Free Cole: Black Bear Outlaws #3 (Mating Fever) by Kenzie Cox

out as the lightbulb went on. “That guy you three used to hang out with in high school? The one who was always begging for a tattoo?”
    “Yeah, him,” I said, not bothering to hide the disgust in my tone. “And also the one you hired to fuck with my mate.”
    “Hired to...” He shook his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about...wait did you say mate?”
    “Yeah, mate.” I clenched my fists, holding them at my sides. “That’s pretty recent, so I wouldn’t expect you to be aware of that. But considering I hired you to research her case, it’s troubling that you in turn hired someone to take her down. Especially since we considered you family.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, anger finally coloring his tone. “I haven’t seen or heard from that little punk in years. Did he do something to Amberly? Is she all right?”
    “She’s fine,” I said. “No thanks to you.”
    He opened his mouth to argue, but Chase handed him a piece of paper as he cut him off. “You spoke to Clive eight times in the last week.”
    Holt snatched the paper, glanced at it and scowled before throwing it back down on top of his desk. “I have thirty-five people who work here, not including the cleaning staff. These could’ve been made by anyone. Fuck. Give me a few days. I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
    He was putting on a good show, pretending ignorance, but the evidence didn’t lie. “They don’t have access to your private cell number.”
    Chase handed him another piece of paper. “You really should be more careful when you’re breaking the law. It’s always the pros who cut corners and get caught.”
    Holt didn’t bother looking at the record this time. “I don’t appreciate this ambush. After everything that’s gone down in the past, I’d expect you to have some loyalty. Give me a chance to figure this out before you burn me at the stake, will you? Obviously I have a mole, someone who’s working on the inside to get to Ms. Matthews. I’ll take care of it.”
    “Loyalty.” I let out a disgusted huff of laughter. “Is that how you got Clive to do your dirty work? What’d you do, promise him a place in your Garden of Eden?”
    Silence.
    Chase dropped a pile of paperwork on his desk. “I think when it comes to chances, you’re fresh out. The evidence is more than just incriminating. It’s damning. Conversations on your private line. Notes using your name. Two checks from your personal account.” He pressed his hand to his shoulder, right where the bullet that had been meant for Holt had hit him. “This is what loyalty looks like. I think you might’ve forgotten.”
    Holt had been our father’s right-hand man back in the day when Pops had the most productive chop shop in southeastern Louisiana. And the only reason we were all working security now, is because when the shit hit the fan, Chase had taken a bullet and had nearly died. All of us, including Holt, had quit that night and never looked back, or so we’d thought. But it looked like we’d had the wool pulled over our eyes.
    Holt picked up the file, scanned it, and as he did, the blood drained from his face, leaving him ghostly white. When he finally looked up, there was anger flashing in his weathered eyes. “I know who did this.”
    “Not you?” I asked, not sure if I’d believe him.
    “Definitely not me.” He stood and strode to the door, but Chase cut him off.
    “We’re not done yet,” Chase said, blocking his way.
    “You’re damned right we aren’t. But I think it’s about time we talk to the real suspect.”
    “Fine. But you’ll understand if I tag along.”
    Holt straightened his tie. “Suit yourself.”
    Chase reached around him and opened the door. “After you.”
    The pair disappeared, leaving me and Cyrus alone in the office. “Do you believe him?” I asked.
    Cyrus shrugged. “I want to, but it’s hard to see how he’s not connected to this.”
    I paced the room, itching to