Dawna shrugged. “He could achieve that by forcing you off his turf.”
Cooper shook his head. “He thinks I’m a threat ’cause I’ve seen through his smoke screen. He wants me locked away so I can’t make trouble for him. What’s more, by fingering me, he enhances his credibility. Law enforcement won’t give his activities the same scrutiny if he’s their informant.” Cooper forked the last of his breakfast into his mouth and studied Dawna’s untouched plate. He swallowed and said, “Figured a big girl like you would enjoy a hearty breakfast.”
“Your story ruined my appetite.” His story and her quandary. She shoved her plate to one side. “Sounds to me like you teed off the wrong guy. Why do you think I can help?”
Cooper’s smile was weak. “Hate to ask you to turn stoolie, but I could use an objective
