Desperate Deeds

by Dee Davis

  “Because of the hit you took in Colombia.”

  “Let’s just say I have a passable learning curve.”

  He nodded, frowning as he considered something.

  “What? What are you thinking?” she prodded.

  “Just that whoever stole the detonators clearly has a bigger agenda than just theft. It’s the only way the other pieces can fit.”

  “Hopefully, Hannah and company will be able to identify the prints on the suitcase. That could help give us insight into who was in my house. And there’s still the matter of where the order for my involvement originated and figuring out Petrov’s connection to all of this. I just wish we knew something.”

  “It takes a while to gather facts,” he said. “I bet they’ll have found something by morning.”

  “If it ever comes,” she sighed, pushing away from the table to walk to the window. The sky was still dark, although the stars had faded, and the edge of the horizon was lightening. “Anyway, you were right about one thing.”

  “And that would be?” he queried, his breath teasing her ears, as he moved to stand behind her.

  “I do want revenge. And I’m not the type to give up easily when I want something.”

  “That I can believe,” he said, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders, his fingers kneading gently. “But you can’t let it take control, this need for vengeance. It’ll just get in the way.”

  “You sound like you have firsthand experience,” she said, turning to face him, tilting her head to look into his eyes.

  “In our line of work it’s an occupational hazard.”

  The words were a toss-off, an easy answer to a difficult question, but she knew there was something more. She could see it in his eyes. They stood for a moment watching each other, the distance between them measured in inches. She could see the rise and fall of his breathing, feel the warmth of his breath on her face.

  And she could remember the feel of his arms and his lips. Without conscious thought she leaned forward, and he took the opening, pulling her to him, his lips slanting down over hers. There was nothing gentle in the kiss. It was desire personified. Raw and hungry. And she pushed against him, opening her mouth, wanting to feel him inside her.

  He twined his hands in hers, lifting her arms over her head as he pressed her back against the cool glass of the window. She arched against him, reveling in his heat as it radiated through the thin cotton of her T-shirt, her nipples hardening as they rubbed against him.

  His tongue dueled with hers, thrusting and parrying, an intricate game of giving and taking. She whimpered against her will, the sound pulled from somewhere deep inside her, her whole body aching with need. Sensory memory took over, heat pooling between her thighs. She tipped back her head, his kisses trailing down her neck, each soft lave of his tongue sending spirals of pleasure racing through her.

  Still holding her captive, he bit her ear lobe, then thrust his tongue inside, and she bucked against him as he moved back to take possession of her mouth. Dropping her hands, he cupped her ass, lifting her so that she could feel his erection.

  God, she wanted this man.

  He pushed up her shirt and closed his lips around one breast, biting gently at first, and then harder, her head spinning now as waves of pleasure racked through her. He lifted his head, his smile sensual as he bent to kiss her once more, and she thrust her tongue deep into his mouth, her fingers lacing through his hair, as she pressed closer.

  Then somewhere behind her a door slammed shut, a cold breeze rushing through the room, passion dying in an instant.

  Moving almost in tandem, they both went for their guns, Owen’s tucked into the back of his pants, Tyler’s still lying on the kitchen counter. With a nod, she covered him as he moved in the direction of the slammed door. Staying just behind him, she kept her gun ready as they swung into the living room.

  “Clear,” Owen whispered, moving his gun arm in a semicircle as he continued to monitor the room. “Is that door usually closed?” He nodded across the foyer at the dining room.

  “No.” She shook her head. “That must be what we heard. I’ll circle back through the kitchen. You go that way.”

  He nodded and she moved quickly back the way she’d come, leading with her gun as she swung out into the kitchen, relieved to find the room still empty. Walking silently across the floor, she counted to three and then pivoted through the back door of the dining room, just as Owen came through the front.

  For an instant they stared at each other, guns raised, then with a wash of relief, Tyler lowered her gun. “There’s no one here.”

  “But the window is open.” He nodded toward the curtains stirring in the breeze. “The screen’s intact though, which means it was probably just the wind that slammed the door.”

  “Scaring the hell out of me.”

  “Seems to be a regular occurrence around here.” He moved over to where she was standing, his eyes searching hers. “You’re sure you’re all right?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “Except for the fact that my heart’s pounding.”

  “It’s possible that’s not just because of the wind.” He reached out to touch her face, but she caught his hand in hers before he could make contact.

  “We can’t do this. Not now.”

  “But just a few minutes ago—” he started, his eyes darkening as he frowned.

  “We got carried away,” she finished. “And then the door slammed and I came to my senses. You know as well as I do that it’s not a good idea to mix business with pleasure.”

  “I think that ship has already sailed.” The remark was caustic, but there was something vulnerable in his eyes.

  “When I… when we…” she stumbled trying to find the words.

  “Made love,” he prompted, still scowling.

  “Slept together,” she corrected, determined now to make her point. “When we slept together, I didn’t think I was going to see you again.”

  “So it was fine to screw me when I was a stranger, but not now that we actually know one another?”

  “Damn it, Owen, you know as well as I do that this is a bad idea.” She waited, watching as he fought against his own demons.

  “Maybe you’re right.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I just don’t like the idea of being used.”

  “I didn’t use you. Or if I did, the using was mutual.” It was her turn to frown as an unwelcome idea planted itself front and center. “You didn’t already know, did you? That you were coming here, I mean?”

  “No. I swear I had no idea. I didn’t find out until the next morning. I believe I told you I had a meeting. That’s when I found out I’d be coming here. I would have said something, but you’d already left the hotel.”

  She nodded, not completely convinced, but satisfied for the moment with his answer. “I don’t mean to sound so suspicious. It’s just that I haven’t got a lot of experience with this kind of thing.”

  “One-night stands showing up for more?” There was a hint of laughter in his voice, and despite herself, she relaxed a little.

  “Something like that. Anyway, I’ve always made it a point not to play where I work. I’ve been down that road before and it doesn’t end well.”

  “I see. So you’re punishing me for something somebody else did to you?”

  “Of course not,” she sighed. “It’s just simpler this way. I’m no good at relationships.”

  “Who said anything about a relationship?” he asked.

  The words hurt more than she would have expected. “Look, Owen,” she said, careful to keep any emotion out of her voice, “I don’t do one-night stands either. I just don’t like being entangled.”

  “So what? You made an exception for the Brit?”

  “No. I needed you. It’s as simple as that. And for once I let myself take what I wanted. And I loved every minute of it. But that was then…”

  “I get it,” he lifted up a hand. “And I’m sorry I messed with your perfect little love-h
im-and-leave-him plan.” It sounded even worse somehow with the accent.

  “You make it sound so crass. And besides, you were right there with me.”

  “Yes, but I was also in the kitchen with you. I can still feel the aftereffects. And I’m thinking you weren’t as opposed to a second act then. If the door hadn’t slammed—”

  “But it did. And I’m glad. And we’re not going to do this again.” She crossed her arms, daring him to contradict her. A part of her wishing he’d ignore all the rhetoric and carry her away. But this wasn’t the movies. And he wasn’t the caveman type.

  “Fine. If that’s the way you want it.” This time he lifted both hands. “You’re probably right. Any continued involvement would just invite problems. And God knows we’ve already got more than enough of those.”

  “Owen, I…” she trailed off, not sure exactly what she wanted to say, but in the end it didn’t matter because he was already gone.

  CHAPTER 8

  Come say hello to the new recruit,” Hannah called as Tyler walked into the war room.

  Today Hannah��s hair had bright orange streaks, her glasses a mottled blue on black. Next to her at her computer console sat a man with tousled brown hair and eyes that were neither green nor brown but maybe both. His boy-next-door good looks combined with the studious bent of a professor to make him oddly compelling. But she also recognized the computer geek. It was there in his eyes. And in his smile.

  “Harrison Blake,” he said, swiveling his chair to hold out his hand. “You must be Tyler. Hannah described you perfectly.”

  Tyler shot a look at her friend, eyebrows raised, but Hannah just shrugged.

  “Harrison’s been filling me in on some of the latest computer technologies. The outfit he works for has unlimited funding. Can you imagine?” Hannah sighed.

  “You’ve got some pretty sophisticated stuff here, as well,” Harrison said, his words of concession clearly sincere. “This is going to be fun.”

  It had been a long time since anyone had described their work as fun. And despite herself, Tyler smiled. “When did you get here?”

  “Crack of dawn. I went to the address Owen gave me, but no one seemed to be home.”

  “We had a late night,” she said, immediately regretting her words. “I mean, there was an intruder, so we spent most of the night with forensics.”

  “I know. Hannah told me. I figured something was up when no one answered. So I figured I’d explore a little, and I ran into Hannah.”

  “How did you know it was him?” Tyler frowned, suddenly suspicious.

  “She’d checked me out.” Harrison grinned.

  “He looks just like his pictures. And he’s got an amazing background,” Hannah said. “Started with the FBI, right?”

  “For a couple of years.” He nodded, still smiling. “And then I’d kind of had enough. So I went to work for a private company. Phoenix.”

  “I’ve heard of it,” Emmett Walsh said, striding into the room. “Out of Austin, right? They do some pretty amazing stuff. You must be Harrison. Avery’s been singing your praises.”

  “Considering I’ve only just met the man, I appreciate the endorsement. And yes, Phoenix is in Austin.”

  “Phoenix is a computer forensics company,” Hannah added by way of explanation. “One of the best in the country.”

  “I met the owner once,” Emmett said, taking a seat at the table. “Really bright guy. I would love to work with him someday. Why’d you leave?”

  “Got called into something else. Through a friend.”

  “The top-secret task force, right?” Tyler said, grateful to finally be on the same page with everyone else. “Under order of the president.”

  “Exactly.” Harrison beamed as if she were a prize pupil.

  “And that’s how you know Owen?” Emmett questioned.

  “More or less. He’s friends with a friend of mine. And we’ve worked together a couple of times. Anyway, sounded like you all could use some help, so here I am. Although I’m not sure Hannah really needed me.” He centered his smile on Hannah, and Tyler could have sworn she actually blushed.

  “I haven’t seen you since the parking garage,” Tyler said, turning to Emmett. “Where’ve you been?”

  “Trying to run down information on Petrov.”

  “Any luck?”

  “Nothing substantial. He arrived in the country a couple of days ago under an assumed name.”

  “Before I went to Colorado?” she asked.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. Which means he could be connected to all of this. But according to my sources he’s still on di Silva’s payroll. So I can’t definitively say how it fits together. Anyway, Avery called me back in. All hands on deck, I guess. Jason and Lara are here, too. I saw them in the computer room.”

  “I think it’s pretty cool that you all get to teach,” Harrison said, swiveling around on his chair to face them. “I’ve always thought I’d be good at it.”

  “Too bad we don’t need another professor in IT,” Jason Lawton said, his eyes speculative as he strolled into the room. Lara followed behind him, deep in conversation with Owen. Despite herself, Tyler shivered, just seeing him sending her nerves into overdrive.

  “There’s always room for someone new,” Lara Prescott said, laying her hand on Jason’s arm. The two of them were almost inseparable. The CIA’s rules about fraternization were overlooked here at Sunderland. Given the nature of their work, it was easier to form liaisons with people who got it, although Tyler had always thought it a bit risky. After all, if things went south, it’d be really difficult to conduct business as usual.

  Still, she couldn’t deny the fact that with the right two people it seemed to work.

  As if to emphasize the point, Annie and Nash walked in, the two of them as always seeming to exist in a separate world when they were together. There were times Tyler actually envied their relationship. But only occasionally and never with any lasting conviction. She was happier on her own. It was as simple as that.

  Not that she hadn’t had opportunities. She and Emmett had come close to starting something once. But she’d stopped it before it had gotten out of hand. And now, years later, she was glad they’d just stayed friends. It was easier.

  She moved around the table to sit beside Annie, trying not to watch as Owen crossed the room to shake hands with Harrison.

  “He’s hot,” Annie whispered, her hazel eyes appreciative. “I always did have a weakness for British men.”

  “Watch it, Red,” Nash said. “I’ll have to challenge him to a duel or something.”

  “God, I hope not.” Owen laughed as he sat down across from Tyler. “I was abysmal at fencing. A total laughingstock at school.”

  “Somehow I doubt that,” Tyler said, smiling despite herself. It was hard to imagine that Owen ever failed at anything.

  “No one’s perfect, Tyler,” Jason groused, clearly still annoyed at Harrison’s presence.

  “Good to see everyone’s here,” Avery said, striding into the room. “And I can see you’ve already met Harrison. We’re lucky to have someone of his caliber joining us.”

  Harrison ducked his head in embarrassment as Jason coughed surreptitiously. Nash looked amused, and Emmett irritated, but neither of them said anything.

  “I think it’s going to be great,” Hannah said, sounding more enthusiastic than she’d sounded in years.

  “Good, that’s just want I wanted to hear,” Avery said, as he walked to the front of the room. As usual he was perfectly groomed, his khakis creased, his white button-down crisp. Years in the military had a way of making a man compulsive about neatness. Her dad had always insisted that his civvies be kept up to military standards. It had been the bane of his many wives’ existence, but Tyler had always thought it made him look more powerful. Of course, now all that was gone. These days, according to Della, he sometimes forgot to get dressed at all.

  She swallowed, her eyes tightening with tears. Fortunately, they knew better th
an to drop. Tyler didn’t cry.

  “So,” Avery said, “I assume everyone’s read the briefing papers and we’re all up to speed. Which means we’ll be able to hit the ground running. Hannah, why don’t you tell us what you’ve got so far?”

  “Where do you want to start? There’s the scene in Colorado, the parking garage, and the forensics in Tyler’s house.” She crossed over to join them at the table, flipping up a concealed computer screen. Harrison dropped down next to her, propping his laptop on his knees.

  “Let’s start with the forensics. Harrison, I assume Hannah filled you in?”

  “She did.” He nodded, looking up from his computer. “But isn’t there someone missing? Drake Flynn?”

  “He’s on leave,” Lara said. “He had a rough go of it recently, and he’s taking some time.”

  “To romance Madeline,” Jason offered, quirking his eyebrows.

  “Well, if he hadn’t, I might have.” Emmett grinned.

  “They’re not always this bad,” Tyler said, “but Drake kind of took us by surprise on this one.”

  “Not the type to risk involvement?” Owen asked, his gaze meant for her alone.

  Tyler frowned, shaking her head in warning, but thankfully no one was paying attention. “He’s just more cautious than most,” she gritted out. “Which isn’t a bad way to go, if you ask me.”

  “I don’t know,” Annie said, smiling up at her husband, “sometimes it’s better just to give in. I mean, we tried to stay apart, and look where it got us.”

  “Married.” Avery smiled. “But this isn’t getting us anywhere. Hannah?”

  “Right,” she said, pushing her glasses up onto her nose. “As you know, I spent most of the evening going over the surveillance tapes. And despite the fact that Tyler’s bag made its way from her office to her house, there’s nothing on the tapes to indicate how it got there. The suitcase seems to have just appeared.”

  “Which we know is impossible,” Tyler said. “I assume you’ve checked with Nash and Annie?” She looked over at Nash, who shrugged.