Before pulling the tarp back over the stack, Colt took a small package and stuck it in his vest pocket, close to his chest.
“What are you doing?” I demanded.
“I gotta friend who can trace this shit. Country of origin, remember?”
I knew he wouldn’t tell me anything more. He covered the product, and when he was sure it was concealed, we went to the gate and I turned off the light. Colt lifted the gate and went out first. He kept watch while I closed up. We kept our pace steady and calm, not wanting to appear like we were rushing. The storage lot was deserted this time of night, but we made sure to stay to the shadows and away from cameras. No one was getting our faces on security feeds.
I didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until the doors of the truck were locked and the engine was running. There was something sinister about the storage unit. Who knew how many others were slinking around the dark, just like us.
“Are we going to go visit your friend?” I asked in exhaustion.
“Wearen’t headed anywhere,” he said. “I’m dropping you off at the clubhouse and then Zip and I will—”
“Nope. Not happening.”
He took his eyes off the road to glance at me. “You’re not going, Mia.”
“Why? Is your friend dangerous?”
“She’s not my friend.”
“Ugh. Fine. Yourcolleague.”
“She’s not that either.”
“Colt,” I warned.
“Mia,” he said in the same tone.
“Why don’t you want me to go? This involves me and Richie left this in my lap. I’m not going to let you clean it up without me.”
“It’s dangerous.”
“I came with you tonight,” I said in exasperation. “I can’t just sit at home like a good little woman and wait for her man. Unless that’s what you’re expecting of me?”
Colt’s lips twitched in humor. “How do I answer that so I don’t get smacked?”
I smacked him.
“Guess that answers that.”
I looked out the window. “You don’t think I have the right to be there? I’m in this as much as you. Maybe more.”
“What is it you want?”
“Control. Over what I learn. Over my involvement. I’m the one Dev is harassing.”
“Hate to break it to you, darlin’, but if it’s control you’re after, you’re not going to get it.”
“Don’t patronize me.
“I’m not,” he said, still rational, still calm. “But this shit is bad. We are talking ultra-dangerous—and I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because of the life I dragged you into. I’m trying to protect you, darlin’. Don’t you see that?”
I was quiet a moment and then, “You didn’t drag me. I came running to you.”
“Yeah, I guess you did.”
We drove in silence for a few exits before he said, “You can come. But you will stay in the motel with Boxer. I’ll take Zip as backup.”