Free Shadow of Doubt (An SBG Novel Book 2) by P. A. DePaul Page A

edge of Greenwood city limits. That’s right outside of Indianapolis.”
    A car door slammed.
    Cappy whirled and found Talon advancing around the hood. Dammit. He shot his teammate a look, but the guy just arched an eyebrow and leaned his ass against the passenger door, crossing his arms.
    “Hello? Did I lose you?”
    Cappy snapped the phone back up to this mouth. “Sorry. I’m here. I know where Greenwood is. I’m actually not far from you.”
    “Really? You’re here?”
    “Yep.” How much did he say?
    “Great. Can you break away?”
    “Absolutely.” He exhaled. Thank God he didn’t have to make something up. “I always keep my promises.”
    Talon straightened, leaning forward. Obviously unapologetic about eavesdropping.
    “So you’ll come?”
Michelle asked, her voice relieved yet restrained.
“Don’t you even want to know why I need your help first?”
    “No questions asked, remember?” God, he never thought he’d actually be so grateful for the words he hastily added to the end of a heartfelt wish to see her again, but knowing he probably never would. “Besides,” he casually added, hoping he didn’t sound pathetic for recalling every detail surrounding that last conversation with her, “you can tell me everything when I get there.” Not having to track her down was a gift he wouldn’t lose by giving her time to have second thoughts. “Listen, I don’t want you to be spooked but I have an associate with me. I vouch for him, so don’t worry, okay? Just tell me where this piece of crap place is.”
    “Oh,”
she stated, her tone now guarded.
“I don’t think the motel has a name outside of OTE, but it’s right beside the PussyFoot Gentleman’s Club.”
    Cappy blinked. “Seriously?”
    Michelle laughed. The musical sound coursed through him, overriding the loud traffic and noxious fumes. He closed his eyes and reveled in the joy. It was the first time he had ever heard it. A war of emotions ripped through him, each grappling to take hold. Lust, peace, regret, ownership—his eyes snapped open. Shit. He was in trouble.
Mine
, kept running through his heart despite his head telling it there were too many reasons why he couldn’t have her.
    Talon stepped forward, frowning.
    MINE
, his heart said again, as if to make a point.
    “I know.”
Michelle’s voice dragged him back from his inner battle.
“PussyFoot’s a horrible name. I’m in room nine.”
    “We’ll be there in thirty minutes,” Cappy promised, and Talon halted his steps, putting his hands on his hips. “Don’t move or open your door for anyone.”
    “Hurry, please. I promised to meet Creepy Stevie, the desk manager, after he got off work in order to get him to knock the price down. I really, really don’t want to.”
    Cappy choked. “His name is Creepy Stevie? Really?”
    “Well, no. I don’t know what it is actually. It’s what I call him.”
    “Good to know. What time is he expecting you?”
    “Six, but I bet he shows up early.”
    Cappy had no doubt. “I’m on my way.”

Chapter 10
    Michelle paced the length of the room for the thousandth time. There were exactly eighteen steps from the bathroom door to the sad excuse of a table. Not the biggest rooms here at the OTE.
    A long moan drifted through the left wall followed by a slam, then rhythmic banging.
    “Oh, God.
Yes
,” a woman cried. “Give it to me, daddy.”
    Whomp. Whomp. Whomp.
The cheap picture over the bed rattled with “daddy’s” frantic pace.
    Michelle rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Really?” she asked the stained tiles. As if her situation wasn’t bad enough, she now had to listen to a bad porno.
    She glanced at the clock. 5:22 p.m.
    Her fingertips felt cold. She went to rub her hands together only to find her palms had a thin layer of sweat. How messed up was that? Darn nerves.
    For years she had fantasized about this moment. So many versions ranging from innocent to completely far-fetched had captivated her dreams. Only Fate would