

She laughs, hooks her arm in mine, and says, "Let's go find Petra. We'll send someone to invite the good sheriff to join us when he's done. We might even save some for him."