by Rebecca Deel
Serena pulled over a high stool and sat Julia on it. “Mr. Rod is going to be our muscle.”
Julia peered at the red-haired detective sitting at the table. “You work with my daddy. Why are you here?”
Rod smiled and ruffled Julia’s black hair. “I’m trying to keep Miss Serena out of trouble. I heard she likes to throw noisy parties with clowns and circus elephants. And your neighbors are afraid the seals will flop around in their yards and squash the flowers.”
Julia’s peals of laughter echoed in the kitchen. Serena set a bowl with butter, brown sugar and white sugar in front of Rod. “Here, muscle man. Stir.”
“Do you really get in trouble all the time, Miss ‘Rena?” Julia asked, giggling.
“Right now, Julia, trouble is trailing me like a three-week-old puppy.” Serena just hoped she could stay one step ahead of it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“No.” Ethan’s face burned. “I’m not letting her do this. It’s too dangerous.” Enlisting Serena’s further aid as good as slapped a target on her back. “Why can’t one of your own people plant the bug?”
“A new worker in the executive office suite might raise suspicions. We don’t want to hand Stephens an excuse to do a sweep.”
“Your people aren’t good enough actors to pull off a story about being lost?” Ethan shook his head. “I’m not buying it, Jordan.”
Craig Jordan sighed and rubbed a hand across his mouth. “Blackhawk, this isn’t your case anymore. This meeting is a courtesy. You don’t get a vote in our plans.”
Ethan stood and placed his hands on the conference room table. He leaned toward the uneasy FBI agent. “This isn’t about jurisdiction. Serena is my responsibility. Getting her to plant the bug is like dangling raw meat in front of starving lions.”
“Why don’t we let Ms. Cahill decide if she will help or not.”
The conference room door opened behind Ethan. He glanced over his shoulder as Rod and Serena walk into the room. His eyes widened. Turning, he looked closer at Rod.
Streaked with a white powdery substance, the detective’s navy blue suit had splotches on his jacket resembling small handprints. His eyebrow rose. Handprints? Serena must have lassoed Rod into helping with those cookies.
Ethan blanked any expression and swung around. “Gentlemen, this is Detective Rod Kelter and Serena Cahill.”
“Special Agent Craig Jordan.” He extended his hand to Rod and Serena. “We’re part of the Organized Crime Task Force from Washington, D.C. Please, be seated.”
Ethan pulled out a chair for Serena and reseated himself next to her. Rod sat on his other side. While Serena studied his tight profile, he fought an impulse to scoop her into his arms and bolt from the room. He hated this whole set up.
“Ms. Cahill, tell us everything you know about Pam Oliver and the hotel where she worked.”
Serena stiffened. She glanced at Ethan, caught his almost imperceptible nod, and proceeded to tell the agents about Pam, her family, and what she knew about Pam’s job. Jordan typed notes into his laptop, stopping her at various points when he needed clarification.
“Were you aware of the mob’s connection to The Shamrock?”
Serena shook her head.
“But you worked in the hotel’s restaurant. Are you telling me the wait staff didn’t gossip?”
Ethan clenched his teeth until his jaw ached. He didn’t like Jordan’s tone or insinuation.
“Sure, they gossiped, but the hotel paid me to cook, not talk.”
Serena’s tart tone caused Ethan’s lips to twitch. Last night’s encounter with Harrington hadn’t dampened her spirits.
“I filled in when Robert went on vacation. Every time I step into The Shamrock’s kitchen, I have to introduce myself to the workers. Turnover is high in restaurants. Guess that eliminates whispering secrets between courses.”
Sunlight streamed through the blind’s slats into the conference room, highlighting the red tints in Jordan’s close-cut hair. His brown eyes revealed no emotion as he scrutinized Serena. “Chief Blackhawk told me you’ve been friends with Ms. Oliver for a long time.”
“Since we were 13.”
“Did Ms. Oliver tell you anything more than what is in your statement?”
“You think I’m holding out on you?” Serena’s frosty tone ratcheted the tension in the small room.
“Jordan.” At Ethan’s harsh tone, the other three agents shifted in their seats. “Serena’s not a hostile witness on the stand.”
The FBI agent shifted his glacial gaze to Ethan. “I understand you and Ms. Cahill are dating. I’d say that makes your objectivity suspect. Perhaps you should wait in your office until we’re finished with Ms. Cahill and Detective Kelter.”
Ethan studied Jordan a minute, then let his gaze touch the other three apprehensive agents in a casual sweep of the room. He refocused on Jordan. “It will take more than the four of you to remove me from this room.”
The confidence in his voice permeated the conference room, raising the tension level a couple more notches. Rod’s hands fisted. Ethan knew his detective would back him if he needed help. He wouldn’t.
Serena scanned Ethan’s granite features, then Jordan’s tight-lipped expression. “You’re questioning more than Chief Blackhawk’s interrogation skills, aren’t you?” She folded her arms. “What’s going on?”
A smile flickered across Jordan’s mouth. “The Chief and I disagree on work methods.”
Serena didn’t look convinced. Through narrowed eyes, Ethan watched the agent in charge. How long would he dodge the truth, hoping to catch Serena in a lie, maybe tie her to Stephens or the mob?
“Ms. Cahill, using the information Ms. Oliver and Blackhawk provided, we’re moving toward an indictment against Frank Stephens. I understand he’s a friend of your uncle. Will you have a problem with conflict of interest?”
Serena shook her head. “I’ve only met him a couple times. We conducted most of the negotiations for his dinner party on the phone.”
The muscles in Ethan’s face rippled as he waited for Jordan’s next move. He’d love to lash Jordan to the bull’s eye on the firing range for making Serena an even likelier target for The Fox.
“Do you have a legitimate reason for going to the executive suites today?” Jordan tossed a wary glance at Ethan.
“I have an appointment with Mr. Stephens this afternoon so he can sign off on the final menu. Why?”
Under the table, Ethan reached over and took her hand. Gripping his fingers, she searched his face for answers.
“We’d like you to put a small listening device in Stephens’ office.” Jordan spread his hands. “None of my people have access to his office without arousing suspicion.”
“You want me to plant a bug?” Astonishment filled Serena’s voice.
Jordan laid his clasped hands on the table. “We want to connect The Fox to the mob and Stephens. Right now, we have circumstantial evidence and word of mouth to tie them together. You can help us change that.”
#
Serena swiveled to face Ethan, a smile lurking around the corners of her mouth. “And you don’t want me to do this, do you? That’s what the testosterone show is about.”
“It’s dangerous.” Ethan squeezed her hand. “We still don’t know who The Fox is, and if you get caught . . .” He didn’t finish the sentence.
He didn’t have to complete the thought. Chills raced along the surface of her skin. “What would I have to do?” she asked Jordan.
“The small bug has a special adhesive on the back. Peel the protective paper and press the bug to the underside of Stephens’ desktop.”
“That’s it? Doesn’t sound hard.” Serena lifted her chin and leveled her gaze at the agent sitting across from her. “So what’s the catch?”
“You have to look for cameras,” Ethan said. “If you plant the bug and security sees it or gets it on tape, the mob will set The Fox on your trail with a personalized bullet.” He turned back to Jordan. “I’m
not letting her do this. Get someone else.”
“Wait a minute, Ethan.” She refused to spend the rest of her life walking backward, searching shadows for hit men, expecting a bullet to find her or, worse, Ethan. Serena inched nearer to him. “The Fox is already watching me anyway.”
“You’re a red herring right now, Serena. If you do this, he’ll come aiming for you.” The almost painful grip on her hand bared the depth of his feelings while his dark eyes and bronzed face remained unreadable.
“If we send someone else to Stephens, The Fox may kill another innocent bystander. I don’t want to endanger anyone else. Will I have backup in case anything goes wrong?”
“That’s the problem.” Ethan sounded resigned. “If any of us go with you, people will wonder what a cop was doing in Stephens’ office. The Feds can’t go in, either, because they’re strangers in the area and bound to raise questions.” He hesitated. “I could go in disguise.”
Serena grinned. “You would be more likely to get me caught. You draw attention no matter where you are.” She winked at him. She hadn’t missed the women in every crowd turning their heads to catch a glimpse of him. “So who can I take with me?”
Ethan shot an angry glance at Jordan. “Someone who’s an expert with a pistol and security measures.”
Serena sat silent a moment, then a broad smile spread across her face. “I think I know the right man.”
#
Serena clicked off her cell. “Josh will be here in a few minutes. Mom will drop him off on her way to The Bare Ewe.”
“You sure he’s up to this, Serena? He’s recovered enough from his injury?”
She sat in a visitors chair in front of Ethan’s desk. “He assured me he’s healing fast and his gun hand is unaffected.”
“I want to talk to him before you go.” Ethan sank into the chair beside hers. He threaded his fingers through hers. “You’re positive you want to do this? You can still change your mind.” He didn’t want Serena to put her own life at risk, but he respected her desire to shield another person from The Fox’s attention.
“I’ll be fine.” She caressed the back of his hand with her thumb. “Josh may be moving at half-speed, but I’d take odds on him over The Fox any day. He’ll watch my back.”
“I know he will, but I would never put a Ranger in a place he couldn’t defend himself or complete his mission.”
Serena stared at him, thoughtful. “Sounds like you know a lot about the Rangers.”
“I used to be one.”
She smiled. “Another reason why I’m crazy about you.”
Ethan’s desk phone buzzed. He released Serena’s hand and picked up his phone. “What is it, Trudie?”
“Josh Cahill’s here.”
“Send him back.”
“Josh is here already?” Serena looked disappointed.
He nodded. Every instinct he possessed insisted he force her into protective custody and tell Jordan to find another way to get the information he needed. For the first time in his law enforcement career, emotions threatened to overrule his cop instincts. The thought of Serena facing down the enemy made blood run cold through his veins.
He drew in a deep, shuddering breath. No more hiding from himself or his emotions. When Serena walked out of his office, she took his heart with her. Could he let the woman he loved stride into danger?
A sharp rap sounded. Ethan opened his door to a blonde-haired, tanned, fit six-foot man in his mid-30s, leaning on a black walking cane in his left hand. Ethan held out his hand. “Ethan Blackhawk. Please, come in.”
“Josh Cahill.” A quick smile accompanied the baritone reply. “Hey, squirt. What’s this about needing a bodyguard?” Josh appraised Ethan. “He fits the bill.”
“Ethan attracts attention.” With a grin, Serena folded her arms. “You, on the other hand, attract as much attention as a paper bag.”
Ethan noted the exchange with amusement. Megan characterized her family right. The tight clan loved each other and shared a sharp sense of humor. “Josh, have a seat and I’ll give you the short version of what Serena’s involved in.”
When Ethan finished, Josh said to Serena, “You never do anything halfway. Bet you still haven’t told Mom and Dad the whole story.”
She squirmed in her seat. “I’ll tell them later.”
“Do me a favor and wait until I go back on active duty. Mom still swings a mean switch. When she finds out I helped you, I better be able to run an 8-minute mile.”
Josh shifted his attention to Ethan, his expression sober. “What’s the plan?”
“You carrying?” Ethan asked.
“A Kimber .45 and two extra clips.”
Ethan nodded. “Serena has an appointment with Stephens in two hours. Locate the security cameras in his office, and help her attach a bug under the edge of his desktop without being seen.”
“No sweat.” Josh stood. “What are we driving?” he asked Serena, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “Not that rattletrap you call a car. I want a clean getaway from the bad guys without having to get out and push.”
“Here.” Ethan pulled keys from his pocket. “Take my truck. There’s a loaded short-barrel .38 revolver secured under the driver’s seat in case you run into trouble.”
“Great.” Josh limped to the door. “I’ll crank the truck. Wouldn’t do for our fearless undercover agent to melt in the heat. Which one is it?”
“Black Silverado with crew cab.” Ethan’s gaze remained locked on Serena’s face.
“Nice ride.” Josh grasped the doorknob. “See you in a bit, sis.” He closed the door behind him without looking over his shoulder.
Serena rose and stood in front of Ethan. “Will the ceiling collapse or the walls cave in if I kiss the Chief of Police before leaving?”
“I don’t know.” Ethan’s heart raced as he reached for her. “Let’s find out.”
She stepped into his embrace and raised her face to his. The touch of her lips on his sent lightning bolts surging through his body. When she finally released her hold on him, he swallowed the protest that rose to his lips. He didn’t know if he could let her walk away from him. What if he lost her after losing his heart?
“I’ll be back soon,” she whispered.
“You better be.” He cupped her face between his hands. “I . . .” Ethan stopped himself. He couldn’t tell Serena he loved her now. He didn’t want her distracted. A time would come for that later.
“What?”
“Take extra care, Serena. You mean more to me than you know.”
Serena flashed him a blinding smile and walked out.
#
Just one kiss from Ethan Blackhawk made her toes curl with pure pleasure. Serena sighed, staring unseeing out the truck window.
“That bad, huh?”
Josh maneuvered through Knoxville traffic with an ease she envied. “What?” Serena shifted to face her brother.
“Does Mom know? You haven’t told Meg and Maddie or I would have heard about it before now.”
“What are you talking about, Josh?” Her forehead wrinkled.
A gentle smile curved his lips. “You love him, don’t you?”
“It shows?” Serena smiled. “I don’t see how it’s possible, though. I haven’t known him long.”
“Sometimes it happens that way, Serena.” Josh exited onto Castle Drive which led to the Pot o’ Gold Hotel.
Serena scrutinized her brother’s face. Something in his voice betrayed a sadness she didn’t understand. Had Josh fallen in love and suffered a broken heart? He kept up with their family by e-mail, care packages, and letters while on assignment, but now Serena realized how much about himself he kept from them.
She reached across the seat and captured his hand. “Will you tell me about her one day, Josh?”
He stole a glance at her, his eyes darker than usual, almost haunted. “Yeah.” His gruff answer made her heart ache. “One day.”
They rounded the final curve. Trees in the landscape parted, revea
ling the glittering gold-colored roof of the Pot o’ Gold Hotel. “Showtime, squirt.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“Stay on my left, Serena.” Josh nudged her to the correct side as they walked across the parking lot. “I need my gun hand free at all times.”
She swallowed hard, thankful for Josh’s confidence. Serena’s flea-sized courage waned with each step. She forced her feet to carry her across the remaining yards to the front entrance. “How do you and Ethan face this every day? My legs feel like cooked spaghetti.”
“We’re trained for it. Focus on your job and I’ll take care of the rest.” He smiled and opened the door. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your six.”
Right. Focus on the job. Get the final menu signed, plant a bug without being detected, and get out of Dodge. Piece of cake. Serena squared her shoulders, assumed as normal an expression as she could muster on her face, and headed to the elevators, Josh trailing a few steps behind her.
#
“Serena, my dear, how nice to see you again.” Frank Stephens shook her hand, smiling down into her face. When he glanced over her shoulder, his smile dimmed. “And who is this?” Suspicion edged his voice.
“I’m Josh.” He held out his hand. “Serena’s brother.”
“Josh is on medical leave from the Army.” Serena shoved her trembling hands into her pockets. “He wanted to see anything but the inside of the rehab clinic, so I brought him along for the ride.”
“I enjoy seeing any terrain other than desert.” Josh grinned.
How could he appear so calm, so normal? Josh behaved as if he were out for a scenic drive around the area, not infiltrating deep into the enemy camp on a mission. Cold sweat trickled down her back.
“You’ve been in the middle east?” Stephens asked.
“Yeah, this is my fourth tour.” Josh hesitated. “Do you mind if I sit down a minute? My leg’s not up to par yet, and Serena moves at a fast clip.”
“Of course.” Stephens hurried to help Josh who’d developed sudden trouble maneuvering his leg and cane.
Serena bit her lip, stifling nervous laughter. While Stephens went to another office to find a pillow for Josh, her brother scanned the office for security cameras.
