“Aren’t you a charmer?”
He was crazy in love. Never had he spoken to a woman the way he spoke to Bella. Giving her words was easy. Bringing her flowers was a pleasure. If only he could tell her the truth… “I should let you go. I want you concentrating on the road.”
“Okay. I’m going to give Dad a call before things get too crazy.”
“How’s he doing?” He gripped the cup, shaking his head, forever hating this game.
“He says he’s good. He actually has a little pep in his voice, so I believe him.”
“That’s great.”
“I can’t wait to see him on Sunday. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”
He glanced at his watch. “Just a few more hours.”
“Mmm.”
“Call me before you go to bed.”
“It’ll be late,” she warned him.
“I’ll sleep better if I know you’re home and tucked in.”
“Okay. I’ll call you.”
“Have fun.”
“I will,” she said. “Stay safe.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye.”
He disconnected and stared at Bella’s picture. They were less than twenty-four hours away from pulling this off. Standing, he tossed his cup in the trash and walked the miserable eight blocks back to the hotel, taking the elevator to the seventh floor. He knocked four times and waited.
“Yeah?”
“It’s Reed.”
Collin opened the door.
“How are things going in here?” He shut the door behind him and locked up.
“Okay. Vinny had a little soup and fell asleep.”
“Any more coughing?”
“No. The cold air might have been irritating his throat—”
“I’m fine.” Vinny sat up on the couch in the small common room in their three-bedroom suite. “Did the body come up?”
“Yeah, they pulled in another bag. They were getting it ready for transport when Skylar and I left.” He looked at Collin. “We’ve got the all clear to go home. As soon as you can get us out of here.”
“I’ll take a look at the weather and get us set up.”
“I’m going to meet with my informant tonight,” he said to both men.
Vinny frowned. “That sounds risky.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Vinny and I’ll stay right here.” Collin took out his phone. “I’m going to file the flight plan and give Lyla a call.”
“She and Bella are heading over to Abby’s.”
“Good. That means she’s having fun.” He walked off to his temporary bedroom.
“I’m going to make my call,” Reed said. He grabbed the burner phone from his laptop case and dialed.
“Hello?”
“I want to meet.”
“Where?”
“West 46th Street. The Coffee Shop. Ten o’clock.”
“I’ll be there.”
He hung up and texted Joey.
Nine thirty. The Coffee Shop on West 46th.
Seconds later, Joe texted back.
Got you covered, boss.
He turned as Collin came back in. “We’re good for takeoff tomorrow at nine fifteen.”
“Perfect. I’m meeting my informant at ten. I’ll be gone about an hour—two at the most. Joey’s coming along for backup.”
“We’ll be good here—probably watch a movie and rest up for the flight.”
He nodded. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some eats.”
Collin grinned. “I’m always ready for food—meat.”
Reed smiled. “Collin’s fiancée is a vegetarian.”
“Ly-Ly keeps mentioning making the leap to veganism.” He shuddered. “Hopefully it’s just the pregnancy talking.”
Vinny laughed. “You should probably order the biggest slab on the menu.”
“I’ll take one of those too.” Reed grabbed the room service offerings, letting his shoulders relax for the moment. Bella was with Jerrod and her friends. Vinny was holding his own. “What about you, Vinny?”
“Nothing. My appetite’s gone.”
“I’ll get some of the wonton soup just in case you change your mind.” He would browbeat him into a couple of bites the way Bella always did. That was going to have to work for the time being.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Thank you.” Bella smiled as she accepted a glass of champagne from the waiter’s tray while he walked around Sophie McCabe’s Rodeo Drive jewelry store. The music was pumping and the place packed for the swank little post-fashion-show party. Lily Brand and the Abigail Quinn Line had been successful again, raising thousands of dollars for their growing number of Stowers House locations. She sipped her drink and waved to Hailey and Alexa across the room, then fixed her ruby and silver dangle earrings when she caught a glimpse of herself in one of the mirrors hanging on the wall. She’d styled her hair in a downdo, curling her long tresses, leaving her face unframed with a clip. Her bold red dress was certainly daring with its deep V-neck and sleeveless, backless design, but she loved the way the fabric clung to her curves and its funky, irregular hemline—another genius creation by Abby Quinn herself. Now if only Reed were here to enjoy it.
She glanced around at the couples mingling, wishing he was standing by her side, but as she looked closer, she realized that several women from the Ethan Cooke Security family were also here stag. This was her world now—their world. She loved a man whose career took him away for days at a time—as Lyla’s fiancé was right now, and Morgan’s husband, and Alexa’s. Reed was bound to miss special occasions from time to time. Right now, he seemed to be missing them all, but he would be home tomorrow. Every time he walked out the door, he risked his life to help someone else. As long as he made it back safely from New York, that would be good enough for her.
“Bella.”
She turned, grinning as Jed walked her way. “Hi, stranger.” She kissed his cheek when he stopped in front of her, holding a half-empty glass of champagne. “How are you?”
“Good.” He nodded, stepping back, looking her up and down. “That’s quite a dress. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. And you in your tux.” Jed certainly cleaned up well. He was handsome regardless of his attire—dark green eyes, short black hair, golden skin, a nice build.
He pulled at his bow tie uncomfortably. “I’m counting down the minutes until I can take this thing off.”
She laughed.
“Would you like to dance?”
“Sure. That would be nice.”
He took her glass and set both hers and his on a tray, then held out his arm to her.
She hooked hers through his and walked to the small designated dancing area.
“So, how are things going?” he asked as he captured her hand in his and settled his opposite arm around her waist. “We haven’t talked in a couple of months.”
She rested her palm against his firm shoulder and followed his lead. “Really good. Great, actually.”
“Awesome. You were able to make contact with your father?”
She nodded. “I was. We’ve been getting to know each other again.” She nibbled her lip, debating whether she wanted to tell him about Dad’s health. “Unfortunately, he’s sick.”
Jed frowned. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too, but I’m so thankful you helped me find him. He has cancer and not a lot of time left.”
His frown deepened. “Bella, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s tough but I’m treasuring every second we have together. And that’s thanks to you and all your hard work.”
“I’m just glad I could help. If there’s anything—”
“Can you smile for the camera?” the photographer from the LA Times interrupted as he stopped next to them.
“Oh.” Bella stood cheek to cheek with Jed and smiled as he did.
The man snapped a picture. “Thank you. May I get your names?”
“This is Isabella Colby, and I’m Jed Hoffman,” Je
d offered.
The reporter wrote down their names. “Thank you.” He snapped one more and walked off.
“I wonder if we’ll make the paper?” he asked, wiggling his brow.
“I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look tomorrow morning.” The song ended and Bella stepped back from his embrace. “Thank you for the dance.”
“No problem. It was fun.” He shoved his hands in his pockets in a gesture that reminded her so much of Reed, she couldn’t help but smile. “So, we never got around to getting a drink.”
Her smile dimmed as she realized this was about to turn into one of those awkward situations she hated. “Jed, I’m seeing someone.”
“Shit,” he said with a wince. “I didn’t know.”
“I’m sorry.” She settled her hand on his arm. “I should have said something sooner. I just—I didn’t,” she finished lamely. It wasn’t like she walked around randomly announcing her relationship status.
He glanced around. “Is he here?”
“No, he’s on duty in New York. I’m with Reed McKinley.”
“Reed?” He nodded what seemed to be his approval. “He’s a great guy.”
“He is.” She touched his arm again. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t stop off for a glass of wine sometime. I just wanted you to know that I’m not single.”
“How about a glass of champagne now?”
She nodded. “Sure.”
He offered her his arm again and they walked toward the bar.
“I think they have beer,” she said.
“Perfect. I’ll grab one of those.”
She chuckled. “Just another hour and you can probably lose the bow tie.”
“I can’t wait.”
She grinned, happy that Jed was willing to be such a good sport.
~~~~
Reed walked toward The Coffee Shop after backtracking several blocks, making certain that no one was following him. His guard was up again—the need to look over his shoulder constantly was back. Not even an hour after he and Collin had finished their steaks, Joey called to let them know that the Caparellis had taken out another one of their old-time men—Patrizio Caparelli’s former underboss. The man had been ancient, nearly ninety years old, but they’d put a bullet in the back of his head anyway. For most of the day, Reed, Vinny, and the rest of their team had been less than a mile from the location of the latest hit. He wanted them out of New York as soon as possible.
Standing across the street from the designated meeting spot, he located his informant sitting in the back corner of the restaurant—far away from the doors and windows. Joey sat at a table several booths away, sipping at a coffee while he read a newspaper. Reed pulled his phone from his pocket and sent Joe a text.
Joey glanced up and out the window, making eye contact. He scratched his cheek, their signal that everything was clear.
He waited to cross with several pedestrians—extra insurance that he wasn’t about to become a hit man’s easy target with a car. Walking inside, he ordered a plain decaf, then went back to Bruno’s table, studying the groups of artsy patrons and the men and women sitting in front of their laptops along the way. He took his seat, eyeing the short, stocky man who had a solid decade on him, noting the perspiration on Bruno’s forehead and the tense fingers gripping his cup.
“You saw the news?” Bruno asked, gulping at his coffee.
“Yeah, I saw it.” Reed sipped his own brew with little interest in the drink.
“They took out Carlo Lamberti—whacked him right on his front steps.” He licked his lips as he glanced toward the door.
Reed followed his gaze. “Are you expecting company?”
“At this point, we’re all expecting company. You don’t know who; you don’t know when.” He leaned in closer. “They’re cleaning house. Not even their closest confidants are safe. First Dino, now Carlo. I was supposed to meet Dino the day they whacked him,” he hissed in a whisper. “Matty calls me up—says have Dino head your way.” Bruno drank deep from his cup again. “He was coming to meet me.”
“So you knew the hit was going to happen?”
He shook his head adamantly. “Do you think they were gonna tell me they were whacking Dino Asante?” Bruno wiped his hands on his jeans. “Christ, Dino went to visit Alfie at the prison when Matty couldn’t make it out that way. One of the family’s most trusted members and he’s six feet under.” He looked over his shoulder toward the windows. “They’re watching everyone. Anyone who looks suspicious—breathes wrong. Anyone who had anything to do with Alfie—”
“Then you should be in the clear. You didn’t come on until after he was locked up. Dino’s the one who made you—brought you up through the ranks to be a captain.”
“That don’t mean I’m not sweatin’ bullets. I was running errands for the family—bookmaking—while Alfie was acting boss. I keep trying to figure out if there’s something Dino told me that would put my nuts on the block.”
“Keep your guard up, and if you think of anything, make sure you tell me. I’m your shot at staying alive.”
“Thanks for the advice, but I figured that one out before we sat down.”
Reed took another sip. “Any word on what’s going on? Any new developments?”
Bruno shook his head again. “I got nothin’. Matty’s keeping us out of the loop. He wants us to make sure our earners are earning and keeping themselves undetected. No hassles with the cops. He’s made it clear that if anyone decides they want to flip, they’ll not only get themselves killed but their families too.” He wiped at his brow. “I got a wife—two sons.”
Alfeo was a brutal bastard—and smart. Becoming an informant for the Feds would get you killed, but keeping your mouth shut didn’t guarantee your safety either. It was a bad time to be in the mob. Reed nodded. “What did you find out about the kid?”
“I don’t know where you heard something about a kid, cause I ain’t heard nothing about Nicoli having a kid.”
And that’s exactly the way he hoped it stayed. “What about Walter Hodds? Have you heard of him?”
He narrowed his eyes, nodding slowly. “The name sounds familiar.”
“Someone broke into his place mid-February—ransacked it, tried to access his home computer.”
“Huh.”
“I want to know what had them so interested in a US Marshal.”
Bruno sat back in the booth. “It’s gonna take some time—tiptoeing’s what I’m up to. Minding my own business, running the things I run. I’ll see what I can get from Felipio—see if he had anything to do with it, but not till after he’s had a few drinks. I’m not coming right out and asking. Guy’s gonna get himself whacked if he doesn’t watch it and shut his trap.”
“You just make sure you get me what you can before he gets himself killed.”
Bruno nodded. “I’ve got my ears open and my antennae up, but I want out. You need to get me out of this.”
“I’ll talk to my guy at the FBI. What are the other families thinking about all of this?” He made a subtle gesture of a gun with his thumb and index finger, letting Bruno know he was talking about the murders.
“They’re keeping their distance—keeping quiet. Nobody trusts nobody.”
Reed pulled an envelope from his jacket pocket and passed it under the table. “The amount we agreed upon.”
He snatched it and tucked it in his sleeve. “I don’t know if this is worth it anymore.”
“This is just a measure of good faith. Your ticket to freedom is finding me something the Feds want.”
“I’m working on it.”
“Good.” Reed stood. “I’ll call you next week.”
“No. I don’t like that. Let me call you when I got something. I don’t want to have to do any explaining.”
Neither did he. The last thing he wanted was for Bella to hear his burner phone ring. “If you call me, it better be worth it—life-altering. We’ll talk then.” He left, making eye contact with Joey as he opened the door, then walke
d several blocks in the opposite direction of the hotel, finally hailing a cab ten minutes later.
His phone rang as he settled in the back—Joey’s ringtone. “Yeah?”
“He left clean—no one met him afterward and he didn’t make any calls.”
“He’s watching his steps. Watch yours too.”
“Don’t worry about me, boss.”
“You shouldn’t go back to the field.” It was bad enough Skylar was now assigned there. “It’s not a place you need to be.”
“I’ll steer clear. It was good having you back in town for a couple days. I hate seeing you go.”
Right now, he felt like he couldn’t get out of here fast enough. “You and Melanie should head out our way—visit for a couple weeks.”
“We’ll have to make that happen. Safe flight, buddy.”
“Thanks.” He hung up as the taxi pulled up in front of the hotel. He got out and took the elevator to his room without the information he was hoping for, but he had enough to be confident Bella was safe for now.
~~~~
Bella stepped from the bathroom after a quick shower, more than ready for bed. She dropped her towel on the floor and crawled under her covers, looking at the clock. It was almost one, which meant it was nearly four in New York. She picked up her phone and hesitated, then selected Reed’s number.
“Hey,” he answered on the first ring, his voice deep and sleepy.
She smiled. “I debated whether or not to call.”
“If you didn’t call soon, I was going to call you.”
She frowned. “Haven’t you been sleeping?”
“I’ve dozed off a couple of times, but mostly I’ve been thinking about you.”
She grinned and turned onto her side, nuzzling her cheek against the silky softness of her pillowcase. “I’m looking at your pillow right now. I wish you were lying on it.”
“Tonight I’ll be right next to you.”
She made a sound in her throat. “That sounds perfect.”
“What’s on the agenda for tomorrow—or, I guess, today?”
“I’m watching Faith for a little while. We’re having a play date at the Cookes’ at nine.”
Deceiving Bella: Book Eleven In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series Page 42
