Her words were enough. Jeffrey's whole body stiffened, his fingers tightening painfully in her hair as he shoved deeper and exploded, pumping his hot semen into her willing body.
At the violence of his orgasm, Lynne felt herself shattering as his liquid spurted deep into her and she clenched around his erection milking every precious drop of fluid.
He collapsed on her then, nuzzling his face into her neck, dropping kisses and whispering words of tenderness that she didn't think him capable of.
"Thank you,” she whispered, stroking the sweat-damp hair out of his face while he caught his breath.
* * * *
Jeffrey had just stepped out of the shower when his cell phone rang. He quickly dried his hands and flipped open the phone.
"Hello?"
"Anxious to hear from me, Agent Shelton?"
"Who is this?” Jeffrey asked, knowing fully well it was Perry Angelo on the line. His heart sunk, the call could only mean one thing, Hank's team hadn't reached Eva in time.
Perry gave an insolent laugh. “I have someone here that wants to talk to you. Say something to your son-in-law."
"Don't come back,” Eva warned in a rush. “Take my daughter and run. Did you hear me..."
Her voice vanished as Angelo took control of the phone.
"No, I don't think your little bride would like the consequences of that at all. Bad advice, Shelton."
Jeffrey glanced at Lynne. “So what advice do you have for me?"
"I advise you to get your ass back to New York City and meet me at the docks. I'll be in the parking lot of the freight office for Central City Shipping. Pier 51."
"What's the trade-off?"
"You, of course,” Perry answered. “I'll exchange Eva for you. I told you at the church you're a dead man."
"Yeah, right,” Jeffrey said, wondering what the hell had happened to Hank that he hadn't called to warn them.
"You ready for this?” Angelo taunted. “I hope you fucked your bride today, because it's the last thing you're going to do and enjoy."
Jeffrey's voice was silky. “I don't know about that Angel. I just might enjoy killing you."
"Well, you can always try,” Angelo returned with confidence.
"If I don't see Eva unharmed, I don't come out,” Jeffrey warned. “No bargaining."
"I understand,” Perry answered, hanging up the phone.
* * * *
Lynne instantly knew what had transpired from the one-sided conversation she heard. “Angel has my mom?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears. “Why didn't Hank call us? What are we going to do now?” She gave a sob. “Oh God, Jeffrey, we were ... we were...” she sobbed harder, “while my Mom...” Consumed with guilt, she broke down.
Jeffrey took her by the shoulders, smoothing back a wayward curl. “Stay calm for me sweetheart. I spoke with Eva so I know she's alive and well. I don't know why Hank didn't call us, but I think it's safe to say we can't use the CIA for backup until I know what's going on. Angelo wants to exchange me for Eva."
Lynne grasped Jeffrey's arm in desperation. “He will kill you. He won't..."
"Shhhh,” Jeffrey said, placing his finger on her lips to stop her. “I know. I have to think of something, but in the meantime we need to head back toward New York. Right now, we need to acquire a set of wheels."
Lynne was silent as Jeffrey packed the weapons into the van and checked the hotel phone directory for the nearest used car dealership. She crawled into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt as if she was sleepwalking. She wouldn't look his way, keeping her eyes straight ahead at the street instead.
Jeffrey was worried about her, but he didn't have time to give her the comfort she craved. He found a nearby car lot in the directory and called for directions. As he headed for the dealership he pulled through the drive-through of a fast food restaurant.
"You need to eat,” he said softly. “We've got to keep our energy level up if we want to get your Mom back."
Lynne still didn't say anything, even when he handed her a Coke, burger and fries. She simply unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite, forcing herself to chew and swallow.
Finally, she turned to look at him with determination written all over her face.
"What if we turn the tables and take something he loves?"
Curious, Jeffrey sat up straighter. He was thankful his wife wasn't the kind of woman who gave up easily. If she had been, he would be out of luck now. “And who would that be?"
"Not who,” Lynne explained with a small grin hovering around her lips. “But what. Angel is fanatical about Simone, his prize-winning poodle. He enters her in all sorts of dog shows and lavishes more affection on her than any human. Including me."
Jeffrey was skeptical. “A dog? Are you sure?"
Lynne shook her head emphatically. “Oh yeah! He would go berserk if anything happened to Simone. She's already entered into the national competition and, if she wins, she will be on to the European circuit."
"Does she have a chance at winning?"
Lynne nodded. “Good chance. She's the favorite this year."
Jeffrey snickered as he thought about the possibility. “It could work. Now all we have to do is dog nap Simone. Where does he board her?"
"She stays at home with a trainer. He thinks it would traumatize her to be boarded, so he has a professional trainer on staff to work with her through the day,” Lynne explained. “But she goes on weekly visits to the vet and the groomer.” A bit of amusement flickered in her eyes. “That keeps Simone from getting bored."
"You have got to be kidding me,” Jeffrey said.
Lynne shook her head. “No, I'm telling you, that dog is his life."
"Do you have a good relationship with Simone?” Jeffrey asked. “Will she come to you if you call her?"
"Oh yeah, she's a great dog,” Lynne answered with fondness. “She's very loving and obedient."
"That's good, because she's going to be taken on the adventure of her life.” Jeffrey said. “We'll be doing her a favor actually. This will help her to keep from getting bored."
Lynne screwed up her face in mock concern. “Or possibly it will traumatize her. What if she realizes she's being dog napped?"
"Then we must take all reasonable precaution not to let her know she's being taken hostage,” Jeffrey answered, getting into the game. He put his index finger against the side of his head. “Mental note to self, buy gourmet doggie treats for Simone."
"Those will make her gain weight,” Lynne said in mock disapproval. “Not good for the figure when it's time to show."
"Poor dog. Does she never get treats?” Jeffrey asked sadly. “Remind me to buy a double supply."
Lynne laughed and her eyes were suddenly filled with hope that things just might have a chance of working out.
Jeffrey leaned over to kiss Lynne. “By the way, another brilliant idea, sweetcheeks. You'd make an excellent field agent. Now, let's go steal a car and then steal a dog."
"What is it with me and criminals?” Lynne asked with a wink.
Chapter Five
Jeffrey made a circle around the block of a used car dealership called Eddie's Cruisers. “Witty name,” he said. “Now, if Eddie takes pride in selling quality used cars, we'll be in luck."
Lynn watched him scope out the lot for the fastest, least obvious vehicle. She saw him smile with satisfaction as he found one he liked. He drove past the dealership, parking the van a couple of blocks away.
"I'll leave you here,” he said, leaning over to give Lynne a swift, hard kiss. “I'll be back in a minute. You be ready to move.” He looked up and down the street. “And keep the door locked,” he cautioned. “If you see the cops pass and slow down, get the hell out of here. I'll find you."
"Good luck,” Lynne said, picking up a magazine to hold so that she would look inconspicuous as she waited. She kept her eye on the side mirror watching for any unwanted visitors. The street seemed deserted, except for Jeffrey strutting down the sidewalk with his sexy
swagger.
When he was out of sight, she looked at the small silver band on her left hand. Married. To Jeffrey Shelton. It didn't seem real. Not yet. It still seemed like one of their crazy adventures that would end as soon as Jeffrey was called back to service.
Her heart gave a little roll of anxiety.
He had openly told her he was not going to give up his fieldwork. She wondered where he would be stationed next, and if she would get a chance to go with him. Would they ever have a normal relationship?
Scratch that.
This was Jeffrey she was talking about.
No relationship with him could be normal. He would always leave her breathless and a little unsettled. It was his way. The thought made her smile. At least it would never be boring.
* * * *
Jeffrey returned quickly, driving a popular model, nondescript, black Ford sedan. It had no sleek styling. No fancy chrome, and nothing to draw attention to it. It was unremarkable in every way, except for the powerful V8 motor hidden under the hood. The car would blend into near invisibility in traffic, making it harder to locate if they were being followed.
He got out of the boxy Ford long enough to transfer the weapons from the van to the backseat of the car.
"Sexy,” Lynne teased, sliding into the passenger seat.
Jeffrey could see she was glad to be out of the smelly van.
"Are we going to leave the potmobile here?” she asked with anticipation.
"Oh yeah,” Jeffrey answered with a calculating grin. “Hopefully the cops will find the van, trace the owners, and immediately deduce that the owner is the perpetrator who stole this Ford from the lot in broad daylight. By the time they sort it out we should have our problems taken care of."
"Why did you pick this one?” Lynne asked curiously.
"It used to be a chase car for the State Patrol. I knew the engine would be super charged,” Jeffrey explained, pulling sedately away from the van to avoid attention.
Even though he could tell she was dying to ask how he knew it was a chase car, Lynne remained silent. She knew he couldn't divulge trade secrets, not even to her, and Jeffrey loved her all the more for understanding.
He knew a thousand minute details that other people overlooked. His quicksilver intelligence was what had kept him alive all these years. He watched Lynne settle back in the seat and flip the radio to a classic rock station. He hated seeing the tension on her face. In an uncharacteristically tender gesture, Jeffrey reached over, taking her hand in his. “We'll get Eva back,” he promised.
"If anyone can do it, you will,” Lynne acknowledged. “I just wish it hadn't turned out like this."
Jeffrey withdrew his hand and shrugged, wishing he had one of the strong Chinese cigarettes he'd grown accustomed to in Hong Kong.
"We need to find a way to get access to the dog,” he said, his mind churning out possible scenarios. “No way can we get into the house without backup. He will have it guarded like Fort Knox and I can't call anyone at the agency."
"You're still worried about Hank, aren't you?"
Jeffrey nodded. “He would have called if he was able. O'Brien must have neutralized him before he had a chance to send a team. That sonofabitch must have a top-level employee on the payroll. Otherwise, they couldn't have reached Hank. He's surrounded by security."
Lynne looked away out the window biting her lip in concentration. “Perry left Simone with the trainer. We were supposed to be going to Paris for our honeymoon and he let Esteban take her home with him. Do you think it's possible that he hasn't picked her up yet?"
Jeffrey glanced at the clock on the dashboard of the car. “Yeah, that's possible. He probably doesn't want her around with everything that's going on. He can't afford the distraction right now. And he will want to keep her out of harm's way."
Jeffrey glanced at Lynne with an unspoken question.
"Esteban lives in The Ellwood Apartments. Sixth floor. Third door on the left,” Lynne answered.
Jeffrey's lips curled into a slow sensual smile.
* * * *
"Could it really be that easy?” Lynne asked when Jeffrey pulled into the guest parking spot of the Ellwood Apartments.
"Sometimes we complicate things more than they have to be,” he said. “You go to the door and tell him you and Angel had a family emergency and couldn't go to Paris. You're going to pick up Simone. I'll be down the hall, out of sight, in case you have problems."
"Okay,” Lynne agreed nervously. She smoothed her hair down and freshened her lipstick. Esteban was no fool; he would be expecting her to look like Mrs. Perry Angelo, not a biker chick from hell.
Esteban answered after several knocks. Obviously, he hadn't been expecting company. He was shirtless, barefoot, and his jeans were only partially zipped. His eyes widened in surprise. “Mrs. Angelo,” he said apprehensively. “I didn't expect to see you so soon."
Lynne made no effort to step inside. “Excuse my showing up on your doorstep, Esteban, but we had a family emergency and can't leave just yet. I'm here to pick up Simone."
Esteban glanced nervously over his shoulder, pulling the door nearly closed so she couldn't see inside. “Ummm.” He was uncomfortable. “Just a minute."
Lynne heard someone moving in the apartment and she smiled at him apologetically. “I don't have time to step inside. Just get Simone for me please."
Esteban looked inordinately relieved. He gave a soft whistle and Simone appeared at his side, carrying her leash between her teeth.
"Good girl,” Lynne cooed, reaching down to pat the poodle's freshly cut and styled head. She was sporting bright red ribbons on both of her ears. “Don't you look adorable?” Lynne gushed, smiling up at Esteban, hoping she was giving a believable performance. “I'll give you a call when we need you to look after her again. I'm sure you've made plans for the week."
Esteban could barely restrain himself from looking over his shoulder one more time. “I have,” he admitted reluctantly, “but I can change them if you need me to stay with Simone."
"No, no, of course we don't expect you to do that,” Lynne said with just the proper amount of concern in her tone. “Give us a call next week when you're ready."
"Thank you, Mrs. Angelo,” he said. Lynne heard his heart-felt appreciation and caught a glimpse of the barely legal, sweet, young thing that was waiting for him inside the apartment wearing nothing but a smile.
* * * *
Lynne waited till she reached Jeffrey before clipping the leash on Simone.
Jeffrey stared down at the poodle with amused disbelief. He opened his mouth to say something, then stopped, shaking his head in wonder.
"What?” Lynne asked, seeing he was having a hard time controlling his laughter.
"The biggest mob boss in New York City has a sissy dog?"
Lynne giggled. “You would expect a Rottweiler, wouldn't you? Simone is a standard poodle. That's why she's such a big girl."
Jeffrey looked down at the huge white ball of fluff staring up at him with curiosity. “I would have expected nearly anything but this,” he admitted, reluctantly reaching down to pat the dog's head.
Lynne noticed he wiped his hand down the side of his jeans as if to wipe away the sissy factor before it clung to his hand.
Simone, however, seemed unduly attracted to Jeffrey. She sidled closer to him, rubbing her nose against his leg in a gesture of affection she normally reserved for Angel.
Jeffrey looked pained, like he wasn't sure what to do about the obvious adoration.
Simone was now staring up at him with huge friendly eyes as they exited the building and hurried to the car.
"Get in the seat,” Jeffrey said weakly, opening the back door and gesturing vaguely with his hand.
Simone gladly jumped into the back, immediately sticking her head over Jeffrey's shoulder as he settled into the driver's seat. He turned to speak to Lynne and bumped into the poodle. She was watching him with the adoring intensity of a child. Simone gave him a swift, wet lick of
affection.
"Damn!” Jeffrey wiped his face with the back of his hand, looking like he might be ill.
Lynne laughed. “Sit down, Simone."
The dog obeyed with a slight whimper of protest.
"I think she likes you, Jeffrey."
"Don't start,” he warned, glancing into the rearview mirror to see the dog's ears perk up when she noticed he was looking at her. He sighed. “We need to call Angel and inform him of the change of plans."
Lynne shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself. “I hope he doesn't hurt Mom."
Jeffrey avoided looking at the dog. “Whatever happens to Eva, happens to Simone."
Chapter Six
Perry Angelo was sitting in the back of a Lincoln Town Car with Eva Barnett by his side. The windows were tinted black for privacy. He was sipping on a whiskey while she sat huddled miserably against the door. Angel didn't offer words of comfort or threat. He was cold as a stone, ignoring her, anticipating his revenge. He didn't want Jeffrey Shelton to die too quickly; he wanted to play with him for a while.
The driver, who had been carefully staring straight ahead, glanced down at the pocket of his blazer. The cell phone had vibrated indicating a call. He answered it, listening quietly while the voice on the other end gave him a warning. “It's for you, Mr. Angelo,” the driver said, passing the phone across the seat with a worried look on his face.
Angelo took the phone, staring emotionlessly at the driver's apprehensive expression before he said hello.
"Is Eva there?"
"Right beside of me,” he confirmed. “Where are you, Shelton? I told you to meet me in the parking lot."
"Let me speak to Eva,” Jeffrey demanded.
Angelo held the phone to her face. “Say hello."
"I'm alright,” Eva said quickly.
Angelo pulled the phone away from her, putting it back to his ear. “Satisfied?” he asked. “I want to see you in the next five minutes or her answer won't be the same."
"Not so fast, Angelo,” Jeffrey cautioned. “I think we have other issues to discuss."
"I don't think we do,” Angelo replied arrogantly. “You show up in the next five minutes or you're going to hear screaming in your next call."
Right Bride, Wrong Groom Page 6
