Hot Six (Stephanie Plum 6)

“Where are we going?”

I couldn't go home. Habib and Mitchell would eventually look for me there. I could stay with my parents or Joe, but not until I got cleaned up. I was sure Lula would let me stay with her, too, but her apartment was tiny and I didn't want WWIII to start because we were stepping on each other's toes. “Take me to Dougie's house,” I said.

“I don't know how you got all those cuts, but you must have got brain damage, too.”

I explained it all to Lula. “No one will think to look for me at Dougie's,” I said. “Besides, he's got clothes from when he was the Dealer. And he's probably got a car I can use.”

“You should page Ranger or Joe,” Lula said. “Better one of them than Dougie. They'll keep you safe.”

“Can't do that. I have to trade Ranger for Carol tonight.”

“Say what?”

“I'm turning Ranger over to Joyce tonight.” I punched Joe's office number into Lula's car phone. “I have a huge favor to ask,” I said to Morelli.

“Another one?”

“I'm worried someone might break into my apartment, and I can't get home right now. I was wondering if you could get Rex and take him with you.”

There was a heavy silence. “How urgent is this?”

“Urgent.”

“I hate this,” Morelli said.

“And while you're there, maybe you could check the cookie jar and see if my gun is there. And, um, maybe you could also snag my shoulder bag.”

“What's going on?”

“Arturo Stolle thinks he can get Ranger to cooperate with him by holding me hostage.”

“Are you okay?”

“Peachy fine. It's just that I left the apartment in a hurry.”

“I don't suppose you'd want me to pick you up someplace.”

“No. Just Rex. I'm with Lula.”

“That fills me with confidence.”

“I'll try to get over later tonight.”

“Try real hard.”

Lula came to a stop in front of Dougie's house. The two front windows were boarded over. The shades were drawn in the upstairs windows, but light peeked out from behind. Lula gave me her Glock. “Take this with you. It has a full clip. And call me if you need anything.”

“I'll be fine,” I said.

“Sure. I know that. I'm gonna wait here until you get in the house and give me the sign to go.”

I ran the short distance to Dougie's front door. I'm not sure why. I couldn't have gotten much wetter. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I imagined Dougie hiding somewhere, afraid a Trekkie had come back to see him.

“Hey, Dougie!” I yelled. “It's Stephanie. Open the door!”

That got results. A shade moved aside and Dougie peeked out. Then the front door was opened.

“Anyone here with you?” I asked.