Spencer and I had gone to high school together. We had lost touch after that for quite a few years. It wasn’t until he had moved back a couple of years ago when we reconnected. Unfortunately, our interactions had more to do with my alpha than catching up, but that was all water under the bridge now.
I stepped out of my vehicle and joined him halfway toward me. We joined hands and gave each other a nod. And though Spencer wore dark-as-night shades, I met his gaze with my own.
“Long time,” Spencer said. “We really have to start meeting on different circumstances.”
“It has been some time, my friend,” I said and shoved my hands into the pockets of my jacket. “Hopefully after the next few days, our meetings will be for different reasons.”
“I have to admit that I’m surprised you called me,” he said. “I’ve been trying to get something concrete on your alpha for quite some time. We’ve had our eyes on Tiger’s Eye for a lot longer. And after all this time, you’ve been hesitant to help.”
“Oh, I’m aware,” I said. “And so is Charlotte.”
He shrugged. “So, what changed your mind?”
“Would you believe me if I said a woman was responsible?” I asked.
He chuckled under his breath. “That would be especially hard to believe. But I’ve never known you to lie before. So, congrats.”
“It’s not a done deal yet,” I added and then shrugged. “But I’m hoping that will happen soon.”
“Hey, good luck on that.” He turned around and started heading back to his car. “Follow me.”
I stepped after him, moving at the same pace he moved, listening to our feet crunching the gravel as we walked. He raked his eyes over the area to our left and I took the area to our right. Far as I could tell, we were clear.
Once we arrived at the trunk, he popped it open with a button on his key fob. The hatch opened to reveal a small black case sitting in the center of the space.
“Everything you need to set up a wire is in that case,” Spencer said, raking his gaze around us again. “My team and I will be set up nearby, likely in an unused interview room, waiting for her to show up. When she does, your lady will have to give us a signal to start recording. If she doesn’t do the signal, we don’t know when to start recording and this could wind up being all for nothing.”
I nodded, taking in all the instructions. “What is the signal?”
“You tell me,” he said.
“I’ll let you know on that one,” I said. “Once I talk to Cassidy, I’ll work that out with her.”
“Don’t take too long,” he said. “If you need any help getting things set up, call me and let me know.”
I nodded. “I think I can handle it.”
He sighed and leaned in closer. “We won’t be able to take possession of the interview room until after your lady is in custody. So, time is of the essence when it comes to keeping us in the loop. Once she’s in custody, let me know. We’ll move into position and arrange for you and your two friends to join in.”
“Thank you,” I said. “For everything. I’ll be sure to promptly reach out once she’s gone.”
Spencer clapped me on the shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze. “Thank you for finally pulling through. I owe you one big time.”
I smirked. “Better late than never. Right?”
He chuckled under his breath. “No kidding.”
I pulled on the case and Spencer closed the trunk.
“When this is all over, we should grab a beer and catch up,” he said. “Truly catch up.”
I held out my hand. “You have yourself a deal.”
He smiled and we embraced in a quick, brotherly hug. When we pulled apart, he said, “Take care.”
“You do the same,” I said.
I carried the case to my vehicle while Spencer hopped back behind the wheel of his car. And as he pulled back onto the road, I set the case into the front seat and messaged Cassidy to let her know I was on my way back.