Read Online Pack Balance by Crissy Smith - Free Book Online Page A

We have to take this to the captain. We should be able to get a warrant now,” Cooper replied. He reached for his cell phone when Josiah grabbed his arm.
    “I think we need to talk to the captain in person. The mayor has a lot of powerful friends. Probably has spies watching us and the captain if he knows we’re close to busting the Bradleys. We don’t want to tip off the wrong person,” Josiah said.
    “You’re right. I don’t really want to leave either. We need to watch for any more activity,” Cooper said.
    “How about this. We’ll call Fisher and Turner. We need to let them know we have information for the homicide part of the investigation anyway. Then we’ll split up. Turner can take your place and you and Fisher can head back to the station and start the paperwork on the warrant and get Cap updated,” Josiah suggested.
    “That’ll work for me,” Cooper agreed.
    “Here.” Josiah handed him the camera. “Keep an eye out. I’ll get hold of Fisher.”
    Cooper watched the building closely. The two vehicles were parked in an alley, but there was a back lot that should be empty. If he shifted, he’d be able to get closer and maybe overhear something. He glanced at his partner when Josiah had finished his call.
    “What?” Josiah asked.
    “I want to shift,” Cooper told him.
    Josiah ran his gaze from the building back to Cooper. He grinned. “It’ll take Fisher and Turner about twenty minutes before they get here. Go ahead.”
    He quickly opened his door and slipped from the front seat to the back. He started to undress as Josiah took over surviving the building. “You owe me lunch after this,” Cooper said.
    “You got it. I’ll pick up the usual and bring it to the station.” Josiah always took care of Cooper after a shift. He knew how much energy it took for him to transform back and forth so quickly.
    Cooper finished pulling his clothes off before he closed his eyes and concentrated. All he had to do was form a picture in his head and give himself over to the change. It was quick and painless, and in just a few minutes he was furry. He leaned forward and licked his partner’s face.
    “Yuck!” Josiah pushed him away. “You do that every time.”
    He did, but since Josiah never stopped him, even though he had to know it was coming, Cooper didn’t think his partner really minded. He pawed at the door, letting Josiah know he was ready. Josiah climbed out of the front seat and opened the back door for him. He jumped down and stretched. He hated transforming in a vehicle but in his line of work, he often found himself shifting in strange places. With his run the night before, his wolf was focused and eager to work.
    Cooper butted his head against Josiah’s hand then took off. He moved with speed to avoid anyone getting a good look at him. He raced across the street before flattening his side against the bar. He concentrated on bringing in the scents and sounds around him. He could hear the low murmur of voices coming through the worn wood that covered the broken window but couldn’t make out the words.
    As quietly as possible he crept forward, staying in the shadows that the building provided. He made his way to the side where the two vehicles were. Nose to the ground, he breathed deeply. Yes, there were only three fresh scents. Lexis and Jordan Bradley, along with the mayor’s. He continued past the closed door where the three men had entered, along the wall to the back of the building. The lot was overgrown with weeds that tickled his nose but he couldn’t let that bother him. The stink of piss, vomit and stale beer was strong and he had to ignore the horrible scents. Back here, the windows were also boarded up but they were falling apart. Rot or weather had cracked several of them. Cooper darted under the worst of the damage to stand directly under the small opening that a broken board provided.
    “We need more product,” Lexis Bradley spoke.
    Cooper’s ears perked up.
    “I’ll get