The officer frowned, reaching for his taser. “Do you know this man?”

“Hello.” Emmett gave a little wave. The smirk on his face vanished as he approached them, genuine concern glossed his demonic blue eyes as he reached for her hand. “Lani, honey, are you alright? I got your texts about an intruder. Are they still around?”

Lani staggered back, untangling her hand from Emmett’s. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for dropping by, but I told you the police handled it.” She spared a glance at the younger officer as his partner emerged from the backyard.

“Nobody’s hiding in the backyard. I think we spooked them. I’d suggest putting some cameras up if it persists. Make sure to keep things locked up at all times.” The older man hacked a nasty wad of spit on the ground, catching Emmett’s eye. “Who are you?”

“Just a close friend.” Emmett smirked. “Lani texted me when she thought someone was trying to break in. I’ll stay with her until her father gets here, so you don’t need to worry.”

While Lani wanted to argue, she knew it would do nobody well to get Emmett in trouble. Instead, she nodded along and watched the two officers climb back in their police cruisers. Only when they sped back off down the road did unease blossom in her chest again.

“Why are you here?” Lani asked.

“Heard about an intruder and wanted to check up on your family.” Emmett adjusted his black overcoat. “Where’s everyone else?”

“The bakery,” Lani replied. “How did you know about an intruder?”

“We have a police scanner.” Emmett shrugged.

“Whatever, you can leave now. I’m safe.” Lani made her way back on the porch, whirling around to face the blond gangster who followed her. “Do you need something?”

“Wouldn’t it be wise if I stayed with you?” Emmett asked. “Until your dad comes back.”

Lani narrowed her eyes at him, wishing she’d brought the kitchen knife. “No, I don’t trust you.”

“I’m not gonna hurt you.” Emmett spread his hands. “I have no reason to kill you and I’m not a rapist. You’re not particularly my type either.”

Lani raised a brow. “That’s rude and not reassuring at all. Please, go away before I call the police back.”

“Your brother’s more my type than you.” Emmett smirked, coming up beside her to open the door. “If he ever gets tired of August…”

“Stay away from Casey. You’re the last thing he needs to get involved with.”

“Thing?” Emmett scoffed, stepping inside their home unwelcomed. “Smells good in here. Are you cooking chili?”

“Just heating up leftovers,” Lani muttered. “Before I was interrupted.”

“Kaz cooks that for us all the time. It’s the best I’ve ever had.” A genuine smile crept across his face.

“Kaz?”

“My partner in crime.”

So, he wasn’t kidding about being gay. Lani found that fascinating, but she didn’t question him further. How did that work, considering his gang ties? She knew damn well his cronies would beat the hell out of him if they knew of his sexuality, so why did he openly admit his relationship to her?

Maybe it was a deceptive tactic to get her to let her guard down. Casey warned her how convincing that blond devil could be.

“So, about that woman you killed- ”

“Let me stop you right there.” Lani held her hand up, as if that’s all it would take to silence him. “I did not kill anyone. There’s no evidence to suggest I did and no cop has tried to arrest me for it either.”

“Not yet.”

Lani groaned. “Why do you think I did it? Who started that god awful rumor?”

Emmett shrugged. “Witnesses at your bakery saw you argue with her earlier that day. Maybe they exaggerated the truth. I wanted to warn you about it because she had ties to the Black Vipers gang.”

“You’re kidding.” Lani glared at him, slack jawed.

“Afraid not. She was a drug runner for them. A pretty damn good one, apparently. I’m concerned they’ll come after you and your family as payback.”

“But I didn’t kill her!”

“It doesn’t look good for you right now, Lani. Even if you didn’t, if the Vipers put enough pressure on this, the police will be forced to make an arrest. They’ll choose their best suspect.”

Lani blanched. “That’s ridiculous. Are the police really that incompetent enough to let some gangsters bully them?”

“Of course. Have you met New Syracuse PD?” Emmett scoffed. “Look, I know you don’t like me, but I made a promise to keep your family safe so long as you keep up your end of the bargain.”

He meant using their bakery to launder their blood money.

“I’ll figure things out if it comes to that.” Lani contained stirring her chili. “We always get through any shit that’s thrown our way.”

Emmett nodded. “I respect that. Just know, you’re not alone now. You have me to back you up. I have my own personal criminal lawyer if you need it. I’ll do everything I can to keep you out of prison.”

“How sweet of you,” Lani sneered.

“I have to admit, you’re growing on me, Raggedy Anne. What are your plans in life, hmm? College hasn’t taken you anywhere and you’re still living at home.” Emmett gestured around the room. “We could use a clever gal like you in the Voiceless Rebels.”

Lani dropped her spoon in the pan of chili, mouth agape. “Are you seriously trying to recruit me right now?” Laughter rattled off her lungs. “No thanks, man. I saw what that shit did to Veronica. I want no part of it.”

“Just an offer.” Emmett propped himself back against the counter. “I think you’re smarter than Veronica was. You wouldn’t fall down the same path of drug abuse like she did.”

“No, I won’t because I have no plans of involving myself in any gang business.”

“I’m sure Casey used to tell himself the same thing, right?” Emmett asked.

Lani shrugged. “Desperation led him to you. If Wyatt hadn’t been kidnapped, he never would’ve turned to you for help.”

“What about your father?” Something sinister crossed the gangster’s face as he crept closer toward her. “Haven’t you wondered where he’s gone? It’s getting quite late out, isn’t it?”

Lani side-eyed the knife block, suspicion churning in her stomach. “Did you do something to my dad?”

“Me? Of course not.” Mock innocence danced in his shady eyes. “I’ve been here with you. And no, I didn’t send any of my people after him. I need you all alive to keep your bakery flourishing.”

“You’re selling him drugs, aren’t you?” Lani asked before she could stop herself.

Emmett’s amused grin faded. “Yeah, Kaz has been dealing to him. Mr. Lockhart planned to meet him tonight, but he hasn’t shown up.”

“Again? This soon?” Lani frowned. “What’s he buying?”

“Usually Oxy.”

Lani nodded, blinking her eyes fiercely to keep the tears at bay. She wouldn’t dare cry in front of that devil. “I appreciate your honesty, even if there’s hidden motives behind it. We’ll have a talk with Dad later.”

“There’s something else you should know,” Emmett cautioned. “It’s highly unusual. Our customers sample their supply once purchased, but your dad never does. We offered him a bit extra if he took it in front of us, but he still refused.”

“You tried to give him more?” Lani glowered.

“It’s a common trick.” Emmett shrugged. “One your dad wasn’t falling for. Or, like I suspect, he’s not buying the drugs for himself.”

“What?” Lani shook her head. “I don’t understand. Then who is he buying him for?”

“Well, that’s what I was hoping to learn from you, Lani.”