Free Pack Investigator by Crissy Smith Page B

about our Pack,” Steve told him. “We wouldn’t have given up searching.”
    “Thank God,” Garrett said. “But I don’t think they know much about shifters. I can’t really explain why I believe that but it’s my gut feeling.”
    “So basically this just comes down to a bunch of punks burning shit down and targeting Randy?” Steve asked.
    Garrett’s gut cramped. “Yeah.”
    “That’s fucked up,” Steve stated.
    “I know.”
    “Sullivan!” Haas called from across the office.
    “I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” Garrett patted his friend’s shoulder before jogging over to his partner. “What’s up?” he asked as he reached Haas, Cooper and Josiah.
    “The CCPD is going to run this operation and we’ll stand as back up,” Haas said. “You can’t carry since you don’t have your investigator qualifications yet so I want you to stay with one of the shifters as much as you can. You’re standing second entry team so the place will be secure before you move in.”
    “You think they’ll be dangerous?” he questioned.
    “Yes, they kidnapped someone. There is no telling what condition Randy is in. Once we get inside, your job is to help the team find him. The shifters with you should be able to pick up on his scent. The ambulance will be close by,” Haas answered.
    Haas pointed at a map. Once Mike had told them about the property that Alex’s uncle had owned and was still abandoned, they’d had a pretty good idea that was where they would be hiding. They’d downloaded the property blueprints from the county clerk. Mike having told them that the buyers wouldn’t be back for another three weeks made it almost obvious where Randy could be hidden. The Pack would be able to pick up any sign of him and they could go into the rescue and arrest with an advantage. “Here’s where you’ll enter,” he said. “I’ll go in the front doors with CCPD.”
    Garrett nodded.
    “We’re ready to go,” Cooper called out to them.
    Garrett followed his partner, feeling the excitement rush through his blood. His adrenaline was high as he climbed up in the back of the van that would take them to the property. This was even better than fighting fires. There was just something about the investigating part that had always been a draw to him. He liked putting the pieces of the puzzle together and making sure the bad guys couldn’t hurt anyone again. He would’ve gone into police work but he also enjoyed actually fighting the fires—well, saving a family home or a business that the victims had put all their heart and soul into. At five years old, when he’d gotten a bright red fire engine for Christmas, he’d been determined to wear the uniform.
    Inside the van with him were four other men. If Garrett understood correctly, they were all shifters. He was the only one that wasn’t armed and that pissed him off. On the one hand, if he’d have finished his qualifications he’d be able to go in with the full team taking down the suspects. However, he’d never regret his decision to come to Clear Creek. He’d just have to make sure that he buckled down and finished his training.
    “Hey, man, I’m Johnny.”
    Garrett shook the hand of the tall red-headed man next to him. “Garrett,” he replied.
    “You’re Julie’s brother, right?”
    “Yep.”
    Johnny laughed as he bobbed his head up and down. Garrett would place Johnny’s age in his early twenties. Johnny had a puppy quality to him but Garrett would never admit that out loud. He didn’t want to insult the man even though Garrett found it endearing. “She’s made Cooper real happy. We’re thrilled they’re back together. Welcome to the family.”
    Johnny appeared so genuine that Garrett had to grin back. That was what he liked about the Pack. They were so welcoming. He hoped, if a relationship developed with Lily, that he’d be just as accepted as her partner. “Thanks,” Garrett said sincerely.
    “Just stick with me,” Johnny said.