Hero Undercover: 25 Breathtaking Bad Boys

by Annabel Joseph

  Leaning over the counter, she grabbed him by the shirt collar. “While this was a gift to me, a very sweet gift, I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is fake. Fake fucking wine. Do you get it?”

  “What? I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  The poor befuddled man was terrified, but she suspected of someone else. “You heard me. Fake. Now either you, as the seller, knew this wine was fake, thereby committing a crime or the mystery gifter fucked with the wine. Now which is it before I call the cops?”

  Red faced and shaking like a leaf, Scott begged with his eyes to be released. “Ms. Miss. Mrs. Torres, I assure you that our reputation is critical and we’ve never knowingly sold any fraudulent wine. I swear on my mama’s grave.”

  She released him and tilted her head. “Knowingly? Interesting word, Scotty. I would like to have a word with your boss. Would that be James Goldsmith perhaps?”

  He blinked, his mouth going slack. “What I meant to say was we don’t, I mean we never have. I mean—”

  “That’s enough, Scott. I’ll help this lovely lady. Mrs. Torres. Very nice to see you again. How can I help you?”

  Turning toward the voice, she gave James her sweetest smile. “I believe you have a problem and my guess is that you’re well-aware.” His eyes were hiding something. She thought about the painting, the color red and the concept. A warning. No doubt.

  James looked at Scott and nodded before walking in her direction. “Let’s go to my office. I’m certain you’ll be more comfortable.”

  “I don’t know how this happened, Mr. Goldsmith. I really don’t,” Scott stated.

  Scott was petrified. Shanna sniffed and tapped her foot. She detected at least one other person was listening.

  “Enough!” James snapped.

  She detected a hint of danger, his tone threatening. While she certainly didn’t plan on backing down, she also wasn’t going anywhere alone with the man. “I don’t need to be more comfortable, James. Mr. Dunner was kind enough to send over this bottle. As you can imagine, I was very excited to add to my collection. However, I noticed the label within seconds.” Taking her index finger, she raked the tip down the length, ripping the half-glued foil.

  He didn’t utter a sound but his eyes were full of animosity. “I’m very sorry that your gift wasn’t well received. I’ll make certain that Mr. Dunner receives a full refund. I’m certain he will be sending you another in its replacement. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.”

  She’d been ceremoniously dismissed. What she’d seen in his eyes was telling and she anticipated the evening would be fascinating.

  Shanna also expected that Stoker would play his hand. Someone else was going to die.

  Chapter 5

  “You look incredible,” Cody whispered as they walked inside. His hand was pressed against the small of Shanna’s back.

  “Thank you. You clean up pretty good yourself, cowboy. Watch out for James. I’m certain he won’t be very happy to see me tonight.” Shanna stood taller than many of the patrons and could see a good portion of the dinner guests. There were at least thirty people on the invitation list. Some she recognized from the gallery event. Others were unknowns, but certainly all had money to spend. She stole another admiring look at Cody. Instead of his normal attire, he was dressed in an expensive suit, the cut perfect for him.

  He took her hand as they walked toward the bar. “Stoker is already here and talking with James.”

  “They must be concerned about a certain someone knowing fake wine.”

  “You are frustrating as hell. That I know for certain.”

  Shanna punched him in the gut with her elbow. “Ah, dearest. You love me for all my foibles.”

  “Does the word spanking come to mind?” he asked, his tone hoarse.

  She tipped her head and exhaled. “Not gonna happen.” As they neared the bar, Stoker acknowledged their presence, finished his conversation with James and headed in their direction. “What did your captain say?”

  “We were right about James. He has no priors and no known affiliations with Stoker. The staff all seem on the up and up. The picture of the suave man either wasn’t clear enough or he has no record. However, our Chinese guy?” Cody grinned as he pulled her away from an ensuing crowd. “We think his name is Ching Mai. Other than his name, zero information”

  Shanna paled and gripped his arm. Fuck me. “I should have recognized him.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s Chinese mafia. What the hell is he doing impeding on Stoker’s turf?”

  He held her arm and lowered his head. “How do you know this?”

  “Don’t push. Not here.” She glanced from right to left, her thoughts drifting to the past. Being Trent’s attorney afforded her snooping rights. What she’d learned had terrified her. Trent’s illegal activities had been the cause of his death. Why were two men who had direct contact with her dead fiancé here, at this very moment?

  Cody glowered down at her. “Shanna, stop hiding information.”

  “Don’t look now, darling. We have company.”

  “You’re going to have to tell me later,” he whispered in her ear. “My gut tells me tonight is the night.”

  She laughed, playing the scene, and wrapped her arm around Cody’s neck. When she noticed Stoker, she smiled but remained silent. Her instinct was on high alert. Cody was right. Something more ominous was planned.

  “The lovely Mrs. Torres and Diego, glad to see you both here for dinner,” Stoker said.

  “Wouldn’t miss this for the world. Need to find the asshole faking wine.” Cody’s voice rose enough that at least three others heard his exclamation.

  Shanna had to admit, Stoker was a cool cucumber. He didn’t show any sign of recognition, even being this close. The night in the warehouse had been dark, but he’d noticed her in his attempt to exit the premises quickly. “Mr. Wilde. I understand you share in my love of merlot.”

  “I do indeed. I was told about the unfortunate incident with the wine. I know Mr. Goldsmith is making every effort to eliminate the possibility of a reoccurrence.” Stoker looked over and around her.

  Fascinating. The man treated women like true objects. Shanna exhaled. “Darling, I’m bored and thirsty. Would you mind fetching me a glass of wine?”

  “Be careful playing with the guests, my dear. They might bite back.” Cody kissed her on the forehead. “What are you doing?” he whispered

  “My job,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

  “You’re playing with fire.”

  “We’ve run out of time.” She walked away, determined to garner the introduction with Christian. She didn’t have to wait long.

  “Alexandra Torres. I was told you’re an admirer, able to see as if through my eyes. Rare indeed.”

  Shanna froze. The voice. She’d heard the voice before. As she turned, she held her smile, her eyes searching his. A glint remained in the man’s eyes, as if he recognized her. “You are?”

  “I apologize. I’m Christian Dunner.” He held out his hand.

  The moment they touched, a cold chill rushed down her back. “The artist. I was indeed admiring your work. Thank you for the incredible gift.” Dear God. How did she know this man?

  He kept his hand wrapped firmly around hers as his eyes darted back and forth. “You’re very welcome, although my art pales in comparison to a woman so beautiful. You’re like a fine wine, ripe and luscious.”

  You’re like a fine wine, ripe and luscious. Time seemed to stand still. The words reverberated in the back of her mind. Suddenly she remembered every detail about the man, and about his connections. This had to be a trap. Act natural. “Quite the compliment.”

  “I understand you became aware that the wine I sent you was a fake. Interesting.” Christian brought her hand to his lips.

  There was no way she could play this off. Every inch of her skin was crawling. Her smile now coy, she tilted her head back, staring him directly in the eyes. “I am a woman of m
any talents, Mr. Dunner.”

  “Christian, please. I can see that you are. I hope that you’ll consider modeling for me one day.”

  “Perhaps, although my husband is a jealous man. Tell me, what are you going to do with the paintings in the gallery?”

  He let her go, his actions reluctant in nature. “They are being shipped out tonight to very important clients. They were merely on loan given James is a good friend of mine.”

  “Ah. I’m glad I had the opportunity to see them.” She had to get to Cody. They’d been going about this all wrong. “If you’ll excuse me, I should find my husband before dinner begins.”

  “By all means. We’ll talk again. Of that I’m certain.”

  She held her breath as she walked away. She could feel his eyes boring into her. If he made the connection, both she and Cody could be killed. She remembered the dinner with Trent, swanky and opulent. Christian had been a guest. Sweat began to roll down her back. Whatever Stoker was involved in, the big event was tonight. As for Christian Dunner, he was smack in the middle of the nefarious plan. She walked casually as she searched for Cody. Fear slithered into every cell. What had they walked into? Flashes of images created a strangling sensation. She had to get some air.

  Suddenly she was boxed in by a crowd of people. No. She had to find Cody. They had to get out.

  “Just as beautiful as I remember, although I dare say the company you’re keeping today is much worse than the traitor you were working for. How troubling,” he stated then laughed.

  Hot breath skipped along her skin from behind. She slowly turned and hissed.

  “I’ll need you to come with us, Ms. Jacobs.”

  Cody snarled when he heard his phone buzzing for the second time. He moved away from the crowd to just outside the front door. Chinese mafia? How the fuck would she know that and the entire department didn’t? What in the hell was going on? “Captain. I hope you have some solid answers because we’re spitting dust here and running out of time.”

  “You asked me to investigate everyone involved with the case. Your instincts were spot on,” Captain Brentwood stated.

  He noticed a sense of urgency in his captain’s voice. “Good. What are we dealing with?”

  “Trent Giovanni, aka the slasher. Ring a bell?”

  “The man known as the slasher? Didn’t he work for the Sanduci organization?” Trent. Oh fuck. Red flags rushed into the back of his mind. His adrenaline kicked in, his heart racing.

  “The very one. Shanna Jacobs represented Mr. Giovanni on a business transaction, but not because of his affiliation with the Sanducis. From what I could find out from Christine Franco, Mr. Giovanni purchased several buildings and Shanna handled the legal work. Everything was on the up and up, at least initially.”

  Cody swallowed hard and eased into the shadows. “Where is this going?”

  “Ms. Jacobs fell in love with Trent. She began walking a fine line with regards to the law. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  He wiped beads of sweat from his brow. “Are you trying to tell me that she became involved in illegal activities?”

  “I’m telling you that she crossed the line more than once. She also witnessed Trent’s murder,” Captain Brentwood stated.

  “She already told me that. A cop killed him.”

  “No, a hired gun of the Sanduci organization. Everything was planned. The cop involved didn’t pull the trigger but I suspect he was working for the Sanduci organization. He’s disappeared. They didn’t want members of their rival mafia family to know they had a leak. That wouldn’t be good for business.”

  “A leak. Fill in the blanks for me.” Cody walked back into the restaurant, scanning the room in search of Shanna. An intense shiver slithered down his spine. They’d been made.

  “As you know, Mr. Wilde is a key player in every illegal Sanduci operation. He was responsible for Trent’s murder.”

  “Why?” Cody walked through the crowd.

  “He was going to blow the Sanduci operation wide open, turn state’s evidence.” The captain’s voice was agitated.

  Cody stopped short, the words echoing in his ears. No wonder Shanna had been pushed into working with him – Christine had coerced her in order to regain Shanna’s good name. “If they knew Trent was leaking information to the FBI, then they knew about Trent’s relationship with Shanna. Dear God, she’s in danger.”

  “Exactly. I’m sending you a picture. If this man is the artist you’re talking about, he’s the man we believe to have killed the informant and another member of his crew. He’s the Sanducis’ hit man.”

  “Oh shit. Why in the hell did you get her involved?” Cody hissed through clenched teeth.

  “We didn’t know until today that she was Trent’s love interest. Taylor and King hid everything about their relationship as well as the work Shanna performed for Trent. She was forced to disappear until everything ran cold. The client she’s working for? From what I can tell, they have reasons to want Stoker dead. What I don’t know is if they intended for her to be a part of the package deal.”

  “Shit! She was lured in because she refuses to let his murder go. Does she have any idea he was turning state’s evidence?” Cody was nauseous. She was nowhere to be seen.

  “No, he kept it from her to protect her, at least according to Christine. Instead, he got himself killed and Shanna on the hit list. I’m pulling you off the case. If Stoker and his team put all the pieces together, you’re both in danger. You need to get out of there tonight.”

  Cody walked the entire restaurant. Shanna was nowhere. “Shit! Shit! She’s disappeared.”

  “What?” the captain exclaimed. “That’s it. I’m bringing in the local cops. They’re on standby.”

  “Don’t. We still have an open case. If you blow it you’ll never get another chance. This isn’t just about wine.”

  “You’re right. We think they’re bringing the wine from overseas via ships and using the containers to ship back guns.”

  Closing his eyes, Cody cursed. “Let me guess. China.”

  “That’s what we suspect. Did you find something?”

  “It’s what Shanna said. Ching Mai? You couldn’t find anything on him because he’s Chinese mafia. I don’t know anything else. Now, I have to find Shanna.”

  “Seems our girl had more information than I originally thought. Perhaps Trent leaked every business transaction to her. That could mean she’s quite valuable. I’m bringing in back up.”

  “If you do, she could die.”

  “If I don’t, you both could die. If you find her, pull her out now. We have few choices left.”

  The call ended, Cody checked the picture the captain sent. The picture confirmed that the artist known as Christian Dunner had been in the gallery the night before. He’d been watching Shanna. “Shit.” After searching everywhere including the grounds, he headed straight for James Goldsmith. Jerking the man’s arm, he pulled him into a back hallway, slamming James against the wall. “I need answers.”

  “What do you think you’re doing?” James huffed and attempted to sidestep Cody.

  Cody grabbed him around the throat. “Listen to me. I know about your little kink club, you and all your socialite friends. I don’t give a damn what you do on the side or who you fuck. What I do care about is your work with Stoker Wilde. Is this the artist you insisted Alexandra meet?” He shoved the phone in James’ face.

  “I don’t understand,” James whispered, the sound ragged. His face was red, sweat trickling down from his forehead.

  “Yes, you do. He’s been blackmailing you and your friends to either look the other way or worse, help criminals sell and ship illegal guns. Now, who the fuck is this man?”

  “No. Oh shit!”

  Cody pulled back his arm, ready to land a punch.

  “Hold on! Christian Dunner. I only know him as an artist. I swear to God.”

  “Who told you to entice my wife into a meeting with the man and where has he taken her?” Cody squeeze
d until James gasped. He released the pressure but kept his hold. “Who?”

  “Mr. Wilde. He insisted that I have them meet. I don’t know why. I really don’t.”

  Enraged, he shoved James into the bathroom. “Where would they take her?”

  “I don’t know. I swear.”

  Cody had never been so angry in his life. He’d brought her into this investigation. He took a step back and shook his head. Then he reached for his badge. “Do you see this? This means I will be shutting down your operation permanently for wine fraud, extortion, and if I don’t find the investigator I’m working with, murder. Am I being clear?”

  James opened his eyes wide and drool slipped past his lips. “I didn’t hurt anyone. None of us did. You don’t understand what Stoker could do to us. We just followed orders.”

  “We. I’ll need the entire list of everyone involved with this scheme. Now I need to know the location where Stoker stores his wine. Now!”

  There’s a series of warehouses on the far end of the city. He purchased every one of them. That’s all I know.”

  “You better be right.” He grabbed James by the collar, dragging him out of the bathroom. When he stormed back into the restaurant, he wasn’t surprised to see the local law enforcement.

  “Detective Walker, I’m Sergeant Timmons. Captain Brentwood sent us.”

  Cody nodded and shoved James in the sergeant’s direction. “Take this piece of shit away. Warehouses at the end of the city. Do you know them?”

  “Yeah. They’re empty as far as we know.” Sergeant Timmons handed James off to another deputy. “Why?”

  “They’re not empty. I’m going to need backup, but you need to remain on the perimeter. One of our own may have been kidnapped. My guess is you’re looking for a black van.” Cody struggled to breathe as he glanced around the room. There was no sign of Stoker or Christian. He only hoped he could save her in time.

  “Black van. You got it.”

  Cody raced out of the venue, jumping into the Ferrari. There was one road into town and one road out. He’d find the warehouses easily enough. What he’d find when he did was terrifying.