Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Maverick
I walked into work the next day with a chip on my shoulder.
Jo was going to be the death of me. I could see yesterday how much it took out of her to work, and yet she refused to stop. If this was how she was going to be the entire pregnancy, the next nine months were going to be torture.
If I wasn't already gray, I was positive I would be by the time she was done with me.
"Please tell me you have something?" I asked Nolen as soon as I walked up to him.
My friend was hunched over his computer, typing feverishly.
"I wish I could say yes, but I'm coming up empty again."
"How is that possible? You've run everyone connected with Alejandro Diaz?"
"Everyone who has a criminal record, yes. And you would be surprised at how long that list is."
No, I wasn't. People like Alejandro typically found like-minded people to spend their time with. Especially when they were in a gang as notorious as Los Cangris was.
"What about other family members? Ones who don't have criminal records?"
"They are next on my list. I plan to run them and then cross-reference with the DMV since they don't have mug shots for Vanessa to look at."
Vanessa was the only one to get a good look at her blackmailer and the person who was trying really hard to figure out Jo's identity. We were able to get a partial picture from her security cameras, but Vanessa was still our best bet at identifying him.
"Let me know how you make out."
"Where are you headed?"
"To the diner. I woke up late and skipped breakfast."
Nolen likely saw right through my lie, but he didn't call me out on it like I expected him to. If it had been Hendrix, I never would've gotten away with it.
"Okay. I'll keep you posted on what I find."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
I decided to stop in the reception area and check in with Annalee. "Where are the guys today?"
"Lex is installing a security system at Jo's per your request. Are you sure that's a wise idea, considering she didn't consent to it?"
Nope, it was a terrible idea, and one that would likely cause her and I to have an argument, but I didn't care. I needed to know that she and the baby were safe, and this was one of the ways to do so.
"I'll handle Jo. What about the rest of them?"
"Aaron's at Sophisticated Sheen with Valerie and Vanessa. I'm not sure about Hendrix. He was a little cryptic when he called in. Easton is at the hospital, checking in on Kati, and Owen is at the pub, visiting his sister."
Hendrix was always the wild card. I was pretty sure he gave Annalee cryptic answers just to fuck with me. He was a good guy though, and I knew I could count on him when things went to shit.
"Okay. I'm headed over to the diner. Can I bring you back anything?"
"No, I'm good but thanks for asking."
I tipped my chin at her before walking out of the security office. One foot into the diner and I knew I was in for trouble.
Jo beelined across the floor and grabbed me by the arm. "Meet me out back. We need to talk."
Well, didn't that sound ominous. I did as she asked though and walked around to the back of the building. Jo didn't make me wait long before she was slamming through the kitchen door.
"How dare you?"
"I'm going to need a little more to go on than that."
Jo growled, and for a minute there I was scared she was going to maim me. "Why did my neighbor come in and tell me Lex is at my house, putting cameras up?"
Ah, so that was what this was about. I should've guessed someone would tell her before the day was out. I just thought I had some time to break the news to her first. Clearly the women in this town moved quickly when they had gossip to share.
"Because he is."
Jo threw her hands up in the air. "Why?"
"You're really going to ask that question?" I gave her a come-on look.
"I thought I told you I didn't want a security system because I don't like other people knowing my comings and goings."
Yes, she had made that very clear the first two times I mentioned she get one. Too bad things had changed.
"That was before I found out you're carrying my child. I refuse to let anything happen to you or the baby."
That obviously wasn't the answer she wanted to hear. Frustration laced her tone, and I was starting to get worried about her blood pressure. I was sure her being this upset wasn't good for the baby. Of course I made the mistake of telling her that.
"I think you need to calm down a little. I'm sure this isn't good for you or the baby."
"Don't you dare tell me what's good for me." She poked her finger at my chest. "I don't need an overbearing male in my life."
Well, that was too bad for her because I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
I grabbed her hand and cradled it between my own. "This is just until we figure out who's looking to expose your secret. After that, we can take the system down if you want."
Hopefully by then we would be living together, and I wouldn't have to worry as much, but I was getting ahead of myself. One step at a time.
"I don't believe you."
I chuckled. She was too smart for her own good. "We can discuss it more when the time comes."
Jo sighed. "Fine but you aren't coming in to eat today. I can't handle you at the moment, and I need to concentrate on work."
I wanted to pout. I was looking forward to watching her for a little while before I went back to work.
"Okay. I'll give you that just this once."
Jo pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is going to be the longest pregnancy in the history of pregnancies if you keep this shit up."
I didn't argue with her. It was absolutely going to be a learning curve for the both of us, but I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else.