They arrested the drug dealer, took the boys downtown and released them to their parents. They had nothing to hold them on and hoped they never would.
It was late when they left. They were to meet Chief Hamilton at the FBI office in an hour. They would meet with their team later to go over the last minute details.
“It’s almost curtain time,” Gina said on the way to the FBI building.
“You can still change your mind.”
“Not in a million years,” she said firmly.
Her determination was commendable. But he was still worried. “We need to talk.”
“Yes, we do.” She sighed. “We can’t be sidetracked on this job. Not for a minute. It would be way too dangerous.”
“I agree.” His growing feelings for her would be put on hold.
Soon they were seated in an office with two agents, Chief Hamilton, and a desk full of assorted hi-tech toys.
“Glad you could make it,” Agent Peavy said after the introductions. “With such an elaborate sting going down, we want you to know that the FBI wants the drug operation in Houston to come to a halt as much as you do. We’ll do everything we can to help make it happen.” He smiled. “The FBI has a fund for these kinds of operations. Keep a record of your expenses so you can be reimbursed when this is over.”
For the next hour he showed them the various devices. They decided which ones would be best for the job. A diamond with a hidden microphone had been added to the Rolex that could be turned on and off with a touch. Agent Peavy handed Gina her flashy diamond ring, which now held a GPS. Then he showed her another ring. “This is the real deal. It’s a tourmaline surrounded by genuine diamonds. We hauled it in on one of our busts. Take good care of it.”
“Wow!” Gina held up her hand that sported the ring. “It’s gorgeous.”
“We have a couple of plastic guns. They won’t be detected with a metal detector, but if you’re patted down they would be found.” He looked at them. “Wanna risk it?”
“I do,” Gina said. “It’s small enough to put in my boot. Even if they pat me down they won’t find it.”
“Same here,” Darin said. “We’ll take the risk. If they’re found we can always claim they were for our own protection.”
Chief Hamilton shook his head. “I’m not comfortable with the two of you risking your necks like this.”
“Do you know any other way to find Hunter’s killer? Or any other way to find where the drugs were taken?” Darin asked. “At this point, we don’t know which drug lord is responsible. Guilty or not we’re going to get rid of at least one big drug dealer. Hopefully we’ll find Hunter’s killer at the same time.”
“I like your confidence,” Chief Hamilton nodded.
“When you activate the mike,” Agent Peavy explained. “We’ll monitor your conversation. If you need backup we’ll be there. So will your team.”
Gina and Darin exchanged glances.
“Sounds good,” she said.
“I’m giving you a throwaway phone for each of you and each member of your team. They’re to be used only for this drug deal. No conversations on a land line or your personal cells.” Peavy handed over a bag of phones. “My cell number is in each phone. Use it.”
Chief Hamilton gave them the latest from the street. “Word is out that a big buyer is coming to town. We slipped your name in a couple of days ago. Thought the temptation would give the cartels something to think about and give them time to check you out. You can go under any time you like.”
“We’ll get with the team tonight to make sure they know the specifics. We’ll notify you guys when we’re ready.”
“By the way,” Agent Peavy said. “We have a small jet we use for these black-op jobs. It might be a good idea to use it. It’ll make a good impression.”
“We’ll think about it,” Darin said. “We hadn’t planned on having a jet at our disposal.”
“You’re going first-class. So act as if you’re accustomed to the good life.”
“I think we can handle it. Besides, I’ll sport enough glitter to convince them.”
“Good. Let us know the minute you go under. And let me know at least an hour ahead of time if you need the jet.”
“Will do.”
After meeting with the squad at Darin’s house later to go over the plan one last time, they decided to give it another day before they started the sting.
After telling them about the phones and to use them only for this operation, Darin handed them out and everyone left. Gina was at the door when Darin’s cell phone pealed.
“It’s Mom,” he said, and went to the kitchen to take the call.
In minutes he was back with a mile-wide smile. “My brother Dugan and his wife Kate just had a baby boy.
“How exciting.”
“It is. Mom could hardly talk. She said he’s as beautiful as her other grandchildren. I talked to Dugan. He’s over the moon.”
“Your family sounds nice.”
“They’re wonderful. It looks as if I’ll have to make a trip home before we go under.”
“Oh?”
“I have to be there to welcome the new addition to the family. Besides, Dugan asked me to be godfather.”
“That could present a problem. We need to hit this undercover operation now. It can’t wait two or three days.” She thought for a minute, her brow wrinkled. “I have an idea. Why don’t we call Agent Peavy to have the plane ready first thing in the morning? You said the ranch isn’t far from San Antonio. We can fly there, rent a car, and you can spend the day with your family. We’ll fly back tomorrow night. We’ll bring our disguises with us. That way we can go under as soon as we land.”
“We’ll be right on schedule.”
She nodded.
“Sounds good. Wait until you meet the family.” They would love her. But they would be shocked to see him bring a woman home. He’d never done so before. He’d have to explain how they were together because of business.
“I can stay in San Antonio for the day while you visit. I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense. You’re coming with me. When was the last time you saw a newborn?”
Chapter Thirteen
The plane was luxurious. There were soft leather seats, a table and six chairs where normally you’d see rows of seating, and a galley to make any cook envious. Darin was told when they came onboard to help themselves. Though the FBI undoubtedly wanted the scam to succeed they didn’t provide a steward. Still, Peavy had jumped at the chance to let them use the plane. “This will make you look more legit when you fly into Hobby as the Farleys,” he’d said. When Darin asked about the flight plan Peavy had told him not to worry, there would be a fake one stating the plane flew in from Dallas.
They were set.
They were also nervous.
Gina looked more gorgeous than ever in pressed jeans, a red T-shirt, and boots. Her matching jean jacket hung on a vacant seat. “What did you tell Captain Wells?”
“Told him I had a family emergency and would call in when I could. The team will back the lie. One or the other will hear from me from time to time with an update on my sis. The story is she was in a car accident and is home recuperating.”
“Plausible. As long as no one puts the two of us together.”
“They won’t.”
“You sound confident. What if he calls?”
“I told him I would be busy with my sister. If this isn’t over by next week I’ll call him with a reasonable excuse.”
“The bases are covered.”
Darin’s prepaid cell phone rang. Did they have a problem already? If not, who was calling?
“It’s Leya, Darin. I have an update—one I wish I didn’t have if you want to know the truth. I just found out my cousin, Jose, has been dealing drugs for a guy we think is on Chavizi’s payroll. They know a big buyer is on his way into town. Jose is nothing but a peon in the organization, but he overheard a conversation you might like. The big boss is interested. Thoug
ht you might want to know.”
“I do. Thanks.”
“Should I pick up Jose and slap his butt in jail? It’s what he deserves. I’ve told him a million times not to get involved in drugs.”
“Hang loose. We don’t want Chavizi, Ramiro, or anyone in either organization to suspect anything.”
“Good luck.”
He closed the cell, gave Gina the information. “Sounds as if Chavizi is looking forward to meeting us. Makes me wonder about his competition.”
Gina looked way too enticing sitting next to him. Involuntarily, he leaned closer. Inhaled. Her scent was different. Bolder. Brasher. He smiled inwardly. She wasn’t Gina now. She was Meg Farley and Meg used in-your-face perfume. He preferred the subtler wildflower, outdoor scent of Gina Carlson. But hey, he wasn’t going to complain. She looked up. Her lips parted. He dipped his head and kissed her. A spark of electricity shot through him. The woman was dynamite.
And he was way out of his depth.
“What are you doing, Callahan?” she gasped.
“Practicing. We have to be believable as husband and wife, don’t we?” It was the best he could come up with. She didn’t want to hear the truth. He didn’t either, but hell, he was crazy about her.
She pushed him away. “I’m not sure this is going to work.”
He’d blown it. Damn it. For a moment there he was ready to take her hand and find a place to make love. “It’s going to work. All we have to do is practice some more.”
“Fine. Then let’s get to it. But no more kissing.”
“That’s the best part,” he teased.
She rolled her eyes and went into character.
Before long they were landing.
Darin told the pilot they would leave between five and six in the evening, then guided Gina to the rental car waiting for them.
“Really, Darin. You can drop me off downtown. I’ll be fine until you get back.”
“Not on your life. We’re partners and partners stick together.” If Hunter had…He wouldn’t go there. Besides, he didn’t want her out of his sight for selfish reasons. He liked having her next to him. More than liked, dammit. Maybe that would prove the most dangerous part of this operation. She was the first woman to make him feel like this. Even though nothing of a serious nature could go on between them for the time being he couldn’t pass up the chance to indulge himself with her nearness.
“I don’t want to intrude on a family thing.”
Darin chuckled. “You wouldn’t intrude. Besides, they’re not the least bit intimidating. I think you’ll be comfortable around them.”
On the way to the hospital they continued to go over their parts. Played out a couple of scenarios. After one ridiculous scene they doubled over in laughter.
“We’re so outrageous, I wonder if we’ll be believable,” Gina told him. “Most undercover operatives are highly trained. We’re a couple of amateurs. Do you think we can make this work?”
He was the amateur here. Gina had taken to her part like a pro and probably wondered if he could carry the act without getting them killed.
“We have to. It’s too late to back out now. Besides, we’re motivated. Our disguises are good. We have our parts down pretty well. We’ll practice every chance we get.” So they started in again.
By the time they got to the hospital they were in full Farley mode.
“Time to get back to ourselves,” Darin said with a smile. “I have to admit being Dutch Farley is stimulating, but it’s unnerving as hell.” He helped her out of the car. “‘Course, you don’t have a problem being Meg. You’re a natural. Did you study acting in school?”
“The school of life.”
“Sounds intriguing. Wanna tell me about it?”
****
They entered the hospital through sliding glass doors. Gina was saved from answering by a tall man coming out of a room down the hall. He took one look at them and ran to greet them.
You could tell they were brothers. The same green eyes, that hunky build, hair with a hint of red. She had pictures of each of them. Only the oldest had a different look. She wondered if she’d see him today.
“Darin! Wait until you see my boy. I swear he’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen. His eyes are the same color as mine. He has Kate’s dark hair and, oh hell, you have to see for yourself.”
Before Darin could open his mouth they were dragged to a small nursery down another hall. The hospital was small. Compared to one in Houston where you almost needed a map to get from one spot to another, this was minuscule. However, it was clean and well kept.
“Dugan, this is Gina Carlson, my new partner.”
“Hi Gina, he said, turning to the window. “Look.”
Darin and Gina looked through the plate glass window.
“He’s so tiny,” she breathed. “And so beautiful.” Tears dampened her eyes. Would she and her sister ever get over their brutal childhood and have what Dugan and his wife had?
Darin slapped Dugan on the back. “You did good, bro. How’s Kate?”
“She’s great.”
Dugan’s nose was to the glass as if he couldn’t get close enough.
“I can’t wait to get him home.”
“Then you’ll have those two o’clock feedings,” Gina teased.
“I’ll welcome them. He’s a miracle.”
“Do you have a name?” Darin asked. “If I’m going to be the godfather I need a name.”
“We’re not positive just yet, but how does Devlin Maroney Callahan sound?”
“It’s lovely.” Gina smiled.
“I like it,” Darin added. “I guess you’re going to keep up the D names.”
Dugan just grinned. Then led them down another hall to Kate’s room.
“I’ll stay out here,” Gina said. “You go ahead.”
“No way.” Dugan took her by the arm and opened the door. “Kate, look who’s here! This pretty lady is Darin’s partner, Gina.”
Kate was sitting up in bed with a satisfied grin on her face. Darin gave her a hug. “That son of yours is amazing.”
“Isn’t he, though?” she agreed.
Gina walked over to the side of the bed. “I didn’t want to intrude, but your baby is beautiful. Congratulations.”
Kate tilted her head and gave Gina a long look. “So, you’re Darin’s new partner?”
Gina nodded.
Kate let her gaze wander from Gina to Darin and back again. “Good. Perfect.”
“I know you’re tired. I’ll wait outside while you talk to Darin.” She scooted out of the room before anyone could stop her.
Wandering down the hall she found herself back at the nursery. Little Devlin was beautiful. She leaned against the glass, watching every tiny movement, each wrinkle in his precious face. He was perfection. He let out a cry. The nurse was right there to pick him up. Settling him on her shoulder she patted his tiny back until he quieted, then bent to put him back in his crib. Seeing Gina she held him up and turned him toward the glass window. “Beautiful,” she mouthed. The nurse smiled and put Devlin in his crib.
The urge to hold the baby was so strong she had to leave. Turning, she almost ran into an older woman. “Sorry,” she said.
“It’s okay. I just wanted a quick look at my grandson before I go in to see his mother.”
“Are you Darin’s mother?” Of course she was. And even prettier than her picture.
“I am.” The woman smiled. “Nellie Callahan. You are?”
Gina stuck out her hand. “Gina Carlson. I’m Darin’s new partner. We were on a job and detoured here for the day.”
Gina liked the way the older woman’s eyes sparkled. They were the same emerald green as Darin’s. From the way she smiled you could tell she enjoyed every minute with her family.
“You must be so proud. Is this your first?” Devlin was her fifth, but Gina couldn’t very well let on she knew more about the Callahans than what Darin had told her.
“My fifth,” she said pro
udly. “They’re all beautiful.”
“I can see why. They take after their grandmother.”
“You’re being kind. They have beautiful parents. How could they not be gorgeous?”
Darin came up and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Congratulations, Mom. The house must be getting smaller every year.”
“It is.” She chuckled. “But it’s wonderful, don’t you think?”
“Have you met my new partner?”
“We introduced ourselves.” She looked over at Gina, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll bet she’s the prettiest partner you’ve ever had.”
“She is,” Darin agreed.
Other members of the family came in to see the baby and seemed eager to greet them as well. Gina recognized them from the dossier. Darin’s sister, TJ, and her husband, Max, followed by Donovan and his wife Phyl. He was different than his brothers, but in a nice way. Douglas and his wife Lisa were in the rear. All of them were here to see the baby and congratulate the parents. They were a beautiful family.
Darin could barely get in introductions before they were at the window oooing and aaahing.
Unable to keep the smile off his face Dugan handed out bubble-gum cigars.
An older couple walked straight to the window. “I knew he’d be gorgeous,” the woman said.
“Takes after his great-grandmother,” the man countered.
Darin laughed. “This is Kate’s grandmother, Grace, and her husband, Ed.”
They were a nice looking pair. She had nothing in her dossier on either.
Darin whispered in her ear, “Grace raised Kate after her mother died. She’s more mother than grandmother to Kate and Dugan adores her.”
Love. It reverberated around them all. Even to extended family. Did Darin realize how fortunate he was? It didn’t seem to matter where the Callahans were or what they were doing, when something important affected family they were there to help if needed—to celebrate when called for. She’d read of their closeness in her work-up. Seeing it herself was refreshing. Easing away she followed the hall to the entry where she found four children being supervised by one of the nurses.
“I’m old enough,” the oldest boy complained to the nurse watching them. “I want to see the baby, too.”
Promise Renewed Page 13
