“Listen—”
She held up her hand, stopping whatever he was about to say. “I was going to suggest you meet me at my place tonight, but I have other plans tonight and tomorrow. How about the day after?”
The man rested his hands on his hips. “Exactly who do you think I am?”
“Logan Bane.”
The man’s eye twitched when he pulled out his wallet and flipped it open. “Sorry to disappoint doll, but I’m Detective Jake Crews. I believe you saw my mother today.”
“Oh, right. The cop who doesn’t believe in stalkerish ghosts. That’s a shame.” Ryley slowly glanced down his body and back up. “You had potential.”
“You’re the psychic she told about the ghost,” Jake asked, stepping into Ryley’s space.
“Yeah. She wants me to fix this for her.” And though this would be her first time trying to deal with a stalking ghost, Ryley was up for the challenge. She just prayed she wouldn’t get caught in any potential crossfire, and that the black cloud of faces didn’t decide to arrive at the worst possible moment while she was helping the ghost into the light.
Jake’s eyes narrowed. “How much did she give you?”
Ryley’s brows dipped, and she grabbed the handle and yanked the door open. “I think we’re done here.”
“Lady, if you took money from her, I’ll make it my mission in life to make yours miserable.”
Interest mixing with something stronger slid through Ryley’s body. Her lips twisted at the corner. “Stronger men have tried and failed.” She nudged his shoulder as she moved past him. “Good luck with that.”
She walked out of the backroom and back up to the bar and slid behind it. Kent’s worried gaze held hers as she approached. “The guy at the end of the bar is asking for you.”
“Two in one day. I must be getting popular.” Ryley glanced around Kent to find another good-looking man at the end of the bar, only this one looked like ten times more trouble than the last. “Thanks.”
She approached the end of the bar when Detective Crews stopped. The man rose, and they stood in each other’s face.
“Crews,” the man growled.
“Bane,” the detective answered.
“Oh well, you know each other. Perfect.” Ryley smiled at Crews. “If I end up dead, this will help you solve the case, Detective Crews. You’ll know where to look.” Ryley gestured with her pointer finger giving Bane the gesture to follow her with a wink of her eye. “Come on, killer. I have a small room I want to introduce you to.”
Crew’s frown deepened.
“Looks like my night just got a lot more interesting.” Bane grinned in passing. “Don’t worry. You’re leaving her in good hands.”
Ryley ignored them both and headed for the storage room again.
This time she didn’t bother shutting the door. Bane stepped inside. His gaze darted around the supplies before settling on her. His face softened. “Men like Crews are users.”
“I don’t recall asking for advice,” Ryley said.
Bane shut the door. “It was free, and the least I could do for the person who’s going to help clear my name.”
“Assuming you can be helped,” Ryley held up her hands for him to see. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to pat you down to make sure you aren’t carrying a weapon or wearing a wire. You’ll have to forgive me. I’ve been screwed over before.”
Bane’s lips twisted higher. “Did you pat down Crews?”
Ryley rolled her eyes. “I made him take off his shirt.”
“Oh, well, then it’s only fair you give me the same thorough search.” Bane reached for the material behind his neck and had it pulled off his body in one swell swoop.
Bane was sculpted and obviously didn’t miss a day at the gym. He had a tattoo on his arm that was identical to the one Crew’s bore. Had they been friends at one time? Maybe in the same military unit.
Bane followed her eyesight. “Let me guess, the second time you’ve seen that today.”
She grinned. “Yep. You two must be friends.”
“We’re still best friends, can’t you tell?” Bane said.
Her eyes drifted down, landed on the purple bruise on his ribs. “What happened there? A friendly punch?”
“Lucky shot,” Bane answered.
She lowered her gaze to the tattoo on his side that slid down into his jeans.
Bane lifted a brow and reached for the button on his jeans. “Just say the word, babe, and I’ll show you that one, too.”
“I’ve had a long day and have an even longer night ahead of me. So, don’t bother flirting. You aren’t getting lucky.”
Bane chuckled as he slid his shirt back over his head. “You’re an interesting little thing. I can see why Crews is into you.”
“He’s not.” Ryley cleared her throat. “So, my brother claims you’re innocent. Is that true?”
“Innocent enough of the crime they’re trying to pin on me.” He shrugged and winked.
There were no attached spirits around him to tell her one way or another, but her gut said she could trust him. His spirit wasn’t white and light like most, but it wasn’t dark like the creepy crawlies either. This guy walked the line, similar to Ryley.
He wasn’t completely innocent of all crimes like he said, but he was probably innocent of the one they were trying to pin on him. Something told her that Bane was smart enough not to leave any evidence behind if he were truly the one responsible.
“Fine,” she said and tilted her head. “I’ll need a grand upfront.”
“A grand,” he asked with dipped brows. “I can go see any psychic over in the arts district and pay two hundred dollars at most.”
“Great. Go see them.” Ryley pulled the door open.
Bane reached for his wallet and pulled out ten crisp hundreds.
She didn’t even want to know how he made his money.
“And what guarantees do I get?”
“If I can’t connect and get you what you need, then you get a refund. Fair and square.” Ryley slipped the money into her bra.
His gaze followed the
