“They killed Riley,” Abel said.
“Exactly. Lou … struggles at times with his loss, even now. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.”
“Where can I find the asshole brothers?”
“Anywhere. Drug pits, whores, fights, drinks. They’re lowlifes.”
Abel ran fingers through his hair. “That’s the entire city.”
“And Marshall’s turf as well. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks.”
“Who do you think is targeting us?” Abel asked.
“I don’t know. We’re Dentons. It could be anyone. Someone wanting a piece of the pie. I’m not worried. This isn’t the first time some asshole has come after us.”
“What will you tell Lou?” he asked.
“The truth. I’ll let her know what is going on, what we think, and ask if she has any idea of who could be causing us come problems. Once you start to talk to your woman, everything else just falls into place. It’s kind of magic like that.” Jacob winked at him.
“Is that where you’re going now? To talk to your wife?”
“Yep.”
Abel watched his brother walk away. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed Harper’s number. She was staying at the apartment with Betty and Lara.
“Hey, are you coming home early?” she asked, giggling.
“I wish I was, baby. Something came up at the casino. I’ve got to stay a little later, so I’m going to crash at our place tonight.”
“You are?”
“Yeah, I know it’s not normal for me. We’ll talk about it soon.”
“Oh, okay, Abel. Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Missing you.”
“I miss you, too.” She blew a kiss down the phone, and he smiled. “I’ve got classes all day tomorrow, and then I’m working for James at night. He’s got a big case, and I’m helping with the research part.”
“I can’t believe you’re still working for that loser.”
“Hey, he’s not a loser. It’s kind of fun.”
“I’ve got to go, babe. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Hanging up the cell, Abel closed his eyes, rubbing at his temples. He couldn’t think of his woman tonight. He had to think about the job.
****
The following day, Harper walked out of her final class to see Lou leaning against a car. Beside her was a large man, and the two were chatting away. Betty and Lara already had plans, and Harper had thought about surprising her man.
Making her way over to the car, she stopped, seeing Riley Denton sitting in his car seat.
“Hey,” Lou said.
“What are you doing here?”