When Dove Cries Read Free Page A

that girl, so yes, we’re going to find out who put her there.”
    “The bastard who put her there is probably dead.”
    Draven frowned. “What do you mean?”
    “I’m fairly certain it was Michael Hiller,” he said as he ran a hand through his hair. “The lead detective working on the case mentioned an old mill.”
    Draven remembered North talking about Hiller. “Okay, I think I need to know everything.”
    “Really? You’re finally ready to listen to me?”
    Draven saw Sheriff Givon Halloran walk into the ER. Beside him was his deputy, Charlie Earenflight. “You want to let the sheriff in on this?”
    “Absolutely not,” Cade said, following his line of sight. “I don’t know how deep this ring goes.”
    “Trust me,” Draven said. “Givon isn’t part of it.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Because he and North are best friends.”
    “So what?”
    “No, they live together.”
    Cade frowned. “Excuse me? Are you saying the President of the Red Wolves is gay?”
    “Hell, no, dickhead! I mean, they’re in a committed three-way relationship with a woman named Allison.”
    “That’s not a relationship,” Cade stated with a derisive snort. “That’s a war zone waiting to happen.”
    “Whatever, man,” Draven replied, waving his hand dismissively. “It works for them. Anyway, Allis was one of Hiller’s victims.”
    “Allis… You mean Allison Evening? She was mentioned in the files from Detective Harmon. I didn’t realize she’d hooked up with anyone. Well, regardless, I don’t want Sheriff Halloran to know about my investigation until I’ve checked him out.”
    “Oh, now it’s your investigation? I thought we were partners.”
    Cade glowered at him. “Just keep your fucking mouth shut.”
    Draven gave him the finger and stomped his way over to the sheriff. He saw Givon’s eyes narrow thoughtfully as he approached the man.
    “Draven,” he greeted, glancing questioningly at Cade who came to stand beside him. “What’re you doing here?”
    “You’re here about the girl, aren’t you?” he asked instead. “The one found at the old mill.”
    “Yes. How’d you know?”
    “We brought her in,” Draven said. “This here is Cade Vanaker. He’s a nomad who came with me from Vegas.”
    Givon gave him a welcoming nod. “Helluva greeting. Tell me what happened.”
    “She ran out of the old mill as we drove by. Her wrists were zip-tied and had been like that for some time. They were heavily infected. Said her name was Dove.”
    “I checked out the place to see if there were any other women,” Cade said, picking up the story. “Looks like she was being held in the basement of the old mill. There was a chain locking the door.”
    He brought out his phone to show the pictures. Givon’s mouth became a grim slash as he scrolled through each picture.
    “Did you touch anything?” Charlie asked as he looked over Givon’s shoulder.
    “No,” Cade answered. “I didn’t disturb the scene. Looks like she kicked the bottom of the door out to escape. If she hadn’t done that, well, there’s no doubt in my mind she would’ve died there.”
    “Does this have anything to do with what you were investigating involving Allis?” Draven asked.
    Givon shared a quick, silent exchange with Charlie before clearing his throat. “You know I’m not at liberty to say—”
    “Come on, Givon,” Draven said impatiently. “I remember when you brought Allis here. You and North did everything to protect her. Don’t shut me out on this one.”
    Givon furrowed his brow and shot another quick glance over at Cade before he grabbed Draven’s arm and took a few steps away from the other two men. “Are you saying you’re protecting this woman? Like how North and I protected Allis?”
    “I am,” he said, knowing how it sounded. But he meant it. He didn’t know Dove at all, but she needed him right now and he was determined to be there for her.
    “I see,” Givon replied thoughtfully. “How much do you