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  “Who wouldn't watch her? She was beautiful. I didn't notice anyone paying extra attention to her, I hope I would have noticed that.” He looks away and I swear I saw a tear pull back into his eyes. I look over to Vega, she's keeping it together, for now.

  “How often do people order old fashioned drinks?” Her voice lightens up, I’m not sure if it’s to mask her own emotional response to this case, or trying to help him calm down so we can get more information from him.

  “It's about average. Not a lot, but not uncommon. Molly had a few of those. Heard she went through a rough break up.”

  I look to Vega. Looks like we're finding something that may help. The last victim was going through the same thing. So women who are upset, in distress, and looking to forget a problem. We have his type at least.

  “Any chance you think it was the ex?” I ask.

  He shakes his head. “Doubt it. But you never know I suppose.” There’s a hint of resentment in his voice. Obviously wasn’t too happy about her dating.

  “There wasn’t anyone out of the ordinary here? Anyone else ordering a few of those drinks?” Vega asks eagerly. Hopefully he’s someone that can provide us with decent information.

  “A few others. We do get a lot of traffic through here, so we always see people who aren't from here. Never know who they are.” He remains standing, leaning against the door frame as he answers our questions. I can’t help but wonder if it would be for a quick escape. I’m not liking this guy the longer he watches Vega.

  “Anyone give off a weird vibe?” Other than him. “Anyone that ordered more drinks than they actually drank?” He takes a long look at her. A look that even creeped me out.

  “I don't think so.”

  She leans back into her chair and watches him for a few seconds. We've hit a dead end. She pulls out a card.

  “If you think of anything else, or see someone familiar and odd. Let me know.” She said the guy doesn't utilize the same bars. Doubt we'd hear back from this guy. Hope we don’t anyways. I hope her cell number isn’t on there. Damnit, now I want to take that card out of his hands and give him mine. He gives us a small nod and heads back to the bar.

  “So. What do you think?”

  “I think we should scout bars that have high traffic. What are the chances that's a similarity? No one would care about a new face coming in because it would be the norm.” She says as she picks up the disc and looks over both sides of the case like it will reveal every detail we need to catch this guy.

  “I agree. Let me know when and I'll be there Vega.” Of course I’ll be there. I can’t have her doing this alone. I just hope she lets me assist.

  Chapter 15

  Vega

  “Miles, is it really necessary? I could just meet you there.” I call out as I get ready in my room. I don’t know why I agreed for him to help. This is just uncomfortable and I’m starting to regret this.

  “You'd probably ditch me. So. Yeah. Besides no one has to see us come together if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  He's right about that. I probably would ditch him and go to a different bar.

  “I don't see why you had to wait here. This feels weird.” I pull on a shirt and look at myself in the mirror. I’m going a little more conservative this time, mostly because Miles is here.

  After seeing the other bar a week ago, and realizing high traffic may be a factor, I re-evaluated my choices. It took a few days and more research to map out the bars and we were waiting for the evidence to be processed before we can watch it. Miles helped me out the other night separating the bars we know and possible bars that match our new information. After looking at those cold cases again, I was able to pull up five missing women whose file matched what we’ve been seeing. So far we haven’t found those bodies, but I know they’re out there. I was able to block off a few more bars I had pegged. Turns out my assumptions were correct, high traffic bars. We’re going to one location we spotted that seems like a good hit and as far as I know, hasn’t been a place he’s taken from yet.

  I step out into the front room in tight dark jeans, and a light blue top with a deep plunge neckline. Paired off with flat ankle boots, not in the mood for heels at the moment. If I need to run, I don't want to break my ankle. Suppose Miles can't help but scan my outfit, that’s the point of wearing it, isn’t it? At least I know it’s eye-catching.

  I smooth my hand over the side of my shirt, nervous that he’s just standing here quite noticeably checking me out.

  “Good?”

  His eyes slowly move back to mine. “How about I take you to dinner instead?”

  I'm getting used to that soft, confident smile. He uses that flirting technique quite often, so far I've shot him down on all suggestions no matter how captivating that smile is.

  “Come on Miles. That's not going to help those women.” I say quietly.

  “Dinner, then the bar?” He's really trying tonight. Usually he takes the decline and moves on.

  Ever since I met Redmond, he's really been trying to keep me away from him and has been more persistent on asking me out. The jealousy is kind of cute, and sure, if this was a completely different situation I might go out with him. But this isn’t a different situation.

  Right now though, he's really looking like I'm about to crush him. His eyes stop wandering and he just stares at me. Putting me on the spot, which, generally I’d say 'fuck off' but for some reason, Miles isn’t so bad anymore.

  “You're not going to stop, are you?” I smooth my hand over my side again and make minimal eye contact. I’m not used to this. It’s been a damn long time since I’ve been out, and after Elara went missing, I’ve refused any type of socialization.

  “Haven't since the first night we met, why would I?” That arrogant smile is fixed on his face. A shy feeling accompanied with a warmth creeping on my face isn’t helping my case of 'no'.

  “Damnit, Miles. This is a serious situation.” I sit at the counter.

  “Oh, I know how important it is, Vega. I do. I'm not saying we won't do it. Just let me take you out.” He takes a few steps towards me, and I’m trapped sitting in this chair.

  “No thanks. I've not had a date in a while. Don't intend to start either.” He has to give up, right?

  “All the more reason for me to take you out. You're all business, which I like too, but come on.”

  He steps closer, his voice darkens and rolls through my body. He's good. He's real good. And he thinks Redmond is competition?

  His hand grazes the top of my neck and he lowers his mouth to my ear. “Let me show you a good time.”

  I can't stop that shake in my body no matter how hard I try. I know he's smiling. I can feel that pride radiate off of him. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath to regain my sense of 'fuck-off', but it never came back. Unfortunately, my body is enjoying his light, warm touch and that's messing with my thoughts.

  “Miles.” Hell, was that me? My voice came out soft and husky, making his hand tense and he starts rubbing the mass amount of tension in my neck. What does he think he's doing?

  “Vega.” His low, gruff voice makes my heart stop and my breath escape me. The allurement is definitely seeping through. This man has certainly turned on the charm right now and my body is letting that happen. Reacting to the simplest change of tone at every word. This pleading from him is a new development.

  I turn to him, making his hand fall from my neck. Regretting the loss of that relaxing touch.

  “Fine. Not a date, Miles. But I'll go with you. I'm paying for myself.” I narrow my eyes and glare at him trying to show how serious I am.

  He laughs and grabs my hand to help me up. This is the most alluring smile I've seen him have. He thinks this is a date, doesn't he?

  He opens the door once we reach his car. His body is relaxed and he’s watching me closely as I doubt myself. I messed up, didn’t I? Why did I agree? Oh, right. I didn't want to crush him, and I couldn’t stop my body’s reaction to him. That's never stopped
me before.

  He takes me to a nice steakhouse. At least it isn't some overly secluded, dimly lit romantic place. Right? And of course, they sit us in a far corner away from others. Either he told them I don't play well with other people or he paid this hostess off to seclude us on purpose. He's good, and it's irritating.

  I eye him suspiciously as we’re seated. That confident stride and puffed out chest shows he’s content with this arrangement. He's not getting away with this.

  “So, Vega. Tell me about yourself.” His ear to ear grin of accomplishment tells me this haughty man thinks he's won me over.

  “Uh, no.” I reply sharply and stare at him.

  “Come on, Vega. What else are we supposed to do to pass the time?” Why can’t I push out my defensive attitude right now?

  “Miles, damnit. I shouldn't have agreed to this. We should just get to the bar and get to work.” My voice is low and I am really trying to get him to realize how much I can’t have this happen. Not right now.

  “Well, I'm sure eating something before doing that is a good thing to do. Better to have something in your system so when you do drink it doesn’t affect you quickly. I think we should stay here.” Is that his best argument? It isn’t a terrible one, but he’s desperately grasping on an excuse right now.

  I shake my head, and before I can verbally protest he stops me.

  “We can just make the smallest small talk there is. How about that?”

  I let out a frustrated sigh. He knows I want to go to the bar. I know he won't let me leave alone, afraid I would do it by myself. And I would. I really shouldn't let him take control like this, it's screwing with his ego.

  “Come on Miles. You know I want to get this solved. I can't do that if I'm sitting here with you, like this.” I try to say it softly, but I need to get this operation of mine back on track.

  “Okay, Vega. How about something small to eat then we'll go? I suppose I'm just nervous having you out there. Can we just go and scout? I don't like you doing this.” The intensity in his eyes softens and his smile drops as he waits for my answer.

  This is a complete change in demeanor. I was expecting him to fight a little more, but he’s complying, actually compromising. Not that I don’t want him to, I just didn’t expect it to be this easy. I notice a conflicted, emotional look in his eyes as I look back to him.

  I’m not used to having someone tag along. This isn’t something I thought would happen and I really don’t want to change my plan. I go in, I act how I’ve been and hoping I can catch this guy. Now Miles is here and threatening to watch me closely. I’m not sure how I can accomplish my task in the manner I was going to. Recklessly.

  Chapter 16

  Miles

  Vega is beyond stubborn. We ended up having a small bite and went out to the bar. Did nothing but talk about where she will sit, where I will sit and what she plans to do, also giving me a small hint of a profile of who we may be looking for, which didn’t really help. Look for someone who is eyeing women, or following them. We need more evidence to go on, or we’ll get nothing.

  We step into the small bar. Definitely a lack of room where a small crowd would fill this place easily. It has a high traffic of people, and as far as we know, hasn't been picked yet. We walk in separately, sit at opposite sides of the bar, and order the same drink. I don’t like this.

  I sit back and watch her. She takes in every person in this place, as do I. A few eyes on her as she looks around, but none that seem to be threatening. Then again, he probably won't come across as that.

  As soon as our eyes meet, a small smile appears on her face for a second. She's nervous. How did I miss it the first night? Out of the time I spent watching her the night we met, I didn’t see that nervousness or hesitation. Maybe me being here is making her insecure? I hope so.

  It hasn’t been long since we came in, but my nerves are on edge, and I stare at the empty seat next to her. I should be there. I’m about to get up and take the seat next to her when a tall dark-haired man takes the seat instead and orders a drink. I watch him as he not so subtly looks at her. Watching her every time she moves, looking her body over, and I want to step between them. She checked him before he even sat down, so now she's avoiding him and putting up her guard. Good.

  I take a sip of my drink and scan the bar again. There is a lot of traffic for sure. I'm afraid the later it gets the more crowded it will become and a lot harder to look for what we need to find. That’s probably how he works.

  We should have worked on a code or something for when she wants out of a situation or needs me to rescue her. I can only do so much while I just watch, so I’ll have to watch her body cues. I’m sure she’d give me a look, or something letting me know she’s uncomfortable. Or I can imagine it and make that my excuse to get her the hell out of here.

  This guy leans close to her and mumbles something. A soft smile pulls on her lips and she gently covers her mouth to stop a flirty laugh. No, I don't like this. Her eyes flash up to me for a second, with her smile not fading from her lips. He leans in again and she blushes. This is torture. I look around the bar to distract myself from the urge to pull her out of here, so far I haven't noticed any other women in here ordering the drink of choice. I just have a man encroaching on Vega that I need to stop.

  I ask the bartender to send her a drink. Once he places it in front of her she looks to me. The guy did as well, and does not look pleased. A bold move by me. Maybe he’ll back off. She, however, accepts the drink. I hold my glass up and smile. She nods and does the same. The guy leans in again and puts his mouth too damn close to her ear.

  She can see my discomfort, being out like this is worse than I thought it would be. I keep them in the peripheral of my vision as I scan the crowded bar once more. Taking in the women and noticing tonight isn’t going to be the night we see him.

  Less than thirty seconds later, there’s an agonizing groan. When I turn my full attention back to them, I see this man fall backwards onto the floor. Vega stands over him while holding her hand. I rush to her as my heart races. What the hell just happened?

  “Everything okay?” I ask as I place my hands on her shoulders and I look her over. I don’t see any injuries.

  “Just fine.” She says, grabbing her glass and tossing the liquid onto his face. “Some people need to learn personal space.” She growls as this man holds his jaw, she attempts a lunge at him, but lets me hold her back. He takes too long of a look at her clearly agitated. Walking away as soon as he can see the deathly threat on my face. He better get out of here, or the damage Vega did will be nothing compared to what I will do.

  “We're leaving, Vega.” She doesn't reject my demand, she nods as I take her hand and pull her to the car. “Do you always get into fights when you go to the bar?” There’s not stopping my frustration.

  She giggles. “No. Definitely not, I think, usually if Elara is with me I’m good.”

  “Vega? Are you okay?” This woman hasn't giggled around me. Didn't know she could through all that aggression she’s been showing me.

  I help her into the passenger seat of my car and rush into the driver’s seat. “Are you okay?”

  “Mm-hm. Just fine, Miles. Why?” She leans into the seat and closes her eyes.

  “What happened?” I demand. I better get some answers out of her. I'm not liking how she's acting.

  “Bastard was able to slip me something in my drink. Once I tasted it, I hit him.” She rolls her head to look at me. “Thanks.” She quietly mutters. Her eyes are glassy. Crap, she thanked me. Yeah, that drug definitely got to her.

  “Vega? I- I’m going to take you to the hospital. I don’t like this.” I start heading towards the hospital making her eyes widen and she perks up.

  “No.” She breathes out.

  “What the hell do you mean, 'no'?” I slow my pace until I can figure this out.

  “The idiot crew won’t let me work with them if I’m in the hospital at all.” Her words are a little slurred as she hold
s her hand to her head.

  “I'm taking you back to my place then. I can't leave you like this.”

  “Fine. Whatever.” She rests her eyes and her body relaxes into the seat.

  “Talk to me, Vega. We've got a few more minutes until we get to my place. I need you to talk to me.” Hell, I need to get her alert. Get her some coffee, or something to keep her awake.

  I get a few answers out of her while we made our way to my house. I carry her inside, and lay her on the couch. I need her to drink some water. Something to help this pass quickly. I run my hand through my hair nearly pulling it out. How could I let this happen? This is exactly why she shouldn't be doing this. Even with me there she's still at risk.

  I grab a glass of water and sit next to her on the couch, placing her head on me.

  “Hey, Vega. Drink this.” I whisper.

  “Hm? I'm fine Miles. Just need to relax for a bit.” She says as she curls up on the couch, making herself comfortable. Well, great. I grab a blanket and a few pillows covering her up. I sit back down with her head on me. I can't help but run my hand through her hair. She’s asleep instantly. There’s no way I’m sleeping tonight, I need to make sure she’s okay.

  *​​*​​*

  “Ugh. What the fuck?” Her grumbled voice jolts me. She attempts to sit up but has a hard time holding herself up. I hold my hand on her making her lie still and run my hand over her head a few times, brushing her soft hair away from her face.

  “How are you feeling?” I keep my voice quiet.

  “Headache. That's all. Why am I not home?” She finally manages to sit up but lays her head against the back of the couch. I don’t like this.

  “Because some asshole at the bar drugged you and I wasn't leaving you by yourself.” I get up and grab some medicine and water. “Here.” I hand her the pills. “For your headache. You okay Vega?”

  “Yeah. I'll be fine. Unfortunately it's not the first time that's happened. But thank you.” This has happened before? How did she get home safely the other time? Hell, it should have made her realize her risky position and discontinue her search. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.