Closure (Partners in Crime Book 5)

Chapter 2

Blake worked like clockwork for the rest of the day. Nicole Wagner, God. Nicole Wagner. Blake still couldn't believe it. He thought he'd never see her again. Things were majorly awkward between them and it was highly uncomfortable.

He moved towards the last car in the five car pileup. It was a small Toyota Prius. A man was slumped in the seat, clearly unconscious. Jenna came over to him, "Another unconscious one? Seriously? Would you mind helping me get him out?"

Blake smiled at her, welcoming the distraction. "Sure."

Jenna and Blake worked to get the man out. Jenna made quick conversation. "So, I heard you and Nicole went to the same high school. Were you friends?"

Blake grunted. So much for the distraction. "Not really. It was...complicated."

Jenna rolled her eyes, "That's what she said."

"Well it's the truth."

"Whatever." Jenna huffed when they set the man onto the gurney. "I'm just saying, she needs a man in her life. I'm not one to prod at all, but things have been tough for her recently and it hurts to see my friend like this."

"We were classmates in high school. We haven't seen each other for over ten years. Why are you trying to play matchmaker for a woman I barely know?" A lie. He knew her. Remembered her.

"Every single one of the Wagner sisters has a friend that prods for them. Olivia has Payton, Grace has Paige, Nicole has me. And all their prodding so far has gotten them a husband. I don't want to be the one who fails. That's all I'm saying."

Blake vaguely recalled hearing about all the other Wagner's getting married. Nicole must be the only one left to tie the knot. Not that he cared or anything. "Well try your luck somewhere else."

Jenna glared at him. "Fine. She's too good for you anyways." She turned and walked away.

Blake shook his head. Nicole obviously didn't talk much about her high school years. He went back to the Prius and searched it for anything else that he might find. A medium-sized wooden box shoved under the seat caught his attention. "Now what do we have here?" He mumbled.

Pulling out the box and opening it, his heart skipped a beat. Guns. Lot's of them. Not just any old gun, but the exact ones he was supposed to be looking for. Finally, his big break. These guns were smuggled into the US and brought into Colorado and the police chief asked him to lead the case. At this rate, an FBI job could be seen in the future. He was already on the verge of a promotion to detective. He closed the box and carried them to his car.

He needed to get to the hospital and question the guy who drove the Prius. He slammed his trunk closed and turned around.

And ran straight into Nicole.

He set his hands on her shoulders to steady them both. She jumped and backed away. Pointing to his trunk she glared at him, "You can't take those. That's evidence."

Blake's eyebrows raised, "Excuse me?"

"I said, you can't take those because they're evidence."

"And how should you know?" Blake asked.

Nicole started counting off her fingers, "My brother is an FBI detective, so is my brother-in-law, my other brother-in-law is a SWAT team member, my sister is a CSI, my sister-in- law is a lawyer, my other sister used to be hostage negotiator, my Dad is a retired judge...So please, ask me again how I should know."

Blake's jaw dropped. He had forgotten her family was so...unique. He quickly composed himself. "Right. Well just don't say anything, okay? I'm on a case right now and I need to bring these into the lab to test for prints."

Nicole rolled her eyes, "Do I have to repeat myself? My sister is a CSI. She does that type of stuff."

Blake glared at the woman, "I'm a cop. I know what I can and can't do. You need to stop watching fake cop shows."

Nicole returned the glare. Then she turned around and walked off.

Blake rolled his eyes. The nerve of her. He climbed into his SUV after telling a few people where he was going and drove to the hospital.

~~~~~

Nicole climbed into the sugar baby a few minutes later and crossed her arms. Jenna jumped in after her and started the vehicle up. The unconscious man was in no critical condition, so they didn't flip on the lights, but made sure Lucas was in the back with him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Jenna asked.

Nicole groaned, "They're not so great."

"Tell me anyway." Jenna pulled to a stop at a red light.

"It's Blake Tanner. He's such a jerk. I don't know..."

Jenna raised an eyebrow, "Don't know what?"

"Nothing."

"Okay? Well, he seemed nice until I saw you guys arguing by his car."

"He made fun of me for knowing stuff about criminal justice."

Jenna's eyes practically popped out. "What? No way, of all people to make fun of for that, you? Has he met your family?!"

Nicole smiled at her friend's exasperation. "I tried to explain, but he was too stubborn to listen."

Jenna shook her head, "That man."