Covert Pursuit (6 page)

“Hmm, something smells good,” he said.

“It is good. Have you eaten at Fiona’s?” she asked as she preceded him to the kitchen.

“Oh, yeah. One of the island’s best.”

“Sit. Let me serve you,” she said when he entered the kitchen.

“I’d rather help,” he countered and stuck his hand in a pot holder. “Is the lasagna ready to come out?”

“I’m sure it is,” she said, watching him take the pan of lasagna from the oven and move it to the stovetop. She liked that he wanted to help and that he didn’t just expect to be catered to.

“Serving spoon?”

She pointed to a drawer next to the stove.

She took the salad to the table and then returned to pop the bread in the still-hot oven. “This will just take a minute or two.”

“I’ll dish us up some lasagna,” he said and reached for the two plates sitting on the counter.

This companionable ease with which they moved around the kitchen felt at turns odd and yet so right. She didn’t entertain much at her apartment, preferring to dine out on dates. It was much easier to control the situation in a public venue.

Allowing anyone into her private world wasn’t something she did easily or often. She’d learned the hard way that men were either turned off or intimidated by her career or wanted to conquer her to build up their own egos.

She’d really like to find a guy who was comfortable in his own skin and comfortable letting her be herself. She eyed Jason speculatively. Could he be that guy? Definitely worth considering.

They sat to eat. She hesitated a moment. Normally, she liked to pray before partaking of her meals. Would Jason mind?

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No,” she said quickly, unsure how to ask if he’d
be okay with her saying a blessing over their food. She could always say it silently. God would hear her.

“Would you like for me to say grace?”

Surprised, she beamed. “Please do.”

His clear blue eyes twinkled before he bowed his head. Angie followed suit, but she struggled to keep her gaze off his face. She doubted this man humbled himself much to anyone. But knowing he did before the Lord warmed her from the inside out.

“Dear Lord, thank you for this food you’ve provided. Please bless it to our bodies. I ask that you would watch over us as we move forward in our endeavors. Amen.”

“Amen,” she murmured, liking his simple yet straightforward prayer. She picked up the salad tongs. “May I?”

He held out his plate. “Please.”

She grinned at how their formality contrasted with their encounter behind the Corrinda estate. “How did you know I’d want to pray?”

His gaze flicked to her neck. “I noticed the cross you wear.”

The tiny gold symbol of her faith lay against her skin beneath her T-shirt, the light pressure comforting. “Have you been a believer your whole life?”

He dropped his gaze and concentrated on his plate. “Yes.” He took a bite of food, preventing him from answering further.

When he didn’t elaborate, she decided not to press. One’s faith was a personal journey to be respected.
Obviously, he wanted to keep that part of himself private. But why did the fact that he didn’t want to open up and talk about his faith sting?

Pushing away the unsettling thought, she changed the subject by asking, “Did you talk to your SAC?”

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he nodded. “I have permission to fill you in. But, just so you know, your superior isn’t too happy.”

She grimaced. “I’ll bet. Taking a vacation hadn’t exactly been my idea. My boss had practically demanded I use my accumulated vacation time before I lost it.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” he teased.

She made a face. She couldn’t help that she was a workaholic. And the timing of her forced vacation had come just after her detective partner had announced his engagement to heiress Kristina Worthington.

Angie had had a secret crush on Gabe since the day they’d been partnered. But acting on her feelings would have been disastrous because he’d never been anything other than professional with her. Thankfully, Gabe never knew she’d had feelings for him. At least, she hoped he didn’t know. How embarrassing.

“What are you thinking about?” Jason peered at her intently.

Heat touched her cheeks, but she kept her gaze steady.
Never show weakness,
her father was always telling her brothers.

A sentiment that Angie had adopted as well, whether Dad had intended her to do so or not. “Nothing worth mentioning.”

His gaze narrowed. “Something that makes you sad.”

“I’m not sad.” She hated how easily he read her.

He arched an eyebrow, challenging her statement.

“Shouldn’t you be filling me in on your assignment?”

A knowing smile played at the corners of his well-shaped mouth. Obviously he was well aware she’d used the question to divert the subject. “Yes.”

He sat back, settling in to tell his tale. “About a year ago we had intel that an illegal arms dealer was working out of New Mexico, shipping contraband through Mexico to the Middle East. The Mexican government had found the connection in their country and asked the U.S. to take care of the problem on our end. We tracked the dealer, a man named Felix Picard, to a villa outside Anapra.

“Only problem was, Picard had somehow been tipped off. He was gone.” Jason’s lips twisted with bitterness and a haunted expression entered his eyes. “A good man lost his life that night.”

Angie sensed Jason’s pain as he’d sensed hers just moments ago. She reached across the table to lay her hand over his clenched fist. “Someone you were close to.”

He nodded. “My partner, Garrett. We’d gone to high school together. Joined the military together and then ICE.”

Her heart ached with sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”

He met her gaze. “He shouldn’t have died. And when I find Picard, I’ll make the man pay.”

Angie frowned, not liking the note of vicious hatred behind his words. “You’ll bring the man to justice, you mean.”

One side of Jason’s mouth lifted in a near snarl. “Yeah. Justice.”

Up until that moment she hadn’t understood why she was there, but now she did. God had sent her to Loribel because Jason really did need her. Needed her to make sure he didn’t do something foolish, like the premeditated murder of Picard.

“You think this guy is here on the island? What is the connection to the Corrinda family?”

He blinked, his expression clearing, returning to the man she’d come to know over the past few days. “Yes to the first question and don’t know yet to the second.”

“Do you have a photo of Picard? Maybe I’ve seen him.”

Jason heaved a beleaguered sigh. “That’s the problem.” He ran his hands through his hair in obvious frustration. “See, Picard doesn’t exist. At least not in any database on this planet. There’s no birth record, no social security number, no driver’s license. The man’s a phantom.”

“Then how do you know he’s even real?”

“He’s real, all right. We’ve captured men in his employ who have led the authorities to various places where he has stashed weapons. But no one can give a consistent description. Some say he’s albino, others say dark and sinister. Obviously Picard uses disguises.
He could be anyone. And for now the government is content to let him stay under the radar.”

Flabbergasted by that tidbit, she said, “Even though he killed an agent?”

Derision scored his face. “Yeah.”

“Then how can you be here?”

“My boss isn’t so forgiving as the mucky-mucks on Capitol Hill.”

A shiver of trepidation chased up Angie’s spine. “And how do you know he’s on Loribel?”

“We’ve intercepted a shipment of rocket launchers coming out of these waters. They had Picard’s stamp on them.”

“Stamp?”

“Yeah, he’s arrogant enough to put a distinctive stamp in the shape of a capital
P
with an ivy vine and a snake intertwined around the letter.”

“Creepy. Could he be using the Corrinda family as cover? That would make sense given the prime location of the cove.” Nervous anticipation twitched in her stomach. Did she really want to accept the invitation?

“Possibly.” He sat forward, his blue eyes darkening with concern. “Look, you don’t have to do this. I could get you off the island tonight.”

She bolstered her courage and her resolve.
Show no weakness
. “No. I’m doing this.”

He stared at her for a long moment before nodding. “Okay, then. In the morning, you’ll come to my place and I’ll prep you.”

“Prep me?”

“You don’t think I’d let you go in there alone, do you? You’ll have a wire and a video feed.”

“They might anticipate a wire.”

“Trust me. Even if they suspect, they won’t find my state-of-the-art equipment.”

Her heart skipped a beat. What was that adage?
Be careful what you wish for.

Now she understood how true those words were.

T
he next morning, the sky was overcast, the wind had retreated and the rain had ceased. Angie arrived at Jason’s condo per the directions he’d written out the night before since she doubted she’d be able to find it again after she’d dropped him off. The condo complex sprawled over prime beach property adjacent to the marina and was very appealing in the light of day. Probably once landscaped walks led through the center court to Building C, but Angie had to step through scattered bits and pieces of flowers and bushes cluttering the way. A reminder of yesterday’s raging storm.

The central common area of the condo complex needed a bit of cleanup, too, Angie mused. Broken palm fronds lay atop of the round metal tabletops positioned around a concrete patio lined with cold barbecue grills.

She found Unit Ten at the far end of the building facing inland. But Jason hadn’t moved here for the view. Taking a steadying breath, she knocked. A nervous flutter made the banana she’d eaten for breakfast
tumble in her stomach. Because of what the day might bring during her meeting with the Corrindas or because she was about to see Jason again?

She honestly didn’t know.

The door opened to reveal Jason, looking attractive in khaki, pleat-front pants and a navy blue pullover shirt. He had on an empty shoulder holster, also. Gone was the laid-back yachtsman. Jason was all business now. “Good morning. You’re right on time.”

“Morning,” she replied and stepped inside.

He gave her an approving once-over. “Perfect.”

He meant her work outfit, right? She tugged self-consciously on her tailored suit jacket, which she’d been wearing when she arrived on Loribel. She’d chosen her traditional pantsuit and collared button-down blouse because it was professional, yet the lines did a lot for her figure.

The scent of rich coffee permeated the air, offering distraction. “Hmm. That smells good. Can I have a cup?”

“Of course.” He headed toward the open L-shaped kitchen with blond cabinets and stainless-steel appliances.

Angie glanced around, automatically cataloging the room. A desk in the corner with a laptop open and running. Nearby sat a glass-top dining table and four chairs covered in a bold striped material. A hallway led off to the left and had three closed doors. Two bedrooms, she assumed, and a bath.

She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but the contrasts between soothing beiges and splashes of color
piqued her interest. He wasn’t a utilitarian type or messy.

The walls and carpet were a soft cream broken by a dark red sectional with multicolored throw pillows strewn over its surface. A big-screen television, much like the one her eldest brother had given her parents for Christmas, served as the focal point near the sliding-glass doors, which led to a small terrace. Colorful abstract prints graced the walls, pulling the colors of the couch and the creams together.

Various pieces of electronic equipment lay scattered over the surface of the square coffee table in front of the couch.

She arched an eyebrow. “Is all that for me?”

Jason laughed as he handed her a steaming mug of coffee. “Not
all
of it. Come sit down.”

Holding the mug with both hands and inhaling the aromatic perfume of the rich coffee, Angie followed him to the couch and sat beside him, vividly aware of the energy coming from him. “So what does a super-secret ICE agent have in his grab bag?”

He picked up a small disc about the size of a quarter. “This is a tracking device. Can I have your shoe?”

She slipped off one of the soft-soled Mary Jane shoes as an uneasy feeling rose in the pit of her stomach. “Why do I need tracking?”

“You can’t be too careful.”

He was thorough, she’d give him that.

He took out the insole of the shoe and placed the round disc inside and then replaced the insole before
handing the shoe back to her. “I don’t think we’ll need it, but—”

“Just in case,” she finished for him, not even wanting to contemplate a scenario where the tracking device would be needed. But knowing he’d have her back gave her a big dose of comfort.

He dug through a small box. “This is a button camera with audio feed.” He held up a small unit that did indeed look like a navy button on the front, with matching coated wiring on the back and a short dark cable dangling down. “May I have your coat?”

Setting her coffee down on the table, she shrugged out of her navy suit jacket. He cut off the top button and replaced it with the button camera, hiding the cable beneath the lapel of the coat. He held the garment up for inspection. She couldn’t tell the difference between the buttons. Impressive. “This won’t set off any alarms if they wand you.”

He referred to a handheld metal detector. “I should probably leave my Glock with you then, too,” she said.

“Probably wise.”

She slipped her holster and weapon from her waistband and handed them over. Jason clipped the holster to his own waistband. Angie felt naked without her piece.

From another small box Jason took out something that looked like a flesh-toned piece of wax. “An earpiece. You’ll be able to hear me.”

“I’ve used these before. You’ve thought of everything,” she commented as she took the device from him. Their fingers brushed, sending small little shivers
up her arm. How could such a simple touch affect her so? It didn’t make sense.

She put the piece in her ear, wiggling it around to get it comfortable. He inspected her ear, his face close. If she turned her head, their lips would meet. She held herself still even as the urge to turn toward him gripped her in an iron fist. The last thing she needed was to make a mess of the situation by acting like a love-crazed teen. When he moved back, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d held.

“Looks good,” he said and handed her back her coat. “Are you ready?”

“You bet.” As ready as she’d ever be considering she was going in wired. Investigation was her forte, not acting. But she could do this. She was sure of it.

Jason picked up a handheld device a little bigger than a PDA that blipped a red dot. He held it out for her view. “That red dot is you.”

Then he clicked a button and turned the screen for her to see. The image on the handheld was of the room from the angle of the button camera. “I can monitor you from anywhere.”

“Cool,” she said.

“The latest and greatest of techno wonders.” He picked up a briefcase, cleared a spot on the table and then opened the lid to reveal two semiauto weapons and several clips of ammo. He armed himself, placing one loaded gun in the shoulder holster and the other in an ankle holster. He dropped a clip into each front pocket. “We’re good to go.”

After grabbing a black rain slicker from the hall closet, Jason led the way back to Angie’s car. He put another small tracking device beneath the front passenger wheel well. As she slid into the driver’s side, he opened the back and climbed in.

“What are you doing?” She turned in her seat to stare at him. “You’re not coming with me.”

He grinned. “Just drive. When we get close to the gate I’ll get out.”

Feeling queasy with nervous anticipation, she nodded and started the engine. Aware of Jason in the backseat, his heated gaze warming her cheeks, Angie tried to concentrate on the road, weaving around debris and pedestrians. Ten minutes later, when she reached the place where she’d parked yesterday, she pulled over.

Jason laid a hand on her shoulder, the pressure reassuring and warm. “Be careful. If you feel threatened or in any danger, just say
time out
and I’ll come in after you.”

Somehow she didn’t doubt that he would come to her rescue if she needed it. She dipped her chin until she touched the back of his hand. “Thanks.”

She could handle this. She’d handled worse. Entering the privileged world of the Corrinda family would be a walk in the park compared to some of the gang-infested housing projects she’d had to deal with in the past.

But she also knew overconfidence could get her killed.

Out of habit, she reached toward her hip to touch her Glock, needing the security its presence brought. Not there. It was securely fastened at Jason’s waist. She suppressed a shiver.

Dear Lord, please watch over me. Protect me.

Jason slipped out of the car and she drove the rest of the way to the gate. In the light of day, the massive wrought-iron structure framed by the dark storm clouds still present in the sky created a gothic picture that sent a chill skating over her skin.

The small guardhouse was still unmanned, so she rolled down the window and pushed the red button on the keypad, hoping that was the correct way to announce her arrival.

A male voice asked for her name. She gave it and then a second later the large gate creaked open, the metal scraping across the paved road adding to the spooky feel. Beyond the gate, the stunning house came into view as she drove forward to park near brick steps leading to the front door.

She got out of the car and stared up at the large mansion. Pristine and well kept. Many windows with balconies and sheer curtains blocking the interior view.

What secrets did this house hold? She’d soon find out.

As she approached the enormous wood front door, it swung open. A tall older man wearing a dark suit and white dress shirt stood waiting, his aged face pressed into unsmiling repose. “Detective Carlucci, come in. You are awaited in the dining hall.”

“Thank you.” No wand or pat down. She let out a little relieved breath. Her surveillance equipment would go undetected.

She followed her greeter through the elaborate entryway with its wide staircase and gleaming wood floors, through a set of French doors to a large dining room. Which indeed looked like a long hall. An extended table set for lunch dominated the center of the room.

Both of the end seats were occupied and in the middle were four chairs. Three of which were also occupied by two identical men and a woman.

Angie blinked back surprise. She hadn’t expected to see one man in particular.

In her ear, Jason said,
“What is he doing there? Angle a little to the left so I can get a better view.”

Accommodating the request, Angie shifted to give the button camera a better view of the whole table.

“Better.”

The elderly man who sat at the head of the table rose and, leaning heavily on a cane, shuffled forward to take her hand. His linen shirt and slacks hung from his thin body. His gnarled fingers were calloused and rough against her skin. Dark, probing eyes stared at her from an olive-toned face, wrinkled from the passage of time. “My dear, let me introduce myself, Horatio Corrinda. So glad you could join us today. I understand you’ve been asking about our family.”

No secrets in this town.
Angie tilted her head in acknowledgment. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“I hope we can answer any questions you may have,” Horatio said.

Jason’s voice echoed in her head.
“Where’s Picard? That’s the question.”

Hoping her face didn’t reveal anything but politeness, Angie said, “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”

“These are my grandsons. Erik and Edmund.” He swept a hand toward the handsome twin men. They were in their mid-thirties and had hair the color of sand and wore finely cut power suits. They nodded in unison.

“Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. What are they doing here?”

Forcing herself to ignore Jason, Angie smiled a greeting, which wasn’t returned by either man. “Do you reside here, as well?”

Edmund answered, his voice cold, “No. We’re just visiting.”

Erik said in a more congenial tone, “I live full-time in Berlin. I understand you’re from Boston. And law enforcement is a family affair.”

“They’ve done their homework.”

“I am,” Angie replied.

Horatio moved to stand beside the woman still seated at the table. “My wife, Karla.”

They made a handsome couple. Angie moved forward to offer her hand to the older woman. “Nice to meet you.”

Karla inclined her head in a regal acknowledgment
as she briefly took Angie’s hand. She had fading blond hair swept up in a top knot and fine porcelain features gently lined with age. The chiffon outfit she wore reminded Angie of the retro sixties outfits so popular in magazines. The woman had to have been stunning in her youth.

“And of course, you know our other guest,” Horatio said with just a trace of amusement in his voice.

“Only too well. Now we know for sure he’s on the Corrindas’ payroll.”

Angie kept her expression neutral as she greeted the man directly across the table. “Chief Decker, interesting surprise.”

Decker gave her a tight thinning of his lips in a semblance of a smile. “Mr. Corrinda asked me to join you all this morning because he wasn’t sure of your intentions. Nor is your boss.”

She blinked. He’d spoken to Chief McDaniel? Before or after ICE contacted him?

“Cheap shot calling her boss, Decker, but not a hit.”

Angie hid a smile at Jason’s words. To Decker she said, “My intentions are the same as they were when I came into your office a few days ago.”

His eyes hardened. “You’re not on duty, Officer. I will not have you running around my island upsetting the citizens with your accusations and innuendos. You are on vacation, Detective. I suggest you act like it.”

She’d struck a nerve, huh? What was the police
chief’s story? “I haven’t accused anyone of anything nor have I alluded to anything other than what I’ve witnessed.”

She was sure Decker had already told the Corrindas everything, but to be sure, she turned to Horatio. “Did Chief Decker tell you I saw a body bag being dumped in the ocean? Did he explain to you that a boat that I was in was stopped and boarded by armed men in a boat that now is moored in your cove? Did he also tell you that those same men chased me away from the cove?”

“Ohhhh, the subtle approach. That’s the way to lay it all out there. Gustsy but risky. Just say the word, and I’m there.”

With Jason talking in her ear, Angie barely heard Karla’s small gasp while the twins exchanged a glance that Angie couldn’t read.