Badge of Honor (The Town of Pearl 9)

“Hello, Mary. How is everything?” he asked her.

“You tell me, Dmitri. Did you ask Harper and his team to engage Lauren as an additional protection measure?”

He was surprised by her question and his mind instantly began to process what was going on as Mary continued.

“She met Harper while jogging. He’s pursuing her and she’s in a panic. I did say that the people protecting her, that the ones who got her to safety as a favor to me, knew Harper and his team. Did you set this up?”

“No, Mary. I didn’t. But it’s not a bad idea for her to have additional protection.”

“Why? Is she still in danger? Here in Pearl? How could that be?”

“It’s precaution, Mary. These men that are looking for her are desperate and they seek revenge. Their reputations are disturbing to say the least. Having the additional protection is a plus.”

“But you didn’t initially talk with Harper and the rest of his team and tell them about Lauren and ask them to watch over her?”

“No. I didn’t.”

“Good. Then you do what you think is best, Dmitri. I trust you, and I know you’ll keep Lauren safe and alive.”

They made some small talk and then he ended the call. He leaned back in his chair and thought about the conversation. It appeared that Harper was attracted to Lauren. It was only right to inform him of who she was and what he thought may be going on here. If anyone could figure out if Lauren was a straight and honest cop caught in the middle of a shitty situation, it would be these men.

He scrolled down his contacts list and looked at Galvin Watts’s number. A fellow Navy SEAL. A man who was always resourceful, tough, and ready for action just like the rest of his team. He would understand the fragility of this situation, and he would appoint each member of his team to evaluate and take

action. Dmitri just hoped that Lauren was legit, or telling Mary that her best friend’s niece was a criminal and bad cop would not go over well at all. This was why he hated doing favors for friends of the family. Sometimes even they were fooled by the person they wanted protected and wound up in a lot of trouble themselves, or even dead. Dmitri would make sure that Mary stayed safe and alive.

* * * *

“So what are you thinking?” Galvin asked Harper as the whole team gathered around the porch and the fire pit. They were drinking beers and enjoying the fire and cool night.

“I think she’s running from something. I think she has an injury she’s favoring and hiding.”

“Harper, you said she pulled a gun on you in the woods. You should have reported it to Wyatt,” Galvin told him.

“He didn’t want to look like an idiot. You know the shit he’d get when the guys found out a woman, some civilian, got the upper hand on him?” Mace asked, teasing Harper. His face was so unreadable, but his tone was upbeat.

“I didn’t think anything of it. She was working out, alone in the woods, and taking precautions. She was definitely familiar with the Glock,” Harper added.

“The next time you met up with her what happened?” Orin asked him and Harper explained.

“So you get a taste and a feel for this woman and you want her? Just fuck her and be done. Everybody has secrets, man. She obviously has hers,” Mace said with an attitude. It got under Galvin’s skin but apparently really under Harper’s as he sat forward and tore into Mace.

“You’re such a callous bastard. This is not about getting a piece of ass. There’s something more here. I like her. I think you all would like her, too,” he said.

“Whoa, slow down, Harper. Are you fucking talking about sharing this woman?” Gus asked, getting into the conversation now.

Galvin felt his chest tighten at the thought of a ménage. It was something they were all interested in but not quite all on board for. Mace had his anger and intensity issues. He was cold and distant with everyone but them, sort of. Orin and Gus barely ever showed interest in a woman for longer than necessary, and Harper was the most likable and approachable of the bunch. No wonder it was him who found a woman he was attracted to for more than just sex.

“Possibly. It’s up to Lauren. But I think she’s worth exploring the possibility with. I really think you’ll see in her what I do.”

Mace waved his hand at Harper, dismissing him. “This woman has her claws into you already and all you did is kiss her. Shit, you need more experience with women and with sex, Harper,” Mace told him.

“Screw you, Mace. You’re the one who needs more experience. You’re such a damn tight ass, you don’t even know how to let go and enjoy sex. You think of it as a means to get what you want and then be done. No connections, no lasting emotions, just cold, quick sex.”

“Who the fuck are you? Dr. Phil? Since when are you an expert in relationships or sex? If I’m not mistaken, you haven’t had one relationship with a woman since we met years ago in boot camp. So don’t fucking stand here and try to act like you know what the fuck you’re talking about,” Mace snapped at him.

“Calm down, you two. There’s no need to fight and say shit you’re going to regret. The bottom line is none of us ever felt comfortable in a relationship with a woman. None of us ever found a woman we wanted to learn more about or be around more than just for a roll or two in the hay. So no one is an expert here,” Gus told them.

They were all quiet for a moment when Orin spoke.