Lila pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, then shook it free. Her hair swung back, covering half her face and the ugly bruises on her collarbone. “I have an ethical duty to the law and to my clients.” She rubbed her forehead. “The actions of your team are disturbing. I don’t want to expose you and jeopardize Alliance goals, but what about the people they are targeting? Lives are in danger, Cody. We can’t just sit on this.”
“Even though we’re sanctioned as an FBI covert operative team, we need to come to a consensus on how to handle this.”
The piped in music ended, and the band’s leader took the mic. He introduced himself as lead guitarist and singer for the group. He went on to introduce the rest of the band then they launched into their first set.
Cody focused on the cool, bitter liquid sliding down his throat. He appreciated the chance to focus on something else visceral other than staring into Lila’s beautiful hazel eyes. His gaze moved down. She’d left the top three buttons unfastened, her compass necklace hanging in between two luscious mounds.
“I see you have another compass necklace.”
She smiled and took hold of the compass pendant. “Reid is always prepared. I’m glad he ordered spares.”
Lila’s eyes lit up when she talked about Reid. She’d met her uncle as a teenager, and he’d helped her through some rough times. Aside from Reid, Cody knew that Carson her cousin, was the only family on the Sinclair side who’d rejected The Order.
“Reid is always spot on when it comes to Alliance matters.” Cody glanced at the live band and the patrons dancing to their upbeat tune.
Lila leaned her head back against the booth. “You could have chosen to keep the Veridian threats from me. Why did you tell me?”
“I’ll always been up front with you. Despite…our current status, you’ll always be my best friend.” He wanted to touch her, caress her soft face, but he fisted his hands on the table and held back the desire.
“Cody, I…” She held his gaze then shook her head. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“I didn’t do this to get a boy scout medal. I care about you.” He let the words settle over her.
“So, what do we do now?”
You fall into my arms. He clamped his jaw shut, then said, “You have to be careful. More careful than usual. Veridian and your firm represent a serious threat. Stay away from anything connected to the internet. Veridian will use anything they can if they decide to go after you.”
They each focused on the band for a few minutes before Cody broke the silence. “I hope it wasn’t too awkward getting stuck dancing with me at the benefit.”
She stared at a spot on the table before glancing up at him. “I didn’t expect to see you, much less share a dance. But you always were a good dancer.” She smiled.
He shrugged. “I remember our first real dance. At Reid and Holly’s wedding.”
“Such a beautiful night.” Lila met his gaze for a second before shifting to the dance floor.
“I would apologize but you’re probably sick of the word sorry.” Her sad expression tunneled inside him. How could he have been so stupid? He could spend the rest of his life trying to make up for his mistake, and he’d never succeed. Ruining the best thing in his life and hurting the one person he cared for more than anyone, ached like a gaping wound.
Lila shifted in her seat. “Let’s chalk it up to fate and forget it.”
A group of people entered the bar, raising the noise level as they chatted while pushing tables together to create room for the party of eight.
Cody’s back stiffened, and he tightened the grip on his beer mug. From his position, he could only see her profile, but he knew it was her. Tally sat fifty yards from them. Her arrival couldn’t be a coincidence. He had to think of way to get them out of there. Walking out of the front door would expose them. He tossed a twenty on the table. “Dance with me.”
“Cody…” She shook her head then stopped when she caught his serious expression.
“ABS in question,” he whispered. He stood and held out his hand.
She nodded and slipped her bag over her head, letting it lay across her body, then took his hand.
He led her to a spot on the dance floor nearest the band and back hallway, relieved Lila caught on to the game. As the band played, several more couples poured on to the crowded dance floor. Cody wrapped his arms around Lila and in an instant he was back in the past. He measured his life as his time with Lila and his time without her. He thought he’d been happy in San Francisco, but now he understood he’d only been surviving.
She rested her arms around his neck and soon they were pressed together. “What’s going on?”
“Someone from my project team just walked in. She’s my boss’s right hand, and she’s very dangerous. We need to get out of here ASAP but going out the front is a no-go.” He peered at the group and saw Tally get up and head on to the dance floor with some guy about four inches shorter. He didn’t recognize anyone in her party. Her intensity at work didn’t match the raucous group surrounding her. Pulling Lila close, he spun so his back was to Tally. Thankfully, several couples had filled in the floor between them.
“I don’t see a back door. We may have to go through the kitchen,” Lila said.
They inched toward the hallway leading to the bathrooms.
Despite the issue of the cold-hearted bitch from his project team being near, Cody loved having Lila in his arms. The curve of her hips under his hands pulled at his attention. Forcing himself away from carnal thoughts, he searched for another way out. A waitress exiting the kitchen gave him their portal. “When the time is right follow me.” He eased them closer then as the song wound down, he took her hand. Just as he was steps from the kitchen, a drunk patron collided with a waitress. Dishes and glasses crashed to the floor, scattering nachos and beer.
The band ended their song. In the brief period between starting a new song, Cody heard the serious voice of a newscaster coming across the television. He stared up at the screen and read the caption: Senator Bertram Reynolds found dead in his Washington, DC, home. Apparent heart attack.
Cody’s heart drummed as if it would explode through his chest. He pulled Lila around the mess on the floor and raced toward the kitchen. Just as they entered the kitchen, he turned and saw Tally. Towering over the crowd, she stared at him, then raised her beer bottle in salute.
Chapter 28
“You guys okay?” Reid eyed them as Lila and Cody entered through the back door. He and Holly were seated at the kitchen table, laptops in front of them.
“Long day.” Cody set their bags on the floor.
Holly stood. “Lila, I’m sorry about Steve. Do you want to talk about it?”
Lila hugged Holly. “There are some things you need to know, but Cody can go first. It’s been an eventful evening.”
Adam and Carson entered the kitchen taking seats at the table.
“Justin and Marissa had to go back to Virginia. They’ll be back in a few days, sooner if necessary,” Carson said.
Lila nodded. “In many ways I hope they stay there, protect little Isabella.”
While Cody told them about the senator, Lila busied herself making coffee. She leaned against the counter as the coffee brewed.
“When I left work the senator was alive. Now, he’s dead.” Cody’s jaw tightened. “During the case study, I pulled up the data from his medical record regarding this pacemaker. That’s how he was killed. Rick caused the device to malfunction.”
“This isn’t your fault. You didn’t hack into the pacemaker and kill the senator.” Lila said. He put himself and his morals on the line to save her. Guilt snaked through her.
“Lila is right. You’re there to stop this,” Holly said.
“Someone had to authorize the murder.” Cody gaze swung to Lila. “If they can kill the senator, they can come after you. I’m certain Tally was at that bar tonight to make sure I understood how powerful they are.”
“You’re in just as much
danger,” Lila countered. “Don’t forget, you were reluctant to provide the data about the senator, which means they know you’re not on board with their actions.”
“Since we’re sure Lance is connected to Veridian, these events may ultimately land at his door,” Cody said. “To bolster that idea, my research shows the senator voted against several bills lobbied by two firms working on behalf of Skies International and Veridian Tech. I want to use Veridian Technology against them.” Cody slid his chair closer to the table. “I’ve learned a lot about their system and the inner workings. I can mask myself and root around in the system. I’m convinced the hit list isn’t a few random selections from Rick or Tally, at least not all of them. They are getting their orders from someone and it could lead back to Lance.”
“I have confidence you know what you’re doing. Don’t make any big moves until we discuss, though. I’m going into the Dallas FBI headquarters tomorrow to update Yvonne Hewitt on the advancements of the task force. We’ve identified an Assistant SAC in the Dallas office who will be read into the task force.”
“I’m glad you and Adam have someone trustworthy within the bureau to take our concerns seriously.” Holly placed a hand over Reid’s.
“Adam and I discussed the fact Jack approached the FBI.” Reid raked a hand over chin. “We were able to trace a call made from Jack’s phone into the Dallas FBI offices. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any report of Jack speaking with an agent, which leads us to believe he ran up against one of Lance’s people.”
“Which put Jack in Lance’s crosshairs,” Adam added.
The discussion turned to Steve’s death.
“Before you started at HTP, we ran background checks on everyone. Nothing sparked from Steve’s review but I’m rerunning it, especially since we know he and Garvin Jennings crossed paths.” Reid flipped his laptop around. “On another front, does this lady look familiar?”
Lila stared at a grainy photo of an elderly woman exiting a grocery store. She straightened. “That’s the woman from the funeral.”
“Yes, that’s Willa Dickerson. I’m proposing you meet her in a public place.”
Lila poured coffee into several mugs. “Maybe I should meet her alone.”
“Too dangerous.” Cody rose and helped her carry the coffee to the table.
“Cody is right. We don’t know Willa Dickerson and even an elderly woman can be dangerous,” Carson said.
“I have tutoring tomorrow. What about meeting her at the church? It’s public and Reid and Adam can be there.” Lila glanced around the table.
“That could work,” Adam said. “Make the call and set up something for the afternoon.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay, Lila?”
“The bodies keep piling up. Where does it end?” Lila stared into her coffee.
By midnight, everyone but Cody and Lila had retreated to their bedrooms. A mild thunderstorm rumbled outside, bringing back memories of the night she and Cody were attacked at the other safe house.
“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Cody said, sitting on the sofa, legs outstretched on the coffee table.
Lila sat with legs curled under her in an overstuffed chair adjacent to the sofa. She couldn’t tell him she feared nightmares, so she opted for another truth. “I can’t get my mind to settle. Lance hasn’t directly communicated anything to us. I’m certain everything leads back to him, but I worry about what’s next.”
Cody raked his hand over his scruff of beard. “Me, too, which is why we have to be proactive instead of reactive.” He swung his legs off the table. “Jack, maybe Steve, are dead because of the suppressed evidence against Lance. Then we have the secret emerald mine and Lance’s possible attempt to buy Veridian, but is there a connection between all these events?”
A sudden chill slithered through her. Lila pulled a blanket off the back of the chair and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Nothing in the files from Jack indicated he knew about the mine, the island, or Lance wanting to get his hands on Veridian.” She gathered her hair into a ponytail using a hair tie she pulled off her wrist. “He’s circling like a hawk waiting to swoop in.”
“Let me show you something.” Cody motioned to the bedroom area. “We won’t talk about anything serious. I promise you’ll like it.”
Lila crossed her arms and stared at him. “Okay, Green, you’ve thirty seconds.” She followed him to his bedroom.
“Only need ten.” He shut the door, fumbled with something he pulled from his backpack, then flipped off the lights.
A second later the ceiling exploded in a myriad of stars and planets.
She gazed up. “Wow.”
“Beautiful. Isn’t it? It’s not as awesome as the real thing but it works in a pinch. I often turn this on when I need to chill out and can’t get outside.” He grabbed a blanket and spread it out on the floor. Pointing to the floor, he lay down. “I hope it doesn’t seem too juvenile.” He grinned.
She hesitated as if weighing whether to go along, but then she settled next to him. “Not any more so than using nightlights.”
“Speaking of nightlight, is this okay? I have a few more nightlights in my bag.”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.” Her heart constricted at his concern.
As he pointed out various constellations and planets, she felt her muscles relax. For the moment, they were locked away from everything and everyone. They lay next to each with their arms the only contact points. Cody’s voice had a calming effect as he talked about the constellations and stars. She had no idea he’d become interested in astronomy. Minutes later, he stopped. “Am I boring you?”
“No. I’m enjoying the show.” She sat up and pointed. “What’s that?”
“Sirius, which is the brightest star in the northern sky. It’s one of the easiest to spot.”
She turned and met his gaze. “It’s beautiful.” This time her voice sounded lighter, less constrained.
“Not half as beautiful as you.”
Lila chewed her lip unsure of what to do.
Seconds passed then he cleared his throat and pointed out another constellation.
She settled back on the blanket and focused on the twinkling stars. The light from the projector and the stars on the ceiling illuminated Cody’s profile. He rested with his arms clasped behind his head, his arm muscles bulging. She scooted closer as he continued to talk in soft whispers.
An hour later, Lila awoke in Cody’s arms. She glanced down at her hands splayed across his chest. For a moment, she indulged herself, soaking in the safety and security of Cody’s presence. For the first time in years, she felt truly safe.
“I didn’t want to wake you. You appeared to be sleeping so soundly,” Cody said, the low rumble of his voice reverberating in her ear. He moved a strand of hair out of her face.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep. I should go.” She sat up.
“Don’t.”
Lila remained, indecision pumping through her brain.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “About everything.”
“You weren’t supposed to talk about anything serious.” Lila reclined again but resisted resting her head on his arm.
Cody turned sideways and leaned on his arm as the moon shimmered over his shoulder. “I’ve wanted you to know how sorry I am about how things ended. We don’t have to talk anymore but I wanted you to know that.”
Lila stared at the glistening stars on the ceiling. “You’ve been bending over backward to make sure I’m comfortable, plus you saved my life. I think the least I can do is listen.”
He lay back down beside her. “I’m going to put it all on the table about what happened in Hawaii. You can respond or not.”
She closed her eyes as thoughts of their graduation trip filtered into her head. She and Cody along with a group of their friends had rented a house in Hawaii the summer after their college graduation. On the third day of the trip, Lila got the shock of her life.
“I hurt you, and that’s unforgiveable. I was drinking with
the guys. Had a bit too much and the next thing I know I’m waking up in bed with Nikki Largent.”
Cody’s shocked expression, and Nikki’s smug grin were imprinted in her memory.
“I still have no memory of that night.” Cody shook his head. “I assume you never listened to the messages I left or read any of the letters I sent. I needed you to know that it all occurred because I had too much to drink that night and not out of interest in another woman.” He sighed. “Still no excuse,” he added. “You have every right to hate me.”
“I was in shock after walking in on you and Nikki. At the time I didn’t care to listen to your side of the story.” Her heart hitched. She hadn’t wanted to talk about Hawaii but now that they were, perhaps they could both move on. Lila swallowed. “Why do you think you can’t remember that night?”
He shrugged. “I don’t remember having more than a couple of beers. But it was hot and I hadn’t had a lot to eat that day so I suppose a few beers could have affected me. One minute I was having drinks with the guys, then the next thing I knew I was waking up to Nikki and you.”
The image hung in the air like a dead weight. Finally, Lila said, “I was angry, humiliated, and hurt. When I left Hawaii, all I wanted to do was get away. I moved out of my apartment within days of being back in Boston. I came to Dallas for the summer before law school. Being around my family helped.” She paused and met his gaze. “I don’t hate you.”
Turning, he trailed a finger over the bruises on her neck.
She closed her eyes at his touch. “My entire existence has been a life-or-death situation. You shouldn’t have to be worried about your life or career, but I’m thankful for what you’re doing.”
“You don’t need to thank me. When we were teenagers, we vowed to always stick together. I dropped the ball once, but I’ll never do it again. Regardless of our relationship status, I will spend my life doing what I can to keep you safe and bring down The Order.” He pulled her into sitting position. Facing her, he stuck his hand out. “I’d suggest a blood brothers’ oath but that’s creepy and I don’t want to be your brother. Let’s just shake on it.”
Order of Truth Page 21
