Fatal Reunion. Jessica Patch R.

the ape loomed over her, and getting in her personal space was a mistake. “You need to seriously consider stepping aside.”

      “Feisty, aren’t ya. I like it.”

      He had no idea just how feisty Piper could be.

      “And if I don’t?”

      Piper didn’t encourage fighting, especially picking one, but she had a mission, and the longer this goon messed with her, the chances of finding Derone slipped away. “I don’t have time for this. Move.”

      She started to step around him, but he clasped her shoulder, digging his fingers into her flesh.

      Mistake.

      Piper laid an elbow into the giant’s sternum with a quick jab. He fought for a lungful of air, but she’d knocked the breath out of him, sending him into a panicked state. Taking the small open window of opportunity, she grabbed his hand, twisted around, faced him and landed a double-front kick to his rib cage, toppling him over the pool table.

      “You said you liked feisty.” Piper ignored the stares, hoots and applause and targeted on the last booth to the right. Where was Luke? Had he already found who he was searching for? Had it been a bust?

      “Was that necessary?” Luke appeared from a crowd near the darts area, a twinkle in his eye. He led them to a quieter corner away from the humiliated man seething over getting beat up by a woman and where they could have a more private conversation.

      “He was in my personal space and wasn’t going to let up. And if you came by to see if I was hanging around my old place for fun and giggles, you’re wrong.”

      Luke fiddled with a blue chalk square lying on a high-top table. “I had no idea you were here. But I’m not surprised after you so sweetly told me you planned to track down the person behind Mama Jean’s assault and probably yours.”

      “And I meant it.”

      “And I still believe you.” He lifted his eyebrows. “So, your plan is to go all Bruce Lee on everyone until you get answers?”

      “If that’s what it takes.” Did he have to be so attractive with his grin, one side lifting higher than the other? “What have you found out?”

      “I was just starting a conversation when you pulled your stunt. Baxter frequented here at one time and ran with a guy named—”

      “Derone. I know. Got that from Jazz.” Piper tried not to inhale his scent or be hypnotized by the gravel in his voice.

      “How would you know to find Derone here?”

      “Mama Jean mentioned Riff’s. I also know the kind of people who frequent this joint. It doesn’t take a detective’s shield to make that dog hunt.” Piper propped her hands on her hips. “Excuse me while I find him.” She forced a tough exterior, hoping Luke wouldn’t bring up her lack of invincibility. She was only one person. But she was the only one she could depend on. Keep the brave front, Piper. Do what you have to do. Find out who’s behind this.

      * * *

      “How about we find him together?”

      Luke rubbed his chest. Feelings he didn’t want to experience seeped to the surface, ignoring his attempts to keep them behind the wall he’d built. Piper lived in Jackson now and was happy, according to her. A good quiet life. No room for him. Not that he wanted her to make room.

      She needed to stop digging into things on her own.

      “Piper, you should go home.” It hit him. “Wait a minute... How did you get here? Your car isn’t going to be ready until Monday.”

      Piper glared. “I took a cab from the hospital. I’m not helpless. And I’m not leaving until I have answers.”

      No. Piper wasn’t helpless, but sniffing around might get her killed. Karate was an excellent defense, but it wouldn’t stop a bullet. “Please don’t make me arrest you for obstructing justice.” Throwing her in a cell would keep her safe.

      Piper invaded his personal space, pinning him with a glare; the smell of jasmine messed with his head. “I’ll tell you what—if you think you can get a pair of cuffs on me, I’ll let you haul me in.”

      The dare in her eyes only furthered his attraction. Piper wasn’t going to let anyone, including him, run all over her. This wasn’t the same woman from ten years ago. She was stronger, more determined and unstoppable. A wave of admiration and respect swelled within him.

      Better to work with her than against her. Having her near would be smart, to keep an eye on her and to protect her. But when it came to his heart, it might be the dumbest move in history.

      “Fine. You can stay.”

      “Can?” She shot another lethal glare.

      He glanced around the crowd, making sure Bald Guy hadn’t decided to go another round with Piper. Looked long gone. “That came out wrong. Let’s put our heads together.” Last time they’d put their heads together, they’d been kissing. His sight trailed to her soft lips.

      “How are we supposed to do that when I’m a suspect to you?” Piper rolled her shoulders around. He could relate to the tension.

      Her eyes widened and she shot her hands up. Luke turned to see a man who should be playing linebacker for the Chicago Bears slide from the booth and head for the restroom area.

      “Derone!” Piper shoved past Luke. Derone sized Piper up and bolted.

      “Wait!” Piper took off after him as he thrust open the exit door and burst into the alley.

      “You wait!” Was she crazy? Luke blew after her, but she was so much smaller it’d been easier for her to maneuver through the crowd.

      Piper was halfway down the alley by the time Luke ran out the back door.

      Derone obviously thought she was a cop. No wonder, the way she came in owning the place. Piper never did understand subtle. Luke sped up, gaining on Piper, who was dogging Derone. He whipped right, hauling it past a gathering of spectators and ignoring the foul remarks and name-calling.

      Derone was about twenty feet ahead and Piper was gaining. Man, she was fast.

      Derone shot down a side street. Luke pumped his legs harder. The cold air burned his lungs. The guy might have a gun. He had to get to Piper. Or to Derone first.