“Ah, you love me, scotch or not,” Cooper said, before closing the door.
“Debatable.”
Cooper’s smile fell away. “I’ve got good and bad news.”
“Hit me,” Stryker said.
“There’s chatter Spinetti has a contract out on you,” Cooper said.
“Is that the good news?”
“No, idiot, that’s the bad news. You need to hire protection.”
This time, Stryker chuffed out a laugh. “I’ll be fine. No one’s gonna kill me.”
“You run a cybersecurity firm. What do you know about defending yourself?”
While Stryker loved Cooper like a brother, he kept his dark side hidden from his law enforcement friend. The only thing worse than someone putting out a contract for him, was Stryker going to prison for his vigilantism.
“Spinetti called me last week,” Stryker said.
Up went Cooper’s eyebrows. “How the hell did that happen?”
“He got himself a burner and then he dialed. Not too difficult.”
“And he threatened you?”
“He didn’t call to thank me.”
“Dammit, Stryker, hire a damn security detail.”
Not happening.Stryker did not need men trailing his every move. “I can take care of myself. What’s the good news?” Stryker asked, redirecting the conversation.
“I’m up for promotion.”
“Congrats, my brother.” He studied his friend. “You don’t want this new job, do you?”
Cooper sat on the edge of the sofa and raked his hand over his beard. “I’m burned out. I’m tired of the criminal getting off on a technicality. I’m tired of our evidence getting fucked up and becoming inadmissible in court. The bad guys are winning.”
Stryker pulled out two shot glasses and a bottle of scotch from his credenza. “Remind me, what are you interviewing for?”
“Special Agent in Charge.”
Stryker poured their drinks, handed one to his friend.
“Why the hell are we drinking in the middle of the afternoon?” Cooper asked.
“To a promotion you don’t want.”
They tapped their glasses together and downed the booze.
“What’s the problem?” Stryker asked before storing the bottle.
“The position’s in Vegas. I don’t want to transfer again.”
Stryker smiled. “Looks like the contract on my lifeisthe good news.”
Cooper’s phone rang and he silenced it. “Gotta run. Watch your back.”