Free Bring the Heat by Jo Davis

serious than the shit I’ll get from the mayor if he finds out one of my men is trying to track his own stalker. You fuck this up, you’re
dead
.”
    â€œIf someone else fucks this up, I’m dead anyway,” Austin countered, not giving an inch. “I’d rather die because of my own stupidity, thank you very much.”
    â€œChrist,” Glenn muttered. “I must be out of my mind. I’m rescinding your leave, effective immediately. If you’re ready to return, that is. Believe me, there’s no rush.”
    Austin released a pent-up breath. “Yes, I’m more than ready. I appreciate this.”
    â€œWell,” Danny mused. “The obvious starting place is to establish whether Austin is the killer’s next intended victim or if he plans to go for someone else.”
    Austin shook his head. “On the phone, he made it clear he wants me to pay. He’ll go for me eventually,but I believe he’ll try for other victims close to me first. He may have already.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Danny asked.
    â€œA girl named Stacy tried to pick me up in the Waterin’ Hole last night. The man who called me said he’d taught the ‘dumb bitch’ a lesson about getting near the likes of me. I think he was referring to her.”
    Danny swore. “Jesus, that means he was there watching you.”
    He shuddered. “Yeah.”
    â€œHe’s fixated on you,” Glenn replied, grim. “You’re his endgame.”
    Austin remained silent for a long moment.
    â€œThen I’ve got to make sure my face stays in front of the killer.”
    â€œWhat do you have in mind?”
    Determination steeled his resolve. “We’re going fishing,” he revealed. “With yours truly as bait.”
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    Laura wheeled her Mercedes into a visitor’s parking space, shouldered her purse, and dashed through the front doors of the police department. The voice message Austin had left on her cell phone this morning had taken her by surprise, to say the least.
    He needed to see her, right away. He’d sounded upset, and that made her anxious. The man had suffered enough blows to last a lifetime, and she shuddered to think what else might have happened.
    Inside, she was shown to the chief’s office. Knocking, she peeked into the room to find Danny standing a few feet away, giving her a puzzled look. Beyondhim, Glenn and Austin were seated, apparently surprised to see her as well.
    â€œLaura! Come in. To what do we owe this pleasure?” Hmm. So the call from Austin had been a personal one. Still, speaking with them about the case couldn’t hurt.
    Danny ushered her inside and she did a double take at him. When had Coleman become so buff? All that gorgeous dark brown hair and spectacular sea foam green eyes. If Austin didn’t occupy every spare thought, she might’ve noticed before.
    â€œI was just dropping by to see Austin. By the way, you’re looking good, Danny,” she said sincerely. “Been working out?”
    The lieutenant flushed to the roots of his hair. “Ah, some, thanks. Have a seat—” He gestured.
    Laura grinned.
What a dear, lovely man
. She glanced at Austin, who was glowering at her, eyes narrowed. Unlike Danny, he looked like he’d been trampled by a herd of elephants. She took the empty chair next to him and gave the captain a tentative smile.
    â€œCan I get you a soda?” Danny offered politely.
    â€œWhy, yes—that would be wonderful! I’ve been running all morning and I’m parched. Something diet and caffeine-free, if you have it?”
    â€œWhy bother?” Austin grouched.
    â€œYou’ve got it. Be right back.”
    Danny gave her a shy smile, and she couldn’t help but notice how beautifully it transformed his angular face. Why hadn’t some pretty lady gobbled up this man?
    â€œLaura, how are you?”