CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Locke suspected that the doctor was a slob after he witnessed how she’d turned his kitchen upside down. However, after tasting her food, he mellowed a bit and decided that something that tasty could warrant some sort of mess after all.
Gage must have felt the same as he was wolfing down a third plate of the beef stew and was now soaking up every last remnant of sauce with a piece of crusty bread. He couldn’t judge, having himself eaten two full plates.
The silence around the table was not uncomfortable, surprisingly enough. The doctor smiled at Gage but avoided Locke’s stare. He should be happy about it. It was what he wanted after all, to put distance between them, emotionally at least, as her body was quick to react to his touch or nearness. That he could deal with, and that was exactly what he’d had in mind when she’d first arrived. And what he would make sure to maintain for the remainder of her stay. He would fuck her out of his system, until his body didn’t ache for her, ever again.
Tessa grabbed his empty plate and hers as Gage was still licking his. “I hope you’re still hungry for some strawberry cake. Hot from the oven.”
No surprise there when Gage’s interest was sparked. “Whatever you have, Tessa, I’ll eat it.”
Her laughter made Locke want to punch Gage, even if his friend hadn’t done anything wrong. It was another weird reaction he had to get under control. He should encourage Gage, have him take her over and over again, until it didn’t bother him anymore.
She came back and placed a bowl of cake with vanilla ice cream in front of him and Gage, but all Locke could smell was the scent of her skin and the shampoo in her hair. Nonetheless, he took his spoon and dove in like a starving man. Maybe if he filled his stomach, his cock would stop aching for her, for a little while at least.
Once more sitting at the table, they finished emptying their plates. Tessa was the first one to finish and waited until he was done before speaking.
“Do you really trust your inside informant? The one who’s close enough to Luther to get you information.”
Locke considered her questions, but after all, she had accused him of keeping information from her. And Gage already knew every detail.
“Yes, I trust Knox completely. He’s a friend, and he’s been preparing his exit for years now and wants to go out with a bang. And he’s doing everything to ensure Luther goes down.”
Gage leaned back on his chair, unusually pensive. “Knox has been in and out of the business for a long time, but he’s dead against the slave ring. Too bad Luther isn’t keen on letting his men go. So, the only way he can leave, is to make sure Luther is taken care of and gone.”
Tessa nodded. “But what happens when Luther’s gone? Wouldn’t one of his men or rivals pick up the business and continue?”
Locke had to admit he liked how her mind worked. “Knox has the pulse, and the slave trade requires extensive contacts that most people don’t have. And it isn’t only about local authorities. It’s only a matter of time before Immigration and the FBI came sniffing around.”
“But we need a spark to light the fire. And have someone clean in the force, someone who knows when to call the cavalry.”
Tessa stayed silent, which made him suspicious. “Why do I feel like I need to be worried what you are thinking, Doctor?”
“I may have a solution for you … someone that could call the cavalry. Maybe.”
Locke wasn’t sure he liked what he heard.
“Who?”
Gage elbowed him. “Don’t growl at her. Listen, maybe Tessa has the solution we were searching for.”
“She’s a doctor, not a secret agent!”
Tessa pushed herself from her chair. “And she’s still in the room listening, telling you to forget about it and go fuck yourself.”
Hurt showed on her face, and she evaded his hand when she got to her feet and stepped away. Having none of it, Locke moved quickly and caught her hand. “Who?”
He couldn’t ask more than that, because the growl might turn into a snarl, as he wondered who she knew that had that kind of connection and power. A completely stupid reaction he couldn’t control.
“A friend. The same one who’s been helping me protect Allison, and the other girls, for some time now.”
And still he couldn’t release his hold. “A cop?”
“Not exactly. He’s someone I’ve known for several years.”
“Explain yourself.”
“Release my arm.”
