“Damn, that’s not good.” Conor rubbed his scalp. The Big K was a gang that claimed a hunk of North Kensington as its territory.

“No. It’s definitely not good.” Terry shifted his weight. “The Big K is bad news.”

“All gangs are bad news. What’s the kid doing down here? This isn’t North Kensington.”

Terry shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“This can’t be over a dog.”

“It doesn’t make any sense. We’re trying to find Hector, but you better be extra careful, Conor,” Terry said. “You should be glad you have cops watching you.”

“Thanks.” He stepped back from the car. The idea of the bar—and Conor’s family—making any gang’s radar sent terror skittering across his skin.

The two cops came out of his apartment. “We’re done,” the one holding the camera said. “You’re going to want to call a professional cleaner.”

“Thanks.” Conor went back inside the bar and scanned the room for his sister. The kitchen was closed this late. Behind the bar, Jayne was popping the top off a couple of bottles of beer.

“No word from Reed?”

She shook her head. “Not since dinnertime. Scott is still in ICU.”

“I’m sorry, honey. I haven’t been there for you this week, and now I have to leave again.” He explained about Louisa. “I called Pat. He’s on his way over. He’ll help you close up.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I don’t need Pat to close the bar.”

“I know,” he said. It might tweak Jayne’s pride, but there was no way he was letting pregnant Jayne and old Ernie handle any potential rowdies.

Jayne heaved an exasperated sigh. “You and Pat are overprotective, but I guess you’re too old to change your ways. Now go see Louisa.” Jayne turned Conor around and pushed him toward the door. “Call me or text me. Let me know what’s going on.”

“You let me know if you hear from Reed.”

“’Kay. Love you,” Jayne called after him.

Philadelphia nightlife ended early. The drive took ten minutes. Why did Louisa choose to call Damian over him?

He parked in the garage at the Rittenhouse and gave his name at the desk in the lobby.

“Go on up,” the doorman said.

Two minutes later, Conor knocked softly on her door. It opened. Damian and Kirra greeted him in the foyer.

Damian waved Conor inside.

“I’m glad you’re here.” The lawyer grabbed his keys from the counter. “I was just on my way out, and I really didn’t want to leave her alone.”

“How is she?” Conor stooped to pet the dog. She wagged her tail and then bolted for the master bedroom. The door was ajar, and the dog slipped through the opening. Conor could hear the sound of water running.