“Adrian mentioned those missions,” I comment. “They’re dangerous, right?”
“They are, but they’re also big money,” he replies. “Walker makes us all millionaires.”
“At what cost?” I ask. “Your lives?”
“We save lives,” he says. “And Adrian did more than his share of saving people these past two years, or so I hear.”
“He doesn’t seem to like you much.”
“So I noticed,” he comments dryly. “But it’s okay. I’d still take a bullet for the asshole.”
“Why doesn’t he like you?” I press.
“He doesn’t know me and if I were him, I’m not sure I’d like anyone right about now. Even you.”
“Me?”
“Everyone is on the take with Waters,” he comments, pulling us onto a main road. “The fact that he just met you, you’re this deep in the Waters case, and still, he’s this into you. That’s bigger than you realize.”
“Yes,” I agree simply, while Adrian’s confession plays in my head. I love you, Pri.
He loves me.
Of course, I know that to some degree, Adrian and I are under duress. I know that means our love could be a façade, but it feels so damn real. It is real. I love Adrian, I do, good, bad, and all of him, though I know he doesn’t believe that. Driven to protect him, I dial Ed and get his voicemail again. Irritated, frustrated, desperate for answers, my feisty side flares and I don’t tamp it down. I mean, what do I have to lose? I text him: I assume you’re either on the phone or on your way to the airport again. I’d like to know which.
I wait for a reply, staring at the empty message box, with as much patience as I have watching paint dry.
“Everything okay?” Lucifer asks.
“Just trying to get Ed to reply. Adrian deserves his immunity agreement and even that won’t protect him. Waters’ people could charge him in every city in the country and make him prove he’s immune if they wanted to. It would be hell.”
“And your father is one of Waters’ people,” he comments, no emotion, just unreadable matter-of-fact. “Any word from him?”
“No luck there either, but Logan called. I’m sure you know that since you’re monitoring my communications.”
“I did know,” he confirms. “But it’s always nice to know you’re communicating with us.”
I frown. “You don’t trust me?”
“I believe you’re an honest person,” he comments. “Stuck between the man you most likely love and your family, who you will love, despite any and all abuse. That’s just how life works. And that makes your decision-making complicated.”
“No,” I say. “I choose Adrian. I choose right over wrong.”
He snorts. “And you think Adrian’s going to beat Waters by being good?”
“Yes,” I say. “Or no. I don’t know. What are you saying?”
He cuts me a look. “Just asking questions.”
My lips press together, not sure what to make of Lucifer. “I should tell you that Adrian and I agreed that I should goad Logan. He’ll lose his temper and I know him. He’ll admit something incriminating.”
“Which does what for us? Because it damn sure isn’t going to hurt Waters.”
“I hope it allows me to force my family out of this,” I say, feeling as if this explains my desire to break free of all conflict between my family and Adrian.
“And if it doesn’t?”
My brows dip. “I don’t know what you want from me right now, Lucifer.”
“Again,” he says, “just asking questions, ones I think you need to ask yourself.”
My cellphone rings and I glance down to find a call from Logan. “Speak of the devil,” I say, answering the call with, “I only have a moment. I’m about to walk into my office.”
“What the fuck, Pri?” he demands. “You’re fucking your witness?”
“Yes, Logan. I am fucking my witness.” It’s out before I can stop it and I glance at Lucifer, who’s barely containing his laughter. “And you know what else?” I demand. “I can fuck who I want.”
“He killed his brother. Are you insane?”
I smirk. “Talking points. All the talking points. You’re almost a politician these days.”
“He’s trouble. Drop the case. Get out while you’re still alive and if you do care about this asshole, he’ll be free to hide again.”
Again. That word sticks out to me for reasons I’ll examine later. “I’m not going to drop the case. I have protection. I have Adrian. I have a mission and if it’s the last thing I do, I will end the King Devil’s reign forever.”
“And if he kills you, Pri?”
“Is it me you’re worried about or yourself?”
“This is bigger than you know.”
“Actually, I think I know more than you think I know. I need to go. I’m walking into a meeting.” I disconnect.
Lucifer laughs. “Holy hell, woman. If you wanted to get his attention, you just did.”
Already my phone rings again and I glance down to find Logan calling. I decline the call and almost instantly it rings again. This time it’s Adrian and I punch “answer.”
“Weren’t you supposed to agree to meet him?” he asks.
“Tomorrow,” I say. “He needs to sleep on what just happened and simmer until he boils.”
“Meanwhile you’ll be fucking me?”
My lips curve. “Is that a problem?” I ask.
“Not even a little bit,” he assures me. “I’ll be ready to do my part.” He disconnects and somehow, I’m smiling despite the fact that I just baited Logan. And I am perhaps one of the few people who knows just how volatile Logan can really be.
Chapter Thirty-One
PRI
Lucifer pulls the fancy statement-making Mercedes into the downtown parking garage of the DA’s office building and gets lucky enough to maneuver into a rare empty spot before killing the engine. In action mode, eager to do something, anything, that might affect this trial with Waters, I reach for the door.
“Before we go in,” he says, halting my actions with words. “Let’s talk about the plan.”
“Okay,” I say, settling into my seat again, albeit with heavy reluctance. The need to get inside and ensure no new bombshells have shown themselves is powerful. “What exactly is the plan?”
“I don’t know if Pitt was dirty or not,” he says, “but even if he wasn’t, someone close to him set him up. That could be another agent, or since he spent a substantial amount of time with you, someone at the DA’s office, someone here.”
“Ed,” I say. “I feel like Ed is dirty.”
“Probably,” he says. “But we were monitoring Ed last night. He was not the person who led Pitt to that cabin.”
“Then someone else is dirty,” I say, following his lead. “What do you need me to do?”
“Build up Walker, and our resources and skills, and do so in a big way.”
My brows dip. “Won’t that just encourage the bad egg to stay silent?”
“The bad egg is already silent, or we’d have found their electronic fingerprint. But when a person is pressured, they tend to panic. We want to set the fire and watch and see who tries to put it out.”
“I’ve seen that in my work,” I say. “That makes sense. Let’s go set the fire.”
“One last thing,” he adds. “Assume there are recording devices all over the office, including on the people you’re talking with. They might not even know it. Take nothing for granted.”
“Right,” I say. “I have to tell you, Lucifer,” I emphasize the name as I add, “you Walker men are just bucket loads of warm, fuzzy comfort.”
A few minutes later, Lucifer has been assigned credentials and a badge by security and we’re stepping into the lobby. The receptionist, Shari, greets us, and she’s all eyes and smiles for Lucifer, flicking her red hair over her shoulder and giving him flirty looks.
“Anything you need, Lucifer,” s
he says, “I’ll be your angel.”
I roll my eyes and he and I head down the hallway. “Please tell me you don’t get that often, though I suspect you do.”
“Mostly in bed,” he says, all matter-of-fact, like the comment is a simple conversation.
I’d comment, but Josh is walking toward us, and he’s not with Grace as I’d expect considering he no longer works here and he’s dating her. Next to him is Martin Morgan, a homicide detective that I’d last seen at Josh’s going away party. I assess them, trying to figure out why the pair is here, and together.
Josh is classically handsome with brown hair, a man who, like Adam, you might call Mr. America, though more and more, I suspect Josh doesn’t deserve such an honorable comparison. Morgan is blond and muscular, with a bit of a quiet bear personality. He doesn’t say much, but what he does say is always kind of growly.
The four of us halt in the middle of the hallway, halfway to the conference room, deep in the bullpen of the DA’s offices. Josh is directly across from me and I greet him first. “Josh, I thought we’d see less of you, not more now that you don’t work here anymore.” I eye Morgan and give him a nod.
Morgan lowers his chin in my direction and seems to ignore Lucifer.
“Grace has been freaking out about you,” Josh comments. “You, Pitt, and the DA all being MIA has her uneasy.”
“Me and Ed are not MIA,” I say. “I told Grace what’s going on.”
“You know Grace,” he says. “She’s a worrywart. I came by to check on her and offer up my services again.” He glances at Lucifer, or rather, pins him in a stare. “And you are?”
“Not your mama,” Lucifer says dryly.
I have no idea what that means. Josh frowns and doesn’t seem to understand either, but I have a feeling that’s the plan. Lucifer wanted to put him off guard and I do believe it worked.
“Lucifer is the name,” Lucifer adds. “Walker Security. And our services have already been contracted.” He offers Josh a card. “Feel free to talk to our team about contract work.”
Josh’s face positively puckers and I do believe that’s exactly what Lucifer wants. He doesn’t like him. He’s goading him the way I did Lucifer. Josh snatches the card from him a bit too abruptly. Lucifer’s lips quirk with what reads as amusement. He then offers Morgan a card. “Detective Morgan,” he greets. “If you need us, you know where to find us.”
Morgan scowls, the scar on his lips protruding as he does. “How did you know who I was?”
Lucifer’s reply is smooth and simple. “It’s my job to know.”
In other words, I think, fear me. I see you. I see everything. Lucifer is really good at this game, but then I suspect this to be true of all members of the Walker team.
“Did you need help with something, Detective Morgan?” I ask.
His gaze shifts to me. “I just ran a couple of cases over for Deanna. I’m just leaving.” He casts Lucifer another quick, grumpy look and steps around him to leave.
Deanna is one of the ADA’s who works with Morgan frequently. His story is believable, but somehow it just feels off. Whatever the case, I’m certain Walker will figure it out. I refocus on Josh. “I need to get with my team.”
When I would step around him, he says, “Can we have a word?”
“I have a meeting soon,” I say, thinking of the dinner with my mother while avoiding any conversation that might pin me in a bad spot. “Can you call me later? I mean unless it’s urgent.”
He grimaces and his expression takes on a bull doggish look before he concedes. “I’ll call you.” He steps around us and leaves.
“Dirty, dirty dog,” Lucifer murmurs.
I glance over at him. “You think?”
“Oh yeah,” he murmurs. “And I do believe it’s time for me to meet Grace.”
We start walking and I point a finger at him. “She’s my friend. Do not lead her on, Lucifer.”
He holds up a hand. “It’s business, Pri. I don’t play on the battleground.”
Battleground.
God, that word, and the reality it represents.
Chapter Thirty-Two
PRI
Lucifer and I are still standing in the hallway, after our Josh and Morgan encounter, when I hear, “Pri!”
At the sound of Grace’s voice, I turn to find her and Cindy rushing toward us, two beautiful girls, two targets for the devil himself.
Grace is quick to fling her arms around me. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
“We texted.”
“I know, but—” She pulls back and studies me. “What’s wrong with Pitt? There are all kinds of rumors. He’s dead. He’s missing. And two federal agents dropped by to see you.”
“Which happens often,” I say, trying to calm her down. “It could be about Waters. Did you get a name?”
“No,” she says. “They wouldn’t talk to anyone else. They were at the front desk. There might be a card up front.” She casts Lucifer a look. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Grace.”
And she’s so sweet and charming, too. The girl next door, with cute dimples and all.
Cindy, who’s more of a blonde goddess, and presently staring at Lucifer, cuts me a look. “Yes, Pri, what’s up with Pitt, and who is the blond tattooed god you have with you?”
Lucifer laughs, a low, entertained laugh and I can almost imagine Savage and Adrian cracking jokes as they listen in. “Lucifer,” he introduces himself. “From Walker Security, an international team contracted by the DA at Pri’s request. We’re here to assist with the investigation in an official capacity.”
“We?” Cindy asks. “How many of you are there?”
“Unlimited resources,” I say, following the plan. “Walker is quite well-known, sought out by heads of countries around the world. They’ve also taken our witnesses into their protective care.”
“But why?” Cindy says sarcastically. “I mean, law enforcement was doing such a good job. Not,” she adds. “Talk about a major fail that got people killed.”
I motion them forward. “Let’s head to the conference room and bring Lucifer up to speed.”
Cindy smiles at Lucifer. “I’ll be your guide.”
Lucifer glances at me and I nod my approval. Cindy knows this case. She’ll be a good, and obviously willing, resource for Lucifer. Now it’s Grace rolling her eyes as she falls into step with me behind them. “Seriously,” she says softly. “How are you?”
“Seriously,” I reply. “I’m good. I’ve just had my hands full today.”
“What’s going on with Pitt?”
We pause outside the conference room. “The less you know right now, the better. Okay?”
Her eyes go wide. “Oh God. Is he okay?”
“I don’t know,” I say, but I do know. Pitt was hurt badly and at this point, he has to be dead. Doesn’t he?
“That doesn’t sound good,” she says. “Please tell me if you get word on his safety. I didn’t know him that well, but I knew him often. You know what I mean?”
“I know.” I squeeze her arm and send her on her way, and since she’s not part of this case, that means back to her office. Which brings me back to Josh. Grace isn’t a part of this case and yet he used her to embed himself in the middle of everything. It could be about earning a paying contract, I know. But I’m back to yet something else that just doesn’t feel right.
I head into the conference room and our entire team of twelve is assembled. The relief at my presence is palpable as Lucifer and I each claim open seats at the table, across from one another. Cindy, who is next to Lucifer at the table, introduces him and Lucifer explains his role. The moment he wraps up, Cindy asks, “What about Agent Pitt? Josh said he’s missing.”
Josh said, I think. Where did Josh get his information? The Feds? Waters? Who?
“That’s true,” Lucifer confirms, surprising me with his directness on the topic. “Former Federal Agent Adrian Mack, also known as Adrian Ramos, r
esurfaced and is willing to testify. There was a threat on his life and Pitt intervened. Mack is in hiding. Pitt is missing, but also severely injured.”
“Wait,” Cindy says, staring at me as the team murmurs wildly. “Adrian Mack surfaced?”
“He did,” I confirm. “And he’s a hell of a witness. He wants immunity and I’m waiting on that paperwork from Ed. The problem is that Chicago issued a warrant for his arrest for the murder of his brother.”
The room erupts again and I hold up a hand. “We believe Waters is behind it. Mack was never in Chicago. His brother was undercover with the Devils as well and yes, he’s dead.”
“Walker is working on a federal immunity agreement for Mack,” Lucifer adds, and then changes the subject, his gaze scanning the room. “What else did Josh tell you?” he asks, drawing Cindy’s attention to him.
“Not much,” she says. “He stressed the urgency to find him. That’s what he’s had our team working on this afternoon.”
I sit up straighter. “Josh has been directing our team? On what authority?”
She blinks at me. “He said Ed’s. I thought you knew.”
Lucifer looks at me and then around the room, before he says, “Show me everything Josh accessed while ‘helping’ our team.”
Cindy eyes me and mouths, “What’s going on?”
My phone buzzes and I reach for it in my pocket, to find Ed calling. “I need to take this in private.” I stand and grab my briefcase and purse and exit the conference room.
“What’s the word?” I answer.
“Apparently you’re sleeping with the witness, and I didn’t know.”
“Old news,” I say. “The judge approved me remaining on the case.”
“And if I don’t?”
“We both know you need me. I’m standing out front taking bullets first.” I change the subject. “What’s the word on Chicago, Ed?”
Luckily, he moves on with me. “I can’t get anyone to call me back,” he grumbles irritably.
“Really, Ed?” I ask incredulously. “No one will call you back?”
“Pri, I know you don’t trust me and frankly, I don’t trust anyone either. Except for Walker,” he surprises me and adds, “I’ve been with them for hours. Luke Walker specifically. Apparently, it’s him, Royce, and Blake that run the operation.”
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