The chrome doors opened and the four were bathed in pale light. They entered the elevator and rode in uncomfortable silence, not to be broken until they had filed in past Drew holding the door, and he clicked it shut behind them. When it did, Drew whirled on them.

“Talk.” Arms crossed, Cassie thought he made for a rather intimidating bouncer. Drew wasn’t overly muscle bound, it was the look in his eyes, calm with an undercurrent of proposed violence, that was more worrisome to her than gigantic biceps and a shaved head. She was willing to bet he could handle himself in a fight should it come to that. He had that air of quiet confidence that men who had proven themselves carried as opposed to the toughs who felt a constant and irritating urge to show everyone what they could do.

“My name is Julia Departes, this is my partner Quan Long and you’ve already met our youngest partner Cassie Porter. We are here investigating Terry Pritchard, nothing more.” Julia took the lead, her calming persona specifically tailored to this sort of situation. She spoke without moving a muscle, encouraging him to match her relaxed stance and tone. “We aren’t here for you Drew.”

“Are you guys cops or something?” His eyes roved over each one assessing them suspiciously, barely giving Cassie any more pause than her partners. There was something they were holding back. Drew could sense it. He could sense it in the same way he could tell the older woman was attempting to handle him again. For a moment he felt his temper rising.

“Yes, we are.” She replied with certainty. “We were advised that Mr. Pritchard was a frequent customer as well as a business associate?”

Features going loose, Drew waved a hand dismissively. His demeanor no longer prickly, he had returned to cool indifference.

Again Cassie noted the curious shift. “We don’t have anything to do with that guy’s business. He’s slime but he’s a customer, that’s it. You can’t arrest me because I let a dirt bag drink here.”

“You’re right, we can’t. But we can ask you what your brother’s affiliation with Pritchard might be.” Cassie was done messing around too. Standing on her ankle hurt and she wanted to go back to the hotel where a hot shower and warm bed awaited her.

The muscles in his cheek twitched, the only sign of his vexation as Drew pulled his emotions back and let his face shut down going stony. “I think I want my lawyer.”

“A lawyer can’t save your brother’s life. We can.” Quan said softly.

“Is he in danger?” Speeding back to full alert, panic in his eyes, Cassie saw they were merely confirming for Drew what he already knew. “Pritchard’s dragged him into his crap.”

Glancing at her partners to make sure she wasn’t overstepping first, Cassie saw that they were fine with her taking the lead. It was hard not to wonder if Anna had ordered them to step back and let her sink or swim on this last mission. She would do her damndest to show them she could make it in the field. Sticking out her chin, Cassie met his eyes coolly. “Drew, you’re right not to trust him. We think Terry Pritchard is using your brother.” She wanted him to see them as allies, as people he could trust and confide in. “And I’m guessing he wants something from you too. Do you have any idea what that might be?”

Shoulders sagging in defeat, Drew shook his head. “I don’t know. What do you people suggest I do?”

Cassie wasn’t sure what to tell him, she looked expectantly over at Julia.

“Pritchard is getting desperate to get his hands on you judging from the scene he made tonight. I think we wait for him to approach you again except this time we let him think he’s got you. We’ll keep an eye on you and step in if things get ugly.” It sounded so simple coming from Julia, it always did. That was why people believed her and trusted her. Cassie wondered if Julia could teach her that. If they had more time that is.

“But if he’s dangerous how are you going to help? Where are your guns? Are you going to do whatever it was she did downstairs?” He pointed at Cassie, rolling his eyes when she looked like she was going to argue. “What, like I didn’t just see you throw a man without touching him? And am I supposed to pretend there isn’t something that happens whenever I’m around any of you that makes me feel like my head’s going to explode?” His left hand absently found the ring on his right.

Cassie gawked, unsure how much they were intending to tell him. If they overwhelmed him he might not be able to function properly when they needed him to.

“That’s an unusual ring you have there, may I?” Julie held out her hand and offered him a warm smile.
Hesitant to part with it Drew began to slide the thick silver band down his finger. When it was nearly off Cassie felt her skin tighten. Quan was not going to let this chance to “smell” Drew unprotected go by without taking advantage.

“Stop it!” Drew mistakenly accused Cassie, glaring at her and the ring was cast loose as his hand flew. “I said stop.” He pointed a finger in her face and she felt something sting her skin.

Touching the spot on her cheek she felt something wet and her fingers came away red. He’d actually cut her. Equally shocked, he left his offending hand hanging in midair while the other three stared.

“It looks like Brandon isn’t the only one in the family with teeth.” Julia drawled in the stunned silence.