Lloyd Lasky is a seasoned operative for the Whitlock Detective Agency in Denver that often infiltrates outlaw gangs in order to thwart stagecoach robberies. When he’s assigned to infiltrate the Bonner Gang based in Devil’s Paw, Arizona Territory, he’s unprepared for the personal ambush his heart suffers over gang member Frank Metty.<br><br>Taking up sex with Frank, Lloyd convinces himself that doing so is part of his job in solidifying his place in the gang and learning of their plans. But as time passes, Lloyd not only starts to care for the younger man, but jealousy also rears its ugly head when it becomes clear the gang leader, Merle Bonner, also has a sexual claim on Frank.<br><br>When the line between self-indulgence and detective work blurs to the point where Lloyd considers not only breaking agency rules but breaking the law, will he be able to ignore his ever-growing sexual desires and successfully complete his dangerous mission?

Devil's Paw

“I won’t be put to bed,” railed Bonner.


Frank handled this with humor. “Last time you said that, I found you laid out in an alley having pissed yourself.”


Bonner laughed. “Must have been awful good whiskey.”


Bonner laughed again, then stood and fell. Frank got him up again, and I saw he was well practiced in this. Before taking Bonner out, Frank said good-night to Rath, who headed to the bar.


A detective’s instincts don’t always please him, and such was now the case. As I trailed behind Frank and Merle, it came to me I would get no more of Frank this night because Bonner was one of those sticky drunks who demanded attention beyond their due. Once the two went into their room, I sought mine. Let Frank surprise me later on, if so inclined


Dawn greeted me on my own, which was fine as I had work to do.


Cleaned up and dressed, I sought the telegraph office, where a message from Whitlock awaited me.


Chapter 7