We all stared at each other.
Then Luke said, “You two over after the party?”
Vance’s eyes sliced to Luke. My lungs squeezed painfully, my eyes widened and moved to him too.
Vance didn’t answer. Neither did I.
“You’re through with Law then you won’t mind me movin’ in,” Luke said, clearly not worried about fanning the flames of the crackling-not-happy vibes.
Oh my God.
I continued staring at Luke with wide eyes but my mouth had now dropped open.
“You move in, we have problems,” Vance returned softly.
“You move out, don’t seem like it’s much of your business.”
The crackling vibes got red-hot.
It was time for me to say something. “Excuse me but I am in the room,” I snapped. “I thought you said not many men like their women roaming the streets looking for trouble?” I pointed out to Luke.
“Yeah, I did. Though I think it’s kinda cute,” Luke replied.
Oh my God.
“Well hurray for you but come tomorrow, you boys are off the job. I’m a single-act show again,” I returned.
“You’re in for trainin’ tomorrow, same time,” Luke shot back.
“No f**king way.”
“Only a girl would turn her back on a good deal just because she got f**ked in the process.”
“News flash, Luke, I am a girl,” I returned heatedly, hands going to my hips.
“Yeah,” he grinned, leaning back, “I noticed that.”
Vance moved. Luke and I swung our eyes to him and I realized too late the red-hot vibes went white.
His movement wasn’t distinguishable. He was still standing, arms crossed on his chest, but something about him went hostile.
I waited. Luke (thankfully) was silent. The room burned.
Then Vance said, eyes on me, “Five to eight.”
Then he was gone.
I whirled on Luke. “What in the hell was that all about?”
He just grinned at me.
“Stop grinning,” I demanded.
“Tomorrow, after training, you and I patrol.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I do. You aren’t going to learn shit on a mat. You gotta learn in the field.”