Undercover Justice

by Davy, Wendy;

  A shoelace came untied and smacked against the sidewalk with each step she took. She paused, crouched to secure her shoe, and caught sight of a car turning onto the street. All-consuming fear pushed her heartbeat.

  Stay calm.

  Probably someone on their way to an early work shift. No reason to panic.

  The vehicle’s engine revved as it picked up speed. Blinding headlights camouflaged its shape as it careened forward. This was no ordinary passerby. Was it that horrible black van again? Had Aston or Ike found her?

  Her pulse pounded, instantly sending her into survival mode. She sprang up, let out a muted scream, and lunged into a full run. Heartbeat hammering, Skylar aimed for her uncle’s white, two-story house which was now in sight. If she could reach the gated entrance, she could tap in the security code and dash onto the sprawling property.

  The vehicle gained ground, sounding low and throaty like a predatory animal. She spared a glance back. Closer. She wasn’t going to make it.

  The driver passed her and swerved the car to the curb, blocking her path. Skylar skidded to a standstill. She prepared to bolt in the opposite direction, but then the vehicle’s color and shape registered.

  Silver. Sedan. Slade.

  Relief weakened her knees, and she doubled over, catching her breath.

  Slade parked and killed the engine. He sprang out, brows drawn together. “What are you doing out here? Are you all right?”

  “I was fine until you scared me out of my wits.” She gulped in oxygen. “I thought you were Aston.”

  “And if I was?” Concern transformed to irritation. He stalked toward her, advancing into her personal space.

  Her initial reprieve vanished. Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders. “This outing is not your concern.” Skylar poked him in the chest, and her index finger met with lean, unrelenting muscle.

  “As long as Barnes is on the loose, every detail of your life is my concern. You can’t run off whenever and wherever you please.”

  “Actually, I can. You’re not a cop anymore, and I’m not a criminal.” OK. So maybe in the eyes of the law she was, but by God’s standards she’d been forgiven. “Besides, do you really think your undercover operation is at risk because I’m going to visit my uncle?”

  “This has gone way beyond keeping my cover. When I discovered you weren’t home…I was worried about you.”

  “Oh.” Guilt tugged. While she’d managed to get a couple hours sleep and a hot, soothing shower, Slade had been watching over her condo all night in a cold car, and then she’d left without a word. Still, she had a purpose for all this. “I had to try and contact my uncle. You wouldn’t have let me if I’d told you.”

  “You’re right about that.” He exhaled and raked hands through his hair. “It’s not even daylight yet. Don’t you think this is a bit unorthodox?”

  “Maybe it is, but this is personal.” Skylar held her ground. What else could she do? She’d come too far to back out now.

  Slade lifted his brows and crossed his arms. His biceps bulged beneath his black, long-sleeved shirt drawing her attention. He had a body built to protect, and he wanted to use it to keep her safe. What woman wouldn’t appreciate that? If not for the ill timing of the stolen money, Skylar would gladly allow him to take charge.

  “What’s going on? Let me in. Maybe I can help,” Slade offered.

  Oh, that mesmerizing, I-can-fix-it tone made her want to believe, but she wouldn’t pretend Slade could salvage her reputation. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’m not discussing this with you. We barely know each other.”

  Slade’s gaze travelled past her. “Yeah, well, that’s about to change.” His features turned to stone. “Get in the car.”

  “But my uncle—”

  “Now, Skylar. We have company.” He ground out the words, his tone taking on a new edge.

  The urgency in his voice demanded a response. Skylar followed his gaze. Her stomach pitched and rolled as a dark, boxy vehicle braked on an adjacent street. The driver cut the headlights but allowed the engine to idle. That terrible sense of foreboding returned with a vengeance. “That looks like Aston’s van.”

  “That’s because it is.”

  Skylar needed no further incentive. She dove into the passenger seat. Slade slammed the door and rounded the sedan. As soon as he climbed behind the wheel, he engaged the locks.

  She didn’t mind being locked in this time. “Do you think they saw us?” Chills coursed through her. Had she made a deadly decision? What if something happened to Slade because of her?

  “I don’t know.” He withdrew his gun, set it within reach.

  Unease compounded, giving her the beginnings of a headache. “We need to get out of here.”

  “Not yet. If we drive away they might become suspicious and follow us. It’s best to stay here for now.”

  “Won’t they recognize your car?”

  “I switched the license plates before I picked you up in the woods last night. He won’t recognize this set.”

  “Is that legal?”

  “It is for Trinity Security. This sedan is one of our fleet.”

  “Fleet? How big is your company?”

  “We have a couple dozen employees, ten vehicles, and three bases of operation. One currently occupied safe house, and two resident cats living at headquarters.” Slade glanced her way. “But we can go over the schematics of Trinity later if you’re curious. Right now, we need to focus on them.” He resumed watching the van as it idled, ominous and threatening.

  Skylar fidgeted, wishing she had a new canister of pepper spray. “Do you think Aston’s driving?”

  “I’m assuming so, with Mayhew riding shotgun as usual. But, I can’t be sure. We can’t be certain who else is inside, either. The cargo space has room for five or six men.”

  “I don’t like those odds.” Lord, please don’t let them recognize us, Skylar prayed. “I figured they might show up looking for Willow but not this time of day. What could they possibly hope to accomplish this early in the morning?”

  “Who knows? Barnes likes to do recon before he strikes. He plans out everything, prepares for possible anomalies. That’s why I’m surprised he snatched you from the front of Hayworth’s Real Estate last night. He wasn’t ready, didn’t have all the necessary intel. Had I known they were going to pick you up, I would’ve stopped them. Somehow.”

  Skylar believed him. He would’ve looked out for her, a stranger, simply because it was the right thing to do.

  “The sun’s on its way up. We can’t sit here much longer.”

  Slade’s observations intensified her apprehension. “What should we do? We can’t duck down. The van’s too tall. If they drive past and look in the windows they’ll see us.”

  “We’re going to hide in plain sight.” Slade didn’t miss a beat, as if he had experience with this sort of thing. He reached into the backseat, produced her duffle. “I took the liberty of grabbing your bag from the condo. Do you have something that can cover your hair?”

  “I packed a knit hat.” She tugged the zipper open and dug inside. “Did you bring my purse?”

  “It’s in the back. By the way, I’d appreciate it if you’d turn on your cellphone in case we get separated again.”

  Skylar swallowed the guilty lump forming in her throat. She’d turned off the phone when she’d left her condo knowing she’d be tempted to answer if Slade called. She dug it out of her pocket, turned it on, and then rifled through her duffle looking for the forest green cap she’d packed in case the weather turned colder. A nearby streetlamp illuminated the bag’s interior well enough to identify the piece. She tugged it out. “How about this?”

  Slade nodded. “That will work.”

  She slipped the hat onto her head. “What about you? They’ll instantly recognize you.”

  “Not necessarily.” Slade smoothed a hand over his jaw, drew in a breath. He grew quiet, and then his voice lowered to a deep, raspy tone. “This is where it gets personal
.”

  A shiver skirted up her spine and warmth followed, radiating into every fiber of her being. “W-what do you have in mind?”

  “A little trick of the mind. If Barnes drives past us, he won’t be expecting to see the woman he thinks is buried in the woods making out with the man who supposedly killed her. So, chances are he’ll give us a passing glance and move on.”

  A muted, garbled sound erupted from her throat before she managed to speak. “You want to pretend that we’re…kissing?”

  “No.” His gaze dipped to her lips. “It won’t be pretend.”

  “Oh.” Her pulse jumped, blood rushed, and her cheeks burned.

  “Are you OK with that?”

  Was she? Kissing a man she’d known less than a day would be a first. “Seriously? This isn’t some stereotypical scene from a movie. Isn’t your plan a little cliché?” She wasn’t sure if her question was a legitimate concern or a way to stall her answer.

  “It’s a cliché for a reason. This will work.” Slade looked out the windshield and his muscles tensed. “They’re on the move. Are you OK with it?”

  The van eased forward. Headlights switched on. The driver turned the corner. Within seconds they’d be illuminated by twin spotlights. Pressure mounted. No time to contemplate ramifications, no time to consider other options. What else could she do? Skylar leaned in and pressed her lips against Slade’s. An electrifying jolt passed through her making her dizzy. She placed hands on his shoulders looking for solid ground. She found it. Hard, lean muscle held steady beneath her fingertips, unwavering in strength and stability; a reflection of the man within, a man she could count on.

  A man she could trust.

  A low sound emerged from his throat as Slade leaned into the kiss. He caressed her cheek with a thumb as he circled a hand around the nape of her neck, creating sharp tingles along her sensitive skin. His skilled movements awakened dormant emotions and invigorated her entire being.

  The van rolled past, slow but steady. It appeared Slade’s plan was working. He even had Skylar thinking the kiss was genuine.

  Too soon, Slade broke contact. He checked the side mirrors and then the rearview. “That was a close call. They might be circling around the block.” He cranked the ignition and shifted the sedan into drive. “Let’s get out of here while we can.” He eased onto the street as if nothing unordinary had occurred.

  Stark, cold reality replaced warm, cozy emotions. The man sure could switch gears quick. Hadn’t he even felt the slightest twinge? She’d lost her breath, and he didn’t even sound the least bit rattled. Well, if he could brush off the intimate connection, so could she. Skylar grabbed her purse and applied lipstick. “Can I take off the hat now?”

  The glance Slade gave her revealed more than she’d expected. Those cool blue irises had darkened, and the pulse pounding at his temple gave Skylar a hint of satisfaction—perhaps he wasn’t so unaffected after all.

  15

  The rising sun revealed rolling hills and mountains and created a stunning view of Skylar. Sunlight splashed her features, highlighting a sprinkling of freckles. She’d let down her ponytail and her hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders.

  But it didn’t matter how good she looked or how silky smooth her skin had felt when they’d kissed, Slade still had a job to complete. He hadn’t seen the van since leaving Hayworth’s house, but that didn’t mean they’d escaped danger—twenty minutes into the drive and his gut was still telling him this near run-in wasn’t over. He had to focus. He must remain vigilant. No more thinking about that spectacular kiss he’d shared with Skylar. No more wishing there could be another, or that it could mean anything more than a ruse. And that meant he’d better clear the air, if not for her sake, than for his sanity.

  Slade unwound tight fingers from the steering wheel and attempted a laid back, relaxing tone. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

  She shrugged. “We took necessary precautions to evade detection. What’s there to discuss?”

  “So, we’re good then?”

  Skylar adjusted her seat belt, smoothed palms over her jeans. “Look, I’m not going to fall for you or anything because of a pretend kiss, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “No. Of course you wouldn’t.” So, why did a tinge of disappointment dampen his mood? “I need coffee. How about you?”

  “I could use a dose of caffeine.”

  “There’s a convenience store about a quarter mile ahead.” The road curved right, and the country store came into view. The small, boxy cinderblock building had seen better days. Good thing he wasn’t trying to impress Skylar. First, he’d taken her to a pancake house for dinner, and now breakfast would consist of generic coffee and a grab-and-go snack. “It’s not fancy, but it’ll get us through until we get to my place.”

  “Your place?” The fatigue in her eyes vanished.

  He rubbed a hand over his budding whiskers. “I need a shower and a few hours of sleep. You need a place to stay. Trinity Security’s safe house is in use, so my cabin’s the best option we have.”

  “I thought you didn’t invite women to spend the night.”

  “Sarah and Lily are there. We won’t be alone.”

  “They won’t mind?”

  “Not at all. Sarah could probably use another woman to talk to.” He needed to get her money back as soon as possible so she could resume her life. And now that he had the necessary password, he was closer than ever. As soon as Skylar was tucked away, he’d be free to finish this once and for all.

  With renewed purpose, Slade turned into the store’s parking lot. A rusty blue compact car and a faded orange pick-up truck sat out front. He parked near the back. He had no reason to believe Barnes would be headed in this direction, but he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. “While we’re stopped, I’m going to switch the plates back to the original.”

  “I’m glad you’ve got the legal right to change them.”

  “Well, there are advantages to having a specialized license.”

  “There are also advantages to having a specialized security agent watching your back,” Skylar said with a smile. “Thank you for making me feel safe.”

  Warmth crawled up his chest and spread toward his neck. He didn’t blush, ever. This new sensation caught him off guard. Kissing her had changed things between them. He sensed it in her relaxed mannerisms as well as in her green eyes; appreciation and respect swirled beneath her irises. And the fact she hadn’t outright refused his invitation to stay at his cabin, well, that said a lot.

  Slade had already begun to care for Skylar, but as much as he wanted to keep her within eyesight, he had to remain objective. “It would be better if you stayed in the car so we’re not seen together.”

  “No problem. I’ll wait here.”

  “Lock the doors.” Without waiting for a response he slipped around to the back and opened the trunk to switch the plates. Once finished with his task, Slade met Skylar’s gaze through the window sending a silent message: Stay put. Stay safe.

  She nodded. She’d be fine. He’d only be inside for a minute, and she was a capable adult. He’d left the gun in the side compartment. He didn’t know if she had experience with firearms, but she could figure out how to handle one if necessary.

  Slade approached the building. The door jingled as he stepped inside. A clerk mumbled a customary greeting as he tended to customers. Scents of brewing coffee and buttery, cinnamon pastries filled the air. Slade’s stomach responded, growling with anticipation. He stopped at the restroom and then went for coffee. Grabbing the largest cup, he filled it to the rim and added a lid.

  The bell jingled, and he checked one of several overhead mirrors. A customer exited as another moved up to the counter. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, yet his skin prickled and tension coiled in his muscles. He filled a second cup, skipped the pastries, paid the clerk, and pushed through the door.

  The crisp autumn breeze had stilled and the birds had quieted as if n
ature itself sensed danger. Slade picked up his pace, rounded the building, and stopped mid-step as his heart jammed in his throat.

  The sedan sat empty; Skylar was gone.

  16

  Skylar scrunched onto the backseat’s floorboard, squeezing herself into the tight space as far as possible. Had she not been looking toward the road, she might’ve missed the black van’s approach. She wouldn’t have seen the vehicle turn into the parking lot.

  She sent a text to Slade to warn him and then eyed the weapon he had left behind. She didn’t know what type of handgun it was. She didn’t care. It looked powerful enough.

  Staying low, Skylar palmed the gun, checked for bullets. Fully loaded. She’d fired at paper targets before, but could she aim at another human being and squeeze the trigger? She prayed Slade would intervene in time, and she wouldn’t have to find out.

  The sedan’s interior had cooled but sweat beaded at her temples as she waited. A low rumbling came closer, and she recognized the van’s deep, throaty exhaust. Doors opened and then slammed shut. Voices sounded—deep, male voices, from close by. Any semblance of hope they wouldn’t investigate the sedan vanished.

  Blood rushed through her veins in tune with her pounding pulse. Lord, help me!

  Skylar raised the gun, pointing it toward the driver’s side window. Her fingers grew slick making it difficult to handle the weapon properly. The barrel shook as her hands trembled.

  Slade walked into her line of sight. He kept his gaze aimed toward the voices as he turned and backed his large frame against the side window. Had he read her text? Did he know she’d ducked onto the floorboard? He must, because he was effectively blocking her from view as he joined in a conversation.

  Slade could handle this. He would protect her, but not if she accidentally shot him. She set down the gun.

  Moments later, Slade turned, unlocked the door and climbed inside. The sedan shifted as he settled into the seat, set down two coffee cups and shut the door all the while keeping his gaze straight ahead.