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Violet heaves a putout sigh, slides me a flirty glance over her shoulder and slowly moves toward the bathroom. I watch her go and then shoot Havoc a glare. "You aren't stealing my girl. I'll fight you for her."

I point at the dog, but he does not seem at all impressed by my threat.

Minutes later, I leave Violet soaking in a bubble-filled bath with a large glass of apple juice since I can't find any wine and fall onto the couch beside Havoc. I'm tired. And shift change will come way too early, but I'm not going to bed without my girl. I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.

Havoc and I settle in with a sitcom when my phone buzzes. Two seconds later, it begins ringing. I flip it over to see Ty's name and answer. "Hey, man, you okay?"

"Yeah," Ty mutters. "Or I will be once I get out of here and manage to stay out."

"Soon. Don't push it," I tell him. "What's got you up so late?"

"I'm sorry about that, but—I was wondering if you could head back to the bar? The new security system is sending a code for the back door, so the alarm won't set. Says the door is ajar. It's probably a connection issue, but the company in charge says someone has to be there when the repair guy arrives, and I can't risk leaving a door open for long."

"You do own a bar in a beach town," I say, well able to imagine the chaos that's possible if one random person happened to walk by and notice. "It's no problem. I'm on my way."

"Thanks, man. I let them know you'll be meeting them there. Just pull into the alley and hang out until they get there."

"Will do." I end the call and knock softly on the bathroom door, quickly explaining the situation.

"Take one of the guys with you," she says, her voice muffled by the wood panel.

"I'll be sitting safe and sound in my truck. I want them here with you," I say. "Enjoy your bath, and don't fall asleep in there. You'll drown."

"Will you come in and rescue me if I do?"

I grin at the door like a lunatic. "With pleasure. I'll even perform mouth-to-mouth."

I hear her soft laugh, and I grin. There's my girl. "It shouldn't take long to get it sorted. Don't wait up. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Chapter 43

Violet

* * *

I'm lazing in bed with Havoc trying and failing to keep my eyes open. Sully sent a text earlier with a photo of the alley door taken from within his truck and said he wished I was there so we could make out like teenagers.

We sent a few flirty exchanges, and then he'd gone quiet. I assume the repairman from the security company arrived. I stroke my hand down Havoc's thick, muscular body and earn a low doggy groan of approval. I huff a breath and smile. "You are a flirt, aren't you?"

Havoc opens one heavy eyelid and slowly closes it again. And because it has been a long, long day, I rest my eyes and hope Sully is on his way home.

I startle when my phone buzzes in my hand and I see Sully's name. I swipe the screen and frown at the photo until it hits me what I'm seeing.

Come alone.

I surge upright, hand over my mouth as I stare at the image of Sully laying face down on the ground. He… He looks to be in the back hallway of the Pelican. I recognize the navy-stained concrete floors.

My mind whirls with fear and panic and worry. Sully— Thad has hurt Sully. But how? Where's the security system's maintenance person? That has to be real, right? Sully said Ty called, not someone else.

I scramble to my feet and race toward the door, Havoc on my heels like a silent shadow, but as I shove my feet into shoes, I pause.

Come alone.

I don't know what to do. Obviously I have to tell someone. Get help. Otherwise, I will be the too-stupid-to-live heroine in the horror movie. But how can I alert anyone without the potential of Sully getting hurt worse than he already is?

Havoc is a tool. But you can't do anything without a plan.

I focus on the latter. I need a plan. But what?