by India Kells
Ward angled his head and crossed his muscled arms. In that position, he looked even more imposing. “And you feel strong enough, lady, to shake that nest and deal with the consequences?”
Frida didn’t have to look at Malco to know what he was thinking but decided to speak her mind. “I have nothing to lose, and I’m not afraid to be stung. Even if it’s the last case I ever work, I’ll clean out the force and make sure your boys are protected and safe.”
As Malco walked Ward and Mrs. Neal out, Frida made a quick call to Rina Flores, her assistant and research wizard, and arranged for her to be picked up by someone from Alliance and brought there. Even without knowing the details, Frida knew her research assistant understood that what she was asking was important and possibly dangerous, and yet she didn’t hesitate.
Alex and Mercy stood ready for her orders, and her first one had been to transfer everything into the conference room where they’d have more space and be more comfortable. In the meantime, Rina would arrive and would take charge of digging into the avalanche of documents and start making sense of them. In fact, she was magic at bringing forth the details that could make or break a case, and with this one, it would be even more important.
As she made a list of items Rina would most probably need, Malco came back, and without a word, started carting boxes with the two other agents. In no time, the office was emptied out. Alex started installing a couple of extra computers while Mercy picked up the list to go through it.
She was heading for the conference room, half looking at her phone when Rina arrived accompanied by Nicholas, who gave Frida a curt nod before disappearing.
Immediately, Rina gave Frida a huge hug. “Oh, Frida, what happened? You didn’t give us any details, and we’ve been worried.”
Frida stepped back, cringing a little. “I’m sorry, everything happened so fast and it couldn’t be helped. I’ll tell you everything.”
Rina dropped her bag in the corner and listened to Frida as she explained the situation, the possible trouble with the police, the gang uproar, the disappearance of a young boy, and why she had to ask for the Alliance Agency’s help. The more she gave Rina the details, the sharper her friend’s gaze became. It was obvious Rina was ready to roll.
In the conference room, Frida introduced her to Alex and Mercy, explaining they were her personal research slaves for the time being. Mercy laughed at the term and winked at Rina. Alex was more circumspect and rolled his eyes, probably not happy at being buried in paperwork, but as his eyes roamed Rina’s ample curves, she suspected he’d find some way to be entertained during this torturous journey. For agents used to jumping into the action, being stuck inside never brought forth great enthusiasm.
When she saw the trio were settled, Frida stepped from the conference room to see Malco talking with Shane and Emme. There were no smiles there either.
“We just got the news that Kasten went back to your office. The surveillance cameras picked him up. He only knocked on the door and left after nobody answered, but I guess he wanted to speak with you.”
Malco didn’t look happy by what Emme was saying. And neither was Frida if she were honest. “Without a warrant or any sort of evidence, he needs to be careful, or I could be tempted to accuse him of harassment. On the other hand, it kind of fires me up, because it means there’s something in one of the boxes here that makes him nervous. All we have to do now is find it.”
Shane didn’t look convinced. “Maybe it’s the fact that you’re digging around, and because he doesn’t know who’s behind it, he’s trying to bully it out of you.”
Frida nodded. “Yes, that’s probably true as well. And it’s one more reason to keep digging and make him even more nervous. I know he’s the kind of man who’ll inevitably make a mistake if pushed or provoked. I’ve seen his kind before, and his downfall will always be his ego.”
Malco shook his head. “How do you intend to rattle him when you’re here doing research?”
She had an idea of how. “I have Rina now to do the grunt work. I’m one hundred percent certain Kasten or one of his men is lurking around the Agency, trying to see who’s going in or out. So, let’s push a couple of his buttons and go to the Youth Center.”
“I already had plans to go and investigate myself. Alone.”
The man may have growled his answer, but Frida had no intention of being intimidated. “No, you don’t. You wanted to merge our investigations, so that means I’m going with you wherever you’re headed. I’ve glimpsed some of the documents already, and the more I know, the more I can make sense of what may be going on. Also, I can read people well. I have these amazing skills when selecting a jury, and I’ve never been wrong.”
Malco arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms, readying himself for a confrontation Frida knew he would lose.
“What am I thinking now?”
Mimicking his position, Frida looked up at his handsome face, his expression firing with a challenge, a look similar to what they’d exchanged while she was sitting naked on his kitchen table a few hours earlier, before it turned neutral.
“You’re annoyed, thinking we’re losing time with nonsense. You want to protect me, and you’re pissed that I don’t know better than to stay at the Agency.” Now it was her time to arch an eyebrow. “How close am I?”
He may have the best poker face in Miami, one she knew in other circumstances would be difficult to crack, even for her, but there was an amused warmth lighting his eyes, and a fleeting look she remembered that was definitely R-rated.
“Grab your bag. You’re coming with me.”
Chapter Nine
Arriving at the Youth Center, Malco noticed groups of young people hanging around outside. A group of teenagers were talking and cast a suspicious glance at the expensive car they didn’t know. Another was using the large expanse of the east-facing wall to paint a mural using paint cans. He parked, and the feeling of apprehension and distrust ratcheted up. It wasn’t a feeling he usually associated with this place.
The center was a place of safety where kids that had been made to grow up far too young could be kids again, if only for a few hours. Today the entire vibe was one that made his gut clench. A gentle hand landed on his forearm. “They’re scared.” It was a simple statement, but one that showed how much the woman beside him understood the subtleties of gang life.
He glanced at her, a question on the tip of his tongue, but then changed his mind. Now was not the time to try and unravel the secrets of the beautiful woman who was becoming somewhat of an obsession in his mind. Instead, he nodded. “They are, and it’s not a vibe you normally find here. Ward has worked hard to make this a place of safety and inclusion for everyone.”
Frida glanced at the gang of youths of around thirteen to seventeen, who were watching them with an edge of fear on their faces.
“It’s the car. It’s expensive and one they wouldn’t usually associate with me. The fact they can’t see inside because of the tints makes them nervous.”
“But who put that fear there?”
Malco glanced at the oldest youth, a girl of seventeen called Danie Du Toit. She was dressed in a short denim skirt, a bright pink crop top, and an oversized hoodie that hid her face. Her face was heavily made up, her hair braided and hanging down one shoulder. That all seemed normal for what he knew of the girl, but her face had an expression he hadn’t seen before. She was usually so happy and confident. One of the few who had a plan to get herself free of this life, but today her sparkle was dulled, her shoulders slumped. “I have no idea what they fear, but I’ll find out.” With that, Malco slowly opened the car door and drew himself to his full height. As if on a wave, the kids before him relaxed their shoulders, the tension leaving them.
“Malco, man.” One of the younger boys, Aston, moved forward, his hand out.
Malco took it and did the elaborate hand greeting. “How’s it going?” He asked the question as he usually did, but the answer was so much more important today.
&n
bsp; Aston shrugged. “Same shit, different day.”
Malco nodded, not wanting to push as the others moved toward him with genuine warmth on their faces but where that warmth had previously held trust now it was now muted.
“Any word on Tycen?” Danie moved closer; her eyes kept moving to Frida as she asked the question.
Malco, not willing to admit they had jack shit, instead decided to introduce Frida. He turned and opened his arm wide and she moved in closer with a smile.
His actions told the kids he trusted her, and she was with him. “This is my friend, Frida. She’s a lawyer here in Miami and wants to help.”
A snort came from one of the older boys who had been painting the wall. “A lawyer. Why would she want to help us?”
Malco was all too familiar with the attitude and knew it would take time for these kids not to fear that every authority figure was out to get them. Placing his hands on his hips, Malco went to put the kids straight. He understood being weary, but he wouldn’t accept bad manners from anyone. A hand on his bicep stopped the words from leaving his mouth.
He glanced at Frida who had a look of deep understanding and determination on her face. “Let me.”
Malco had a moment of inner struggle while he tried to decide why he felt the desire to protect this woman who clearly didn’t need it. After a moment, he nodded, knowing she needed to show strength if these kids were ever going to trust or respect her. A look of pleasure crossed her face, that he felt an answering pleasure from it told him the impact she’d already made on him.
Frida turned to the kids then. “I understand you don’t know me, and God knows you have no reason to trust me or any kind of law enforcement, but if you let me, I’d like to help.”
“Why should we trust you? You don’t know us, and we don’t know you.” Aston was the one who spoke.
“You’re right, but why don’t we go in off the street, and I’ll tell you a little about myself?” She didn’t push, just stood still, and waited for them to decide. Malco found he too waited for the answer, hoping he might get some insight into the woman with a sharp brain and a razor-sharp wit, who held a gentle vulnerability close.
“Sure, let’s hear it.” Danie smiled as she spoke and then turned and led the way inside. Malco shook his head as he followed, surprised at the ease with which she had been invited into their safe place.
As they sat inside the large lounge area with a slightly scarred pool table and several games consoles, Frida felt slightly nauseous. Was she about to open up her past to these kids? Could she tell her past in the hope that it would serve as a hope for these kids, that if she could survive and thrive, then so could they? Would it show them she understood in a way few, if any, people in her position could?
As she took the cup of coffee Malco handed her with a smile and saw the same resolve to help these youths in his eyes as was in hers, she resolved to do whatever it took.
“Thank you.”
He cocked his head. “You sure about this? I don’t know what this story is, but I have a feeling it’s deeply personal. You don’t owe anyone anything.”
“I know, but if I want them to trust me, I need to give them a reason. I wish I’d had time to tell you first. This was not how I wanted my history revealed. I hope that afterward, you’ll still want to know me.”
Malco lifted his hand to her cheek and cupped it briefly, allowing her to see his vulnerability. “We all have our secrets, Frida, and mine aren’t pretty either. I won’t judge you—ever.” She felt relief at his words.
“Thank you.”
When the now full room was quiet, she faced the young people, a room full of fear, and broken promises where there should only be hope and a desire for life.
“My name is Frida Montalvo, but that’s not the name I was born with.” She felt every set of eyes on her. “I was born Ana Maria Garroyo.” Frida waited for the hush to die down, and her eyes cut to Malco, who had gone statue still. Her heart hammered in her head as his eyes met hers, and she saw shock and a level of hatred she wouldn’t have believed possible from him. He hid it instantly, but his jaw worked hard to contain his feelings. She battled the disappointment and faced the now enthralled teens.
“My father was the leader of the Dead Kings out in LA. He ruled with an iron fist, not just his men or his members, but his family too. He was a cruel, evil man who only cared about his drugs and his guns. He used kids to sell his drugs, and their parents allowed it because they worked for him on a different level, or they feared for their lives.” Frida didn’t dare look at Malco; she didn’t want to see his hatred again.
“My sister was two years older than me. She was beautiful and kind, and she fell in love with a boy the same age as her. The boy was involved with a rival gang, and when my father found out, he had them both beaten. He allowed his most senior men to take turns with my sister, and then he had them both killed.” The clattering of a chair sounded beside her as Malco stood abruptly, a look of anguish on his face before he turned and stalked from the room. Frida hadn’t come this far to bail out now, though, so she stayed and finished her story. “I wasn’t brave or courageous, but I was angry and heartbroken, and I used that anger and heartbreak to get away. I took as much evidence as I could, and I ran. I changed my name, and I studied, and eventually, I brought my father’s entire operation down until nothing was left. So, you see, I do understand gangs and what it takes to escape them and how easy it is to succumb to the life they offer. I know something is going on in our beautiful part of the world and I’ll stop it, but I can’t do it alone. I need your help.”
“Were you scared?” This from Aston. Frida nodded. “I was terrified, and I felt guilty. Despite what he had done, he was the man who had given me life, but he was also the one who had taken the only person I loved and killed her for falling in love.”
The room was silent for a beat, and she saw the pride on Ward’s face as he stood across the room, his large arms crossed over his chest. It pleased her, but it wasn’t his pride she wanted. It was the pride of the man who had run out of there after looking at her with hate and contempt in his eyes.
Chapter Ten
The discussion with the kids went on for quite some time. The more she spoke, the more they relaxed and started asking questions. They were an amazing bunch, and from the little they revealed, their lives and experiences were similar to her own in many ways, but the difference was this center and Ward, who shone like a beacon of hope to them all. And Malco, as they all talked about him with great affection and respect. He came several times a week to teach self-defense techniques or train them how to box.
Aston was one of his pupils and she could see his excitement that Malco was considering organizing a match between local boxing schools. Danie and Aston kept particularly close to her. They started talking about an increasing pressure in the neighborhood that extended to the city from what she could understand. Frida found it difficult not to push and pry more information from them, but she remembered that trust hadn’t come easily for her back then, and that applied to these kids.
Where was Malco? She looked around and couldn’t see him.
Once the kids were sidetracked by a game of pool, she went to find Ward. “Do you know where Malco went?”
Ward looked at his feet for a moment, and it was weird seeing this mountain of a man uncomfortable. “He left. One of the Alliance guys has just arrived to drive you back.”
As she opened her mouth, James appeared in her line of vision, with a blazing smile and flirty wink. “Your carriage awaits when you’re ready, my beautiful princess.”
Without answering James, and knowing she wouldn’t be able to get much from Ward by how hard he clenched his jaw, she went outside and followed the Alliance agent to a pick-up truck.
James chattered away during the drive, but Frida had trouble getting the expression on Malco’s face as he’d stormed off out of her mind. He’d told her that nothing she could say would change his opinion of her. It twisted h
er insides, and all she wanted was to find Malco and ask him why. She wasn’t the kind of woman to tap dance around an issue, but it was the first time someone’s opinion of her, especially a man’s, had messed with her that way. She cared what he thought of her.
It was James’ sudden silence that brought her back to reality as he parked at the Agency. He opened his mouth to speak, but Frida was already out of the car and marching to the front entrance.
Cleo buzzed her in, and when she looked, she couldn’t see any sign of Malco. The violet-haired office manager followed her gaze and frowned. “Are you looking for someone?”
“Malco.”
Cleo shook her head. “He didn’t come back here. Is something wrong?”
Frida didn’t know how to answer. Not yet. Not until she could have a private chat with the man. “Do you think I can borrow a car?”
James stepped beside her. “I don’t think it’s safe for you to drive around on your own. Not when someone could be following you. I’ll drive you wherever you want to go. Consider me your personal chauffeur for the rest of the day. Where are we heading?”
“I need to find Malco. He disappeared on me, and it’s urgent I talk to him.”
James shrugged and mumbled something about waiting in the car.
Cleo sighed and walked around her desk. “You’ll probably find him at his place. I don’t know what happened, but there are two things I know about Malco. The first is he’s steadfast, and if he left you, it’s because it was something important, or he was really shaken up and thought he had to step back and have somebody else protect you. From the tone of his voice when he called and asked for someone to fetch you, I suspect it was the latter.”
