With Caution

wasn’t even his responsibility. “Yeah he is.
    You think he’ll be able to help Eddie?”
    Rhys stood. “Don’t know. Would be nice if he can.”
    “Yeah it would.”
    Stretching, Rhys headed toward the door. “Get the fuck out of here and go home and wait for your mate.”
    “My mate doesn’t get off work for another—”
    Something thudded against the door to Jake’s office. “Sir, you can’t barge in here like this.” Matt sounded more nervous than agitated.
    Rhys’ face hardened and his posture stiffened as he reached for the doorknob.
    Inhaling, Jake came to his feet. He didn’t recognize the other person’s scent but Matt was afraid.
    Opening the door, Rhys caught Matt as he fell into the office. “Can I help you?”
    Rhys’ voice was a low, menacing rumble as he maneuvered Matt into Jake’s office behind him.
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    With Caution
    “I want to see Jake Romero.”
    Dirk Lassiter. Jake knew the voice. He’d heard it over and over in his head after hearing the man talk to Remi the other day out behind Remi’s apartment complex.
    Matt held up his hands. “I’m sorry, I tried to tell him we were closed for the day, Jake.”
    Pushing Rhys out of the way, Jake stepped into the doorway. “What can I do for you, Mr. Lassiter?”
    Lassiter stood inside the main office, right outside Jake’s door, in his tan police uniform. He was about Remi’s size, but broader, more built. The smell of anger surrounded the man. If you could ignore the nasty gleam in his eye, he wasn’t a bad-looking man. However, his looks didn’t compare to either of his sons, even though there was a slight resemblance in the face. Especially around the eyes and brow line, but Remi’s face was softer and less angular, as was Sterling’s.
    Odd. Anger and alcohol were the only things Jake could smell on him. Most men, gun or not, would be a little intimidated facing two men bigger than themselves, but then maybe it was the alcohol giving him courage.
    Lassiter looked Jake up and down, then took in Rhys as well. His eyes narrowed on Jake. “I heard my son hired you.”
    “You heard wrong, Mr. Lassiter. Your son and I are friends, we hang out sometimes.”
    Lassiter snorted. “That’s not what I heard.” Glancing over Jake’s shoulder, he jabbed a finger in Rhys’ direction. “And you can tell your boy here if I hear about him poking around in my business asking any more questions he’s going to be looking down the wrong end of my police revolver.”
    “Are you threatening me?” Rhys asked in a cold, flat voice.
    Having heard that voice before, Jake knew it never boded well. He held a hand up without looking at Rhys, and raised a brow at Lassiter. “Mr. Lassiter, I don’t know what you’re talking—”
    Stepping closer, Dirk got in Jake’s face.

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    Rhys’ hand landed on Jake’s shoulder, and he stepped to the side, positioning himself where he had a clean shot at Lassiter.
    Shit, this could get ugly in a hurry. “Rhys…” Jake put his newfound power behind the warning, but it didn’t seem to work.
    Rhys stepped closer to Lassiter. “If you have nothing to hide, Mr. Lassiter, I’m sure there won’t be any problems.” There was no mistaking the malice behind the calm and steady voice.
    “Damned right there won’t be any problems. I’ll have your licenses revoked. I suggest you drop your investigation.” Lassiter glared at them both one last time and turned to leave. When he got the door open he pointed at Jake. “And you stay the hell away from my son. I don’t need you stirring shit up.” He let go of the door, got in his squad car and left.
    “I’m sorry, Jake.” Matt came out of the office behind them, more jittery than normal.
    The kid’s hands were shaking and his eyes were wide.
    Jake squeezed his shoulder. “It’s all right, Matt. Why don’t you go ahead and go home.”
    “You hurt?” Rhys grumbled.
    Face blanching, Matt shook his head.
    Jake waved Matt away. “I’ll see you tonight. Drive carefully.”
    Nodding, Matt hurried to the door, peeked out, and looked both ways before opening it fully.
    “Matt.” Jake put power behind his voice, wishing Remi were here to calm the boy. If it didn’t work, he was going to drive the kid home.
    “Yes, sir?” Matt blinked at him.
    “It’s okay. Calm down.” He gave the kid a smile.
    Taking a deep breath, Matt seemed to relax then he grinned. “See you in a