Rye took a deep breath and began. “Well, as you know, the state police are initially the ones who investigate illegal gambling across the state and its borders. This guy Rico, who is currently out in California, gained the attention of not only the state police and their investigation into illegal gambling, but also the feds. Looks like more recently he started joining forces, doing business with two men who are high-profile smugglers.”
“High-profile smugglers?” Jake asked.
“Amongst other things. From what my buddy explained to me, these two men are being monitored and have been for quite some time by both the state police and the federal government. They have been really pushing this construction agenda in Puerto Rico and the feds believe it to be a front for more illegal gambling. Through their initial investigation, wire taps, surveillance, and inside agents, they know these two men and Rico are partnering up.”
“Wow, does this mean that the feds and the state police are preparing to bust them soon?” Buddy asked.
“They’re looking for a big hit. They don’t want the petty stuff, but actual big shipments of drugs, all their locations where gambling occur, and whatever else they can pull together in one nice neat bow. Problem is, as many undercover guys the feds and state police have in there, there are more working in the departments blowing the whistle before the cops can get close and take them out. Rico is really more of a loan shark, a guy who flips the bill and gets paid double. He works it out and has his crew of shit that rough up the nonpaying gamblers. You know the deal. You’ve had to deal with this shit around here for years.”
“That we have. It’s a vicious cycle. As soon as we think we’ve cleared out the trash, we wind up finding more popping up around the county,” Jake said.
“These men, the ones who work for Rico and do his dirty work, are they the ones who he would send to look for her?” Trent asked. Buddy crossed his arms in front of his chest and stood there in a protective stance.
“That’s the thing. My guy is trying to find out if your woman’s name has even been tossed around among the feds or troopers as someone to speak to. You know, like an informant or witness to Rico’s crimes.”
“God, I didn’t even think of that. Nina said that he never spoke about his businesses,” Buddy added.
“Well, no need to worry about that right now, he hasn’t heard a thing about her. Hopefully the federal and state investigation will erupt and this guy Rico will go to jail for life. Then Nina won’t have to worry ever again,” Rye said.
“But if he doesn’t, and they don’t move on this, she’ll always worry and so will we,” Trent replied.
They were quiet for a few seconds and then Jake changed the subject. “I got the damn media all over my ass now about this arsonist. Someone leaked the info that it may be a teenager.”
“Shit, the kid already attacked one witness, if he thinks someone else ratted him out or could identify him, he may become violent again,” Trent said.
“I think we need to look at some of these kids from all the local high schools. I’ve got a list of twelve who were brought in by some law enforcement agency or reported by their school principals for starting fires or burning things. It’s a better start than any,” Buddy said.
“We could split them up and each go question these kids,” Trent suggested.
“Sounds good to me,” Jake said.
Buddy turned toward Rye. “We appreciate everything you’re doing to help us protect Nina. She’s terrified by this man. So if you hear about his arrest or anything, please let us know.”
“You got it. I’ll keep you posted,” Rye said. Then he stood up and shook Jake’s hand before heading out of the room.
“She’ll be okay, guys. We’re going to stay on top of this and not let our guard down,” Jake told them.
“We’re definitely not taking any chances,” Trent said before he looked at Jake, then his brother, and walked out of the office.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Trent like this,” Jake told Buddy as they walked to the door.
“That’s because he’s never been in love before. You know the deal. Now he just needs to admit it and tell Nina.”
Jake’s eyes widened and an “oh” left his lips. “Yeah, I can see that being a tough one for him. But honesty is the best policy. Eventually he’ll come clean and tell her.”
Buddy chuckled. “Is that how it was with Michaela?”
“Hell, Michaela was and still is a piece of work. When she gets something in her mind, there’s no stopping her.”
“What she’s doing for Nina is really awesome. She never would have accepted anything like that from Trent, Johnny, and me.”
“No, she wouldn’t have. But could you blame her, Buddy? I mean this guy really did a fucking number on her. It’s surprising she even let you guys this close.”
Buddy released a sigh as he looked out the door toward the main office in the sheriff’s department and spotted Trent talking with Rye Hawkins and Rye’s brother, Deputy Turbo Hawkins.
“I think Trent and her have a lot of the same fears when it comes to trust and showing scars. That common ground brought us all together.”
“I believe it. She’s got a new home here, and already a bunch of new friends. We’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her safe.”
“I appreciate that, Jake. We’ll see you tonight at the Station?”
“I’ll be there,” Jake said, and Buddy smiled, looking forward to bringing Nina to the Station and showing her off as their woman.
* * * *
Nina stared at herself in the mirror. Who would have thought that a thrift store could have such beautiful clothing? The pale-pink dress hugged her hips and accentuated her large breasts. She hoped that Buddy, Johnny, and Trent liked it and didn’t think it was too sexy. The pale-pink color was sweet and pretty, and it was a designer dress, tags and all, for $10.00.
She slipped into the high-heel sandals, also from the thrift shop, hardly used and a perfect fit. She brushed her long brown locks into a makeshift pony on the side of her head and let it flow over her shoulder. Her hair partially covered her cleavage.
She stared at her bare neck and wished for a moment she had something to wear. Some kind of locket or jewelry that belonged only to her. But those thoughts had been long gone for months. She wondered why she even cared about something like that now.
“Nina, we’re going to be late. Just put something casual on. You’ll look beautiful in anything,” Johnny yelled from the living room. She chuckled. That was Johnny, her sweet, compassionate paramedic. He was always so thoughtful and caring. She bet his patients, the people he needed to help and sometimes even save, adored him instantly.
She took a deep breath and grabbed the small purse, also from the thrift shop. Her lips looked pretty with the soft pink lip gloss Serefina insisted she grab, but nothing else. No makeup. She didn’t really even like the stuff.
She took a deep breath and walked out of her bedroom.
Johnny whistled. Buddy stood up from the couch, appearing shocked. And Trent? Well, Trent looked angry. She pulled her lip between her teeth then stopped herself because of the lip gloss she wore.
“Okay, let’s go,” she said, trying to avoid their criticism, disapproval, or dislike of the outfit. Whatever reason they stared at her for, it made her want to run for the door. Before she made it there, Johnny snagged her around the waist and pulled her close. “Damn, baby, you look so gorgeous. Wow.” He kissed her neck.
Buddy walked closer and stared down into her eyes. “Where did you get this?”
“A place the girls and I went shopping last week.” She still wondered what he was thinking and then he reached out to trail a finger down the bodice.
“It’s kind of low cut, isn’t it?” he asked. She looked down and shook her head just as he cupped her breast, reached for her cheek, and held her face.
“You’re one sexy lady, Nina. I love this on you, and I’m going to be keeping you real close.” He leaned forward and kissed her. She closed her eyes, was lost in his gentle kiss and his possessive words, which warmed her body through.
“Let me take a look,” Trent interrupted.
Buddy released her lips and stepped to the side. There stood Trent, hands on his hips as he evaluated her attire. God, the man was so fucking gorgeous. His brown eyes bore into hers, and she swallowed hard. She would never want to be on their wrong side. They were that intimidating.
He reached down to take her hand and slowly brought it up to his lips. He kissed the top of it and smiled.
“You need to dress like this for us more often, doll. You’re stunning.”
“Thank you. I guess we should go, huh?” she asked, feeling nervous and very horny. She would love to skip this night and get right to bed with her three men. The thought of calling them that aroused her even more.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking right now, but if it’s what I’m thinking, which is stay here and have my way with your body, I’m in,” Trent said.
“We can’t do that. We promised we would show up. Everyone is going to be there and I can’t wait to finally see this place everyone raves about,” Nina told him.