Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

SETH'S STOMACH KNOTTED . This was bad. He hadn't shot his confidential informant, but based on Noah's reaction, his partner was questioning Seth's role in Pico's death. "I didn't shoot him, Noah."

"I believe you. At the moment, we don't have proof. I only know that your weapon was fired recently, and Pico was shot with what looks like a nine mm weapon, like your Glock."

Teagan's hold around his hand tightened.

He glanced at his mystery woman. Her gaze, locked with his, was intense, as though trying to tell him something. Perhaps to be careful about what he said. Worked for him. Although he had nothing to hide, he didn't plan on giving Noah or his lieutenant a reason to toss him in jail.

"Why didn't you tell me your running buddy works for Brent Maddox's outfit in Nashville?" Noah asked.

"Got a problem with that?" He didn't take his gaze away from Teagan. Man, she had the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen.

"Yeah, I have a problem. I ran a background check on her and can't find a thing."

Teagan broke their gaze to shift her attention to Noah. "I work for a security company. They bury our personal information."

"Come on," Noah scoffed. "You can't tell me that Fortress protects all their personnel's information to that extent. Too expensive to maintain that kind of security wall for every employee."

She shrugged. "I don't know about the rest of the employees, but it's standard operating procedure for teams."

"Teams? What exactly do you do for Maddox? Install security systems or something?" Despite a blank expression, the disdain was clear in Noah's voice.

"I'm in black ops. Heightened security is necessary."

Noah stared. "You're kidding. Black ops? As in the type of missions SEALs and Delta Force go on?"

Enough. He wouldn't allow his partner to badger Teagan. Yeah, Noah wanted anyone else to be guilty of murder other than Seth. While he appreciated the sentiment, he wouldn't let Noah shift the blame to Seth's girlfriend. And, yeah, he was keeping her. He just had to tell Teagan without setting off her run-for-cover instinct. The woman of his dreams was as skittish as a new colt even though she was as tough as nails. A hot combination. "Knock it off, partner," Seth snapped. "She answered your question. No need to be insulting."

"How do you know she's not responsible for what happened to you and Pico? If she really is part of a black ops team, she'd have the skill to incapacitate and kill."

Seriously? "For one thing, Teagan isn't tall enough to whack me on the head where my stitches are located. Second, she has no motive. Third, check the traffic cams in the area. You'll see the time she arrived at the running trail. She would have arrived at least 30 minutes after I did. Teagan didn't do this."

"All right with you if I do my job anyway?" Noah asked, his hand clenching around his pen.

"Knock yourself out. Just be prepared to apologize to the lady when we have the real perp in custody." Noah would beg Teagan for forgiveness. Seth would see to it.

"I should go," Teagan murmured. "I don't want to cause trouble between you and your partner, Seth."

He continued to hold her hand. "Stay. Please."

Noah frowned. "Clock's ticking, partner. I need as much information as possible."

His partner didn't have to say anything more. The first 48 hours of a murder investigation were critical. After that, the odds of catching the person responsible dropped dramatically. "Ask your questions, then, but lay off the insults you're hurling in Teagan's direction."

"Fine. Whatever. Start at the beginning, Seth. Why were you at Crockett Park's running trail at four in the morning when I know you didn't get home until two o'clock?"

"Pico called and said he had information for me. He refused to meet at our usual rendezvous spots."

"Why?"

"He was afraid someone would see us."

"Did he say what kind of information he had when he called?"

Seth shook his head and grimaced. Man, that headache was getting worse. The last thing he wanted was for Teagan to witness him puking his guts out. Way to make a great impression on a lady he wanted to keep in his life. "He said the information was important and wouldn't wait. He also said if the wrong people knew he talked, he was dead."

"What time did he call?"

"Fifteen minutes before four." He recounted his trip to the running trail at the park and his brief conversation with Pico.

Noah scowled. "How did Pico hear information about The Brotherhood?"

"Right place, wrong time. He didn't know what the guys were referring to, only that the men acted as though it was a big score of weapons but not a sale."

"You're talking about the militia group, right?" Teagan asked.

"Yeah. You've heard of them?"

She shrugged. "We're in security, foreign and domestic. Our tech geeks are the best at what they do."

"Why would Fortress be interested in homegrown terrorists?" Noah asked.

"Some of our missions are inside US borders. We have all types of intel at our disposal."

Seth listened to what she said and didn't say. "You do work for the US government?"

"Sometimes."

"Foreign governments?"

She hesitated. "Depends on the government and the request."

Noah tapped his notepad with the pen in his hand. "Can we get back on track here?"

"Right. Pico also claimed one of the three men he overheard talking was a cop, and before you ask, no, I don't know what variety of cop. After Pico dumped that bit of information on me, he ran off, saying he was too afraid to be out there any longer. My plan was to go sit in my truck and wait for Teagan so we could run together."

"What stopped you?"

He sighed. "I heard Pico scream and a gunshot."

Noah's head snapped up. "A gunshot?"

"Yeah. A warning shot, maybe. I ran after Pico. When I rounded the big curve where Teagan found me, I saw Pico on his knees with his hands up. A guy dressed in all black with a hoodie up over his head was standing in front of him with a weapon pointed at my CI. I identified myself as a police officer and told him to freeze. He didn't move."

"And then?"

"Pico saw someone behind me and called out a warning. I turned. The person behind me whacked me on the head. My lights went out. The next thing I remember is seeing Teagan leaning over me and calling my name."

Noah turned to Teagan. "Did you see anyone else when you found Seth and Pico?"

She shook her head. "Didn't see or hear anyone. As I told you on the trail, I checked Seth for a pulse, checked his friend, then called for help. I wish I had arrived sooner. I might have seen something."

He snorted. "You might have gotten yourself killed, too. You weren't armed."

"I'm always armed, Detective. Always."

Noah's eyes narrowed as he straightened.

"Don't even think about it," Seth told his partner. "You're not touching her."

"Did you know what she was carrying on the trail?"

"Yeah. A gun and four knives."

"The hospital has metal detectors on the door. Are you telling me you're still armed, Teagan?" Noah moved to a better position to protect Seth if there was a need.

"Of course."

"Show me."

"Noah," Seth warned.

"Shut up, Seth. Let's see your weapons, Teagan."

"Don't do this."

"It's all right, Seth." Teagan unzipped her fanny pack and removed a ceramic knife.

"Where are the rest?" Noah demanded.

"My SUV. The other knives and my Sig are in my lock box in the floorboard."

"I want the weapon to test."

"All right."

"Will you submit to a GSR test?"

"Of course."

Noah shot off a text. "A CSI will be here to test your hands in a few minutes. You'll wait for her right here. You know I have to do this, partner."

"Doesn't mean I like it."

"I'll apologize later if the test is clean."

"You bet you will."

"Hey, if I'm wrong, you and your lady friend can go to the steakhouse on me, all right?"

"We're ordering the most expensive items on their menu. Be prepared."

The CSI arrived within ten minutes. Seth relaxed when he saw Cloris, his favorite CSI tech. The grandmother was as good at her job as anyone he'd ever worked with. "Cloris, my love, have you decided to throw Harry to the curb and run away with me?"

The blond-haired woman chuckled as she set down her kit. "Honey, as tempted as I am, nobody holds a candle to my Harry. You're 35 years too late and out of luck."

"Doesn't mean I won't keep trying."

"Wasting your time, my friend. Now, I hear you got yourself into a spot of trouble this morning."

He grimaced. "Yeah. Twenty stitches worth of trouble. Does that earn me any sympathy?"

"Enough to get a batch of cookies when you return to work."

"Score."

Cloris laughed. "All right, Noah. What do you need from me?"

"GSR test for the lady. Cloris, this is Teagan."

"How are you, sugar?" Her curious gaze took in Seth's hand wrapped around Teagan's. "Looks like you've been holding out on me, Seth. Are you going to break my heart after all?"

"She's second to you. I'd throw her over in a heartbeat if you agreed to run away with me."

"Now you know I'm too old for you, son. You should give this one a real chance. She looks like a keeper to me."

Seth smiled at Teagan, whose cheeks were pink. "You're right. She is. I already planned to keep her. If you have advice to help me do that, I'd love to hear it."

Cloris opened her kit. "Easy. Treat her with respect and look for ways to spoil her. Treat Teagan as though she's the only person in the world who matters when you're together, and spend as much time as possible with her. Be there for her, no matter what happens."

He stared at the grandmother as she swabbed Teagan's hand for GSR. Although he hadn't expected a serious answer from his friend, Cloris's advice echoed what he'd seen between his own parents. "Is that Harry's secret to keeping your heart?"

"You bet, sugar. When I've had the best man in the world for so many years, why would I settle for second best?"

He grinned. "Ouch."

"Sorry, Seth, but you asked." Cloris stored the swabs. "Anything else I need to do?"

Seth released Teagan and extended both hands to Cloris. "GSR test for me as well." The test may be the only thing to keep him out of jail once he was released from the hospital. Seth knew he hadn't shot Pico, but how did he prove that to his coworkers when the murder weapon was likely his Glock?

Cloris swabbed both his hands for GSR. "I'll let you know the results of the tests, Noah. Seth, take care of yourself. Do what the doctor tells you to do so you can get back to work as fast as possible."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm glad to meet you, Teagan." Cloris picked up her bag. "Take care of my friend and yourself, all right?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will."

Cloris glanced at Seth. "I like this one. Don't screw this up." With that last parting comment, the crime scene investigator left the room.

Noah turned to Seth, his expression grim. "Pico didn't give you any indication of who the turncoat cop might be?"

He shook his head. "All I know is he didn't recognize the cop, and he was scared out of his mind that he'd attract the wrong attention." Seth sighed. "Turned out he was right. I promised to protect him, and I failed."

"Not your fault, partner." Noah closed his notebook with a snap and slid it into his pocket. "The lieutenant will be here soon, so make sure you stick around."

Seth snorted. Like he had any chance of escaping from the watchful eyes of the nurses and doctor. "Get out of here and do your job. And Noah?"

"Yeah?"

"Watch your back. I don't want to train a new partner."

"Doubt I'll have to watch it for long. The LT will take me off the case soon." His lips curved at the corners. "My objectivity is questionable where you're concerned."

The knot in Seth's stomach loosened. "Thanks." At least his partner believed in his innocence.

Noah squeezed his shoulder. "I'll update you on what I find out, as long as I'm still working the case."

Knowing their LT, that wouldn't be long.

His partner turned to Teagan. "You're staying with Seth?"

After a slight pause, she nodded.

"If you have to leave before I arrive at his place, contact me."

"No worries. He won't be alone, Detective."

Seth remained silent until the echo of Noah's footsteps vanished. "You don't have to stay with me, Teagan. I can take care of myself." Even if he felt like crap at the moment and would give anything to keep Teagan by his side.

"I'm staying."

"You hesitated."

"Because I need to let my team leader know I won't be training with the rest of my teammates this afternoon."

"I don't want to cause you trouble, sweetheart."

Her lips curved. "Should have thought about that when we started running together." Teagan leaned down until her lips barely brushed against his as she spoke. "It's too late to back out," she whispered.

Seth cupped her nape to hold her in place. Based on what he knew of her job, Teagan could break free any time she wanted. She didn't move. "No way am I backing off now. You heard Cloris. If I screw this up, she'll be on my case. I do not want to disappoint that woman."

"Wouldn't be wise," she agreed.

A man cleared his throat. "Pardon me for interrupting, Dixon."

Seth kept his gaze locked with Teagan's for a moment longer before he reluctantly allowed her to turn and assess a potential threat. He knew exactly what she saw. His lieutenant was a bear of a man with a perpetual scowl on his face. When Teagan's hand inched toward her fanny pack, Seth wrapped his hand around her wrist. "Lieutenant."

"What's the word from the doctor?" His superior officer stopped at the foot of the bed.

"Twenty stitches to close the gash on my head. We're waiting for the CT results to see if I can go home." Where he would be miserable until the headache eased off. He prayed that would happen sooner rather than later. The possibility of puking had grown stronger in the past few minutes.

The frown on Lt. Burnett's face deepened. "I'll have a word with the doctor about your condition before I leave." His gaze shifted to Teagan. He held out his hand. "Charles Burnett."

"Teagan."

"She's my girlfriend," Seth said, hoping if he claimed the relationship often enough, Teagan would get used to the idea and come to like it.

Burnett's brows soared. "It's nice to meet you, Teagan. If Seth gives you any problems, you come to me."

Amusement lit Teagan's eyes. "I appreciate the offer, sir, but I can take care of myself."

"Offer is always open, young lady." Burnett sobered and shifted his attention back to Seth. "What happened this morning?"

Seth recounted the events on the trail.

His lieutenant frowned. "A cop, huh?"

"That's what Pico said."

"You trust his word?"

"He never steered me wrong, sir."

More staring by the LT before he sighed. "All right. I have a few calls to make. If you're released today, go home. Rest. Come to the station tomorrow morning at 9:00. I'll inform your partner. Both of you are officially off Pico's murder. Don't test me on this, Dixon. Anything happens, I want to know about it yesterday. You hear me?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll see you tomorrow morning." After a nod at Teagan, Burnett left the exam room.

Teagan pulled out her phone and made a call. She pressed the speaker button.

"Talk to me," a female voice said.

"You're on speaker with Detective Seth Dixon."

"Understood. Sit rep."

Teagan provided a rapid-fire report to her team leader, reminiscent of what Seth had given to his lieutenant. In fact, her report sounded more like a military report. Had she been in the military before joining Fortress?

"What do you need?" the woman on the phone asked.

"Backup."

"Done. I'll contact the boss and set things in motion. We'll be ready when your friend leaves the hospital. If he remains overnight, text me. One of us will secure the door."

"Copy that. Thanks, Iona."

"No problem. Later." The phone call ended.

"Backup?" Seth studied Teagan's face. "Why?"

"Someone attacked you on the trail, Seth. We don't know who hit you or if he or she might come after you again."

"Baby, I'm a cop. I can take care of myself."

"Under normal circumstances, that's true. These aren't normal circumstances. You're hurt." She held up a hand when he protested he wasn't injured that badly. "If someone made a second run at you, you'd be slower to respond because of the pain. Backup from people I trust with my life and yours makes sense."

"My fellow cops would protect me." He immediately saw the problem with that argument.

"Yeah? Have you vetted every single cop you work with in the past 24 hours? Do you know for sure they haven't sold you out? I'd rather be sure you and I have backup we can trust." She winked. "I don't want to lose you, Seth. You're kind of growing on me."

He'd take that weak affirmation of her affection. He'd water it and pray the affection grew into something stronger. "I'm supposed to take care of you, not the other way around," he muttered.

She smiled. "When you're feeling better, you can take care of me. Deal?"

He blew out a breath. What choice did he have? At the moment, he was skating on the thin edge of control, trying to keep his stomach where it belonged. "Deal."

"Want help with your investigation into Pico's death?"

"You heard him. The LT won't let me or Noah work this case."

"Are you going to follow your lieutenant's orders?"

"Not a chance." Pico had been his CI and his friend. Although he knew he wasn't responsible for the other man's death, Seth felt an obligation to find out who killed Pico.

"What's Pico's last name?"

"Jimenez."

Teagan placed another call, this one also on speaker.

On the second ring, a deep voice said, "Yeah, Murphy."

"It's Teagan. You're on speaker with Detective Seth Dixon."

"What do you need?"

"All the information you can dig up on a man named Pico Jimenez. He was murdered this morning in Crockett Park on the running trail."

"Got it. What else?"

"Everything you can unearth on The Brotherhood."

"The militia group?"

"Yeah."

Silence, then, "Why?"

"Pico told Seth he overheard three men involved with The Brotherhood talking about a big score involving weapons. One of the three is a cop. No idea what variety."

"Anything else?"

"That's it for now. Wait. One more thing." Her gaze locked with Seth's. "Seth says we're dating now."

More silence. "Do you agree with his assessment?"

"I'm leaning in that direction."

"Is this your running partner?"

Seth's eyebrows rose. Huh. So Teagan had talked about him with the mysterious Murphy. Who was this guy, and what relationship did he have with Teagan?

He sighed. Since when was he a jealous idiot? Seth stared at Teagan. No question his jealous streak revealed itself the moment he met her. He was toast.

"It is."

"Phone?"

"Yes."

"Programming?"

"Standard. Our numbers plus you, Maddox, and the main switchboard."

"Copy that. Where do you want it delivered?"

Teagan glanced at Seth, then gave Murphy his home address.

Huh. How did she know where he lived? He should be concerned that she knew so much about him while he knew almost nothing about her. He wasn't.

"Expect delivery tomorrow."

"Copy that. Thanks, Z."

"Yep. Let me know if I can help further." Murphy ended the call.

Seth said nothing until Teagan slid her phone into her bag. "What did Murphy mean about a phone for me?"