Page 58 of Babe's Bounty
“We can set up something official at my precinct,” Shield offers before we end the call.
I must not be covering my fear well enough, because Evie grabs my hand. “Don’t worry. Like Shield said, once the charges are on file for Billings, the DA in Chicago will likely back off. Right now, he thinks you killed a cop, not a disgraced cop. Remember, we also have footage of Billings kidnapping you from the hospital. Not to mention, we have witnesses. I’m certain the girls you helped rescue will testify on your behalf.”
I nod as I consider her assurances. The DA in Chicago is just doing his job. He doesn’t know all the details. I just have to count on the system working.
Unable to eat anymore, I carry my plate back to the kitchen, where I find Smoke. He’s pouring himself a cup of coffee. Seeing him reminds me I have a favor to ask. Maybe two.
“Can we talk?” I ask him.
He nods. “Of course. What’s up?”
I tell him about Fenhua and the possibility of him coming to San Diego and going after my parents. I know I need to call them and warn them, but I want to work out the added security measures with Smoke before I do.
“We did the security on the dojo, so we know they have the best protection they can get there. I can upgrade their home security. I should have most of what I need here, so I can head over this afternoon and fix them up.”
“Thanks, Smoke. Let me call them and tell them you’re coming and why. I haven’t broken the news to them yet that Fenhua is in the States. But, I have another request. Babe mentioned you might have the security footage of Billings kidnapping me from the hospital. I’d like a copy of the footage. The DA in Chicago is considering pressing charges against me. I’d like to have a copy for my protection.”
“Of course, come with me. I can get it for you. We’ll keep a copy here, too, but I get you wanting to have it.” He leads the way to the security office they keep onsite. As he accesses the footage, I call my parents.
“Min? Are you still in Chicago?” My dad asks when he answers.
“No. We’re back. Billings, the man who attacked you and set fire to the dojo, is dead. But that’s not why I’m calling. I ran into Fenhua in Chicago. He’s coming here to San Diego. I’ve asked Ghost’s club to provide you with more protection at your home. They’ll be installing a better security system at the house.”
“Fenhua is here?”
“I think he’s coming here. He knows Ghost is here.”
“We’ll be on guard.”
“I have someone I want you to meet.”
“A boy?”
I chuckle. Babe is certainly no boy. “He’s not a boy. He’s a man. One of Ghost’s brothers. He’s the one I’m working with as a bounty hunter. His name is Babe.”
I see Smoke’s eyebrows rise in surprise, but I just roll my eyes at him.
“You two are together?” My dad asks, his voice concerned.
“We are.”
“Does this mean you won’t be working as a bounty hunter any longer?”
I frown at his question and realize that Babe and I haven’t discussed whether our relationship affects our partnership. I feel my temper rise as I consider the possibility. Babe steps inside the office and sees me, he comes straight to me, but stops when he sees my expression.
“What’s wrong? Who’s on the phone?”
“My dad. I called to tell him about Fenhua and about you and me. He’s asking if our relationship will mean we’re no longer partners in the business?”
“Why wouldn’t we be? Do you not want to be partners any longer? I thought we made a great team.”
I feel my anger evaporate when I sense the honest surprise in his response. “I still want to be partners.”
“Good, because I think after our trip to Chicago, you’re better at this than I am.”
I grin at him just as I hear my father’s chuckle over the phone. “You heard?” I ask him.
“I did. You have found yourself a good man. A true partner. Bring him over to dinner soon, so your mother and I can meet him.”