Vince might not hurt Lucy, but his boss might. Whoever the hell that is. Lucy isn’t safe, and I’m stuck protecting this asshole. I hope like hell Hawthorne finds someone who can relieve me soon.
I didn’t learn anything following Vince, but it’s clear I need to figure out who his boss is.
“Why did Vince hit you?” I know damn well why, but it’s time to see if Joseph can tell the truth about anything.
His eyes widen. “How did you—” He closes his eyes. “You know Vince?”
“Met him when I was in high school. Do you know who his boss is?”
Joseph sighs. “No, I only ever deal with Vince.” He drops his bloody tissue in the trash can. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get cleaned up. I’ve got one more meeting to get to.” He walks past me and exits his office.
The man clearly needs protection—apparently from his bookie, though, not a student—yet he sends me away whenever he can. What was the point of the false letter if he doesn’t want me around?
My phone rings, and I answer, hopeful. “Hey, Hawthorne.”
“I spoke to Stormy. He can spare a guy. His name is Dax Adams. He goes by Rover and he’s driving your way now. I gave him the address to the administration building.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. Also, I need someone to do some digging on a man named Vince Gardiner.”
“Where did his name come from?”
“Joseph Taylor lied about his threat.”
“It’s not coming from a student?”
“No. He changed his story and now he says he owes some money to Vince’s boss, but he really doesn’t want my help and isn’t telling me much.”
“Shit. How much does he owe?”
“He wouldn’t tell me. But Vince is tired of waiting.”
“All right. I’ll ask Trip to run a full check on him and see what we can find.”
“Thanks.”
* * *
Rover must not have been too faraway, because he calls me from the parking lot twenty minutes later. I walk over and spot him immediately; he’s standing next to a motorcycle, wearing a leather jacket. His nearly black hair is cut short in the back but is a little long in front.
The moment he sees me, he waves. “You must be Cody. Rover.” He extends his hand.
I give him a firm shake. “That’s me. Thank you for coming out here.”
He shrugs. “Stormy said it was for Hawthorne. I’ve worked with him. Great guy.”
“You did? I’m surprised we haven’t met yet.”
He shrugs. “He was in Seattle and the assignment came up unexpectedly. Now tell me, what do you need me to do?”
I fill him in on everything that has gone on with Joseph, including his lies and not wanting protection. I also warn Rover that Joseph occasionally sneaks out his bedroom window at night to go to the food bank.
Rover crosses his arms. “Does he know you know that?”
“No, I follow him. He’s in there for a while and then when he steps out, empty-handed, I race back to his house. Beat him home every time. But the problem is I don’t know what he’s doing inside the food bank.”
“Want me to find out?” Rover grins.
I sigh. “No, not yet. One of our guys, Trip, is running a background check on the owner. I actually know the guy, so I thought I’d pay him a visit. But since he threatened Joseph’s ex-wife, I’d like to go warn her first. Will you be good here after I introduce you?”
