Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) (8 page)

And she didn’t like it one bit.

…

Cole listened to the even cadence of Emma’s breathing, recognizing the exact moment when she gave up pretense and succumbed to sleep. She was quite a woman. But then he’d realized that the first night they’d met.

He exhaled a sigh of regret.

Having identified Jacob as a potential member of Forrester’s network, Cole had attended an event for survivors of 9-11 specifically to meet him. It had been almost too easy. Jacob was a likeable guy. Athletic, funny, fiercely loyal to his sister.

Their friendship had been progressing nicely when Jacob invited him to dinner with friends in the restaurant at Cole’s hotel.

When Cole arrived, he discovered the other guests consisted of Jacob’s girlfriend, Cherise, and Emma. He smiled, remembering Emma’s, “Awkward, big brother.” Only it hadn’t been awkward at all. It’d been pretty incredible.

They lingered over dinner, two couples enjoying each other’s company. Then Jacob received a call and had to run. After he and Cherise left, Cole and Emma had talked about everything and nothing until midnight arrived. He’d silenced a pang of conscience before inviting her back to his room.

It was presumptuous, he knew. Too soon. And he was investigating her brother. Yet, she felt so right. So even though it wasn’t at all his style, he’d asked her to join him. She rose on tiptoe to place a lingering kiss on his lips. Then, she turned him down.

He walked her to her car and returned for another drink, forced to confront a fact he’d managed to avoid most of the day. It was the second anniversary of the day he’d nearly killed his squad by trusting a teenage rebel. Zach had saved his life that day, and Cole had learned an important lesson about not confusing
like
with
trust
.

A throaty
hey stranger
had pulled him from his musings to discover Cherise had returned. Forcing himself out of his melancholy, he’d focused on Cherise—a source of information about Jacob. He’d ordered her a drink, smiling although the cloying smell of recently applied perfume left him longing for fresh air. After that, he didn’t remember much. Just the morning sun shining through his window when he awakened to a knock at his hotel door. Head pounding, he’d risen and pulled on his jeans, barely registering the sound of the shower.

When he opened the door to discover Emma with coffee and a bag of pastries, it was maybe the best moment of his life.

“Hi.” Even now, the memory of her tentative greeting made his heart skip a beat.

Her cheeks flushed becomingly, her beautiful eyes blinking as she bit the inside of her lip. “I thought maybe we could have breakfast.” She handed him the drinks and bag. “That maybe…”

The bathroom door opened. A willowy blonde stepped from the bathroom, wrapped in a short towel that showcased impossibly long legs. She pulled a damp towel from her hair, revealing long wavy tresses that fell past her shoulders.

Cole had stared in disbelief. Cherise.

The discarded towel slipped from dainty fingers to the floor. Her other hand tucked the second towel more firmly at her ample breasts and she sauntered forward.

“Breakfast! Oh, Cole,” she reached the doorway and slipped a hand around his waist. “How sweet.” She froze, seeming to register Emma’s presence at last. “Oh dear, this is awkward.”

With one stricken glance at him, Emma spun and disappeared down the hall.

At the time, he’d been disgusted with himself. He never drank to excess, but now, in the light of Cherise’s possible connection to Alistair, he wondered…had he been drugged? And, if so, how? As he’d told Emma, he was a trained professional. He was careful.

Sleep came reluctantly to Cole, his mind flipping in an endless loop between Emma’s pain at discovering Cherise that morning and her stricken face as she watched the warehouse burn. Six months ago hadn’t been their time. Now was not their time.

Perhaps their time would never come.

That didn’t stop him from wanting it to…

…

Emma roused from troubled slumber in time to hear the captain announce their descent into Charles de Gaulle airport. She’d awakened off and on, spending most of the flight feigning sleep as she ran through facts and fears again in a search for clarity. Her eyes opened to reveal the blanket jumbled at her waist and Cole watching her.

“Hey there.” He scanned her face.

The clarity she’d found hadn’t brought her any peace. He was either a good guy who thought her brother was a bad guy, or he was a bad guy who wanted her brother out of the way. Although she was pretty sure he was a good guy, neither option made Jacob’s well-being his priority. Regardless, she needed him. She offered a small smile. “I guess I wasn’t good company for a long flight.” She folded the blanket in her lap. “Look, I’m sorry about before.”

“Emma…” He touched her hand.

She pulled back. “No, let me finish. I’m mad at you about what happened six months ago. My brother thought you were his friend, and you betrayed him. You say you liked him. Well, of course you liked him! Everyone likes Jacob. But like him or not, you used him.” She searched his face. “And you tried to use me. When that didn’t work, you used Cherise. Did she provide the information you wanted?’’”

“Emma, I didn’t…”

She held up a hand to forestall his explanations. “’What’s done is done.” She handed the blanket to the attendant as she passed. “I don’t want to talk about the past.” Emma watched out the window as Paris, a city she’d always wanted to visit, took shape below them. “Why are we going to see Cherise? Are you still pumping her for information?” Heat suffused her cheeks. Poor choice of words. “Are you still seeing each other?”

“God, no.” He snorted. “Cherise and I—”

“It doesn’t matter,” she interrupted him once again. “All I care about is finding Jacob.” Except, the annoying voice in her head insisted, it did matter.

He heaved a sigh. “Are you going to give me a chance to answer your questions?” Forcing emotion aside, Emma nodded.

“Cherise’s name has popped up several times in this investigation—her relationship with Jacob, her presence at one of Forrester’s drop sites. A working relationship with another of Forrester’s suspected employees. So, I want to talk with her in person. And you knew her better and longer than I, so it will help to have you there. You may notice something I overlook.” Cole held out his hand. “Partners?”

Reluctantly, she took his hand, and they shook on a partnership based at worst on lies and at best on partial truths. Her skin tingled at his touch. When she tried to pull back, he held tight.

“When I invited you to my room, I wasn’t thinking about Jacob.” He didn’t look happy about this revelation. “I wasn’t thinking about my mission or Forrester. You made me forget my priorities.”

Emma frowned, refusing to be moved by his admission. If he was implying he’d invited Cherise because of Jacob, it didn’t exactly paint him in a better light. He released her hand.

As the plane descended, she ignored him, but her thoughts weren’t so easily controlled. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but it was hard to overlook their chemistry, impossible not to be touched by his small kindnesses—when he wasn’t annoying the hell out of her.

She wasn’t proud to admit she’d thought about that moment at his door many times. His surprise and pleasure at seeing her, the surprise and dismay when Cherise appeared.

Emma bit the inside of her lip. So, she was still attracted to him. And she appreciated his thoughtfulness—the blanket, the toiletries back at the hotel, the loan of that stupid backpack.

Though she knew she shouldn’t, she wanted to trust him. Despite the things she knew to be true. Despite the things she suspected.

The plane touched down in Paris, France. The city of love.

Chapter Eleven

Emma had once dreamed of visiting Paris. Today, she didn’t even register the sights as the cab sped toward their destination. She shook off her funk when the cab made an abrupt stop at a crosswalk.

The streets teemed with life. The rich, the poor, the working class, the terribly elite. And all of them made Emma feel undeniably average. They had a sophistication she lacked. It wasn’t just her clothes. In fact, she suspected that almost everyone they passed would have worn her grungy jacket with aplomb. They had attitude that she’d never managed to possess.

The cab deposited them on Rue Dauphine, close enough to the legendary Carrefour de Buci that she could see the bustling crossroads in the distance. Shoppers carrying canvas bags that overflowed with fruits and vegetables headed in their direction, chatting in French and accented English. The smell of baked goods, roasted meats, and fresh flowers lingered in the breeze.

She began to regret picking at her meal on the plane.

“This way.” Cole led her away from the market. They joined the flow of pedestrians headed north.

She smoothed her rain jacket against her faded jeans. Her clothes had been perfectly suited for the island trek. She certainly hadn’t planned to be traipsing through beautiful Paris in clothes she’d worn for nearly three days. Even the young man currently picking up his impressively groomed poodle’s poop appeared more dashing than she.

“We’re here.” Cole stopped in front of a modern, upscale apartment building on Rue Dauphine. Upscale and intimidating.

She tucked a stubborn strand of hair behind her ear. Same clothes and woefully inadequate hair products. Great.

“Emma.”

She turned to face him, surprised by his hesitant tone. She did
not
want to talk about Cherise again. She raised her brow and dared him to continue—staring him down until the dapper young man walking his beautiful, black poodle stopped alongside them.

“
Excusez-moi
,” the man said, jerking them out of their standoff. They turned to watch the man as he sauntered by.

The man tipped his hat. “Ah, young love.”

Emma snorted. If he was a day over twenty-one, she’d be surprised. His laughter drifted back to them as he continued his leisurely stroll along the street.

“Come on.” Cole ushered her into the courtyard, his hand riding the curve of her back. He knocked on a deep blue door on the left side of the yard.

No one answered.

“She’s not here.” Emma shifted, and his hand fell away.

“She’s here.” He knocked again. Harder this time.

“How do you—”

A voice called from inside, “I’m coming.”

A shutter slid open on the inside of the door. A bright blue eye peeped through the small window.

“Cole!” A lock flipped, the door flew open, and Cherise stepped out. She placed her hands on either side of his face, rising on tiptoe to place a kiss on each cheek. “But of course it is you, an impatient American, banging on my door.”

Cherise stepped back and looked at Emma, a delicate frown creasing her brow. “And Emma…” She tapped one manicured finger against her bottom lip. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” Cherise clapped her hands. “There is a lovely little café just down the street. You must try it, no? Perhaps, you get coffee while Cole and I enjoy the chat.”

Unbelievably, the woman was even more annoying than Emma remembered.

Cole’s hand came to rest again at the small of her back. “Knock it off, Cherise. You’re no more French than I am.”

“
Mon ami
, how little you know about me.”

When Cole raised a brow, Cherise shrugged and smiled. “Come in, come in.” All trace of a French accent disappeared.

She opened the door wide and waved them in.

Cole pressed lightly on Emma’s back, propelling her forward. They followed Cherise through an elegant cream-colored entry that opened into a stunning living room. Stone graced the walls while contemporary furniture provided a striking counterpoint to the old stone. Dark, wooden parquet floors gleamed. Decorated in warm gold and ivory tones, the room exuded sophistication.

A deep, plush rug covered the center of the floor, bordered by an ivory sofa on one side and a large, white leather chair and oaken table on the other. A sleek coffee table sat in the middle of the carpet, showcasing a silver tea set. Emma started toward the chair, only to feel deliberate pressure against her back as Cole steered her to the sofa.

“May I offer you anything to drink?” Cherise stood at the head of room. “I just made tea. Or I have soda or water.”

“No, thank you.” Emma sat on the sofa.

“Tea would be great, if it’s not too much trouble.” Cole joined her.

“What brings you to France?” Cherise sat in the chair and poured two cups of tea. She handed one to Cole, her fingers lingering on his before she pulled away.

Ignoring the coquettish display, Emma studied her face.

“We’re looking for Jacob.” Cole laid his hand casually on Emma’s knee.

“Jacob? My goodness, Cole, I haven’t seen him in months. For a while, I had high hopes for our relationship.” She smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from her pants.

Emma thought a hint of sincere regret passed across Cherise’s face. She bit the inside of her lip, reminding herself that the woman was an accomplished actress whose naked presence in Cole’s room had dashed those
high hopes
.

“Then, there was that unfortunate night. Too much wine…” She paused and glanced at Cole from beneath long lashes before turning to Emma. “Jacob traveled so much, and when he got called away, I was angry and lonely. Still, we might have worked through our problems if you hadn’t blabbed.” She clasped her hands in her lap and pursed her lips.

Unbelievable
. Cherise was blaming her?

“Did you ever meet the man he did all this traveling for?” Cole asked.

Cherise tilted her head. “No, I don’t recall meeting anyone.”

“Any new friends?” His tone was casual, as if they were three old friends catching up. As if her brother’s pain over the betrayal didn’t exist.

“No.” Cherise wrinkled her nose. “Wait! There was one evening about a month before we broke up. We were at a friend’s birthday party here in my beloved Paree, and there was this man…” She rose from her chair and strolled to a large buffet table. She opened one of the doors and removed a small stack of photographs. Her French manicured fingers flipped through the pictures. “Ah yes, here it is.”

She returned and handed a photo to Cole. “See Jacob?” The picture showcased a group of fashionably dressed young women blowing kisses for the camera. But in the background, Jacob appeared to be in deep conversation with an older, distinguished gentleman.

“He was with this man for quite a while.” Cherise pouted. “I was quite put out. Here we were at a great party, and Jacob spent most of the night with this guy.”

Emma’s eyes widened. She stared at the picture. “I…I remember this man. He was at a benefit for 9-11 families.” Emma looked at Cherise and then at Cole. “Jacob spoke with him briefly, but when I asked who he was, Jacob…he said it was just a guy he’d met, and then he changed the subject. That was several months ago.”

Cherise smiled at Emma. “The night I saw this man, he and Jacob were thick as thieves.” When Emma’s eyes narrowed, Cherise blinked innocently. “So to speak, of course.”

Cole interjected, “This man is Alistair Forrester.”

Emma’s glance sliced to him. He looked not at the picture but straight at her, as if weighing her response…as if judging her. As if judging Jacob.

She glared at him.

“Oh yes, if this is Forrester, they certainly knew each other.” Cherise nodded brightly.

“My brother never mentioned knowing, let alone being close to, Alistair Forrester.” Emma struggled to control her temper. Jacob had told her he’d only recently met the man in the photograph. Maybe Cherise had seen them together at a party, but they had only Cherise’s word that they were
thick as thieves
. The woman had to be lying, because Jacob would never lie to her. She was sure of it.

An uneasy thought nibbled at her certainty. Would he lie to protect her? Perhaps lie by omission?

Brushing the troubling questions aside, she returned her attention to Cherise. Her brother was her brother, period. The trust between them was absolute.

“You know, I’m quite certain I saw them together more than once.” Cherise smiled at Cole before turning back to Emma. “Jacob had bills. School wasn’t cheap for either of you. He’d been looking for other work. Now that I think of it, he started his incessant traveling shortly after this party.” She fluttered her fingers at the picture.

Emma stiffened. “Jacob wasn’t worried about money enough to take another job. He’s dedicated to serving his country.”

The woman inclined her elegant head. “Dear Emma, he just didn’t want to worry you.”

Emma didn’t believe her for one second.

“If you hear from Jacob, will you let us know?” Cole pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Cherise. “You’ve been very helpful. We appreciate it.”

Cherise sighed. “I wish I could help more. Unfortunately, I haven’t see Jacob since several weeks before I moved to Paris. He was such a charming young man.”

Emma stood. “Was?” Blood pounded in her ears.

“Oh dear, no, I just meant, well, I miss him.” Cherise inclined her head in Emma’s direction. “I’m sure he’s fine. Probably busy working. Maybe for this, um, Monsieur Forrester.” She lowered her voice. “Incognito, if you know what I mean.” A hint of stress around her eyes belied her light tone.

Emma turned to Cole, who smiled at Cherise, his eyes intent on hers. “Emma, do you mind waiting for me at the door?”

Emma’s frustration overflowed. How stupid was Cole? Falling for Cherise’s act when it was obvious she was trying cast Jacob in the role of villain. Emma rose. “Thank you so much for your help, Cherise.” She forced a smile at Cole. “I’ll be in the entry.”

“I’ll be right behind you.” A note of warning accompanied the word.

Ignoring him, Emma retrieved the backpack, spun, and exited the room. When she reached the front door, she fought the urge to jerk it open and flee. Although Cole believed Jacob was in cahoots with Alistair Forrester, she knew her brother would have a good explanation for everything once they found him.

Fine. If Cole intended to follow the wrong information, then she would search on her own. She yanked the door open and hurried through the courtyard, not stopping until she reached the sidewalk. She’d start with Cherise’s misinformation. There was only one reason why Cherise would work so hard to cast doubt on Jacob.

Cherise was involved in whatever conspiracy had entrapped them.

She looked about at the unfamiliar surroundings as realization hit. What had Cherise told them? Exactly nothing. So now where was she going? Cole was still her best bet, even if he thought the worst of Jacob.

She’d head for the market. Cole could use his
special training
to find her there. She set a brisk pace, her anger growing with every step.