Reunion Under Fire

by Geri Krotow

  “That’s great work, Annie.” Colt typed into his computer. “Claudia, do you think TH can ascertain where these women are?”

  All four of them looked at Colt’s screen, which he’d turned sideways to enable the best viewing. It displayed a topography map of the area, approximately twenty-five miles surrounding Silver Valley.

  “We’ve already got four teams of two in place in the mountains, scattered along the AT.” Claudia spoke of the Appalachian Trail. “I’ve got them staked out in the most obvious spots, posing as campers.”

  “You’re thinking the ROC will take the women hiking?” Annie clearly didn’t know all of the history of ROC, but she didn’t think of them as willing to take the time to pre-stage the group of women. Wouldn’t they just move them as quickly as possible?

  “They’ll make it look like they’re a camping group. Remember, these women are one of the ROC’s richest resources at the moment, second only to heroin. They’ll do anything to protect them. We’ve got the latest topography of the area, since TH and SVPD worked together last year to take out the cult that plagued us. The True Believer cult used old mining and quarry caves to hide. When we took the leader out, a lot of the man-made caves were destroyed, but there are still plenty of caves and hiding places in the woods.” As Josh spoke, he watched comprehension dawn on Annie’s face and wanted to reach for her, wrap his hands around her head and bring her lips to his. Annie’s focus on the computer monitor and what he and Claudia had said was a turn-on. Mostly because it reminded him of how focused she’d been when they’d made love, determined that he get off as spectacularly as her screams had conveyed she had.

  Wrong time, wrong place for his dick to get hard. And yet it did. He shouldn’t keep being surprised by how much Annie turned him on.

  “Will the women be moved directly to their purchasers, like the strip clubs, from camping on the Appalachian Trail?” Annie had a hard time wrapping her head around it and wanted to be clear. To know what her role could be.

  Claudia shook her head. “There’s good reason to believe the women are moved to a holding building, which we are confirming is on Valensky’s compound. This lines up with what you’re hearing from Kit.”

  “We want to get this group of women before they move onto Valensky’s property, though.” Josh spoke up. “Once they’re off the AT on his turf, it gets riskier for us.”

  “And for Kit.” Annie swallowed. “There are women somewhere out there in the Pennsylvania mountains, trying to survive being moved from place to place, treated like cattle—soon to be forced into sex slavery. Your mission, our mission, is to intercede and capture them before ROC disperses them to the winds. And we need to prevent them from getting into Valensky’s hands.” Annie’s voice was pragmatic, her words for her own edification. Everyone in the room knew and understood what they were up against. “I need to be in on the camping stakeout. I can help when the agents free the women. They’re going to need psychological support.”

  “You can’t go on your own. You’d need backup.” The words escaped Josh’s mouth before he gave himself a chance to think it through. Fudge, he was revealing his feelings for Annie in the most inappropriate way.

  Two sets of eyes on him, both from two of the smartest, most intense people he knew. “That’s an excellent idea. Except if Kit needs Annie, she’s got to be able to reach her ASAP,” Colt said.

  “Where we need you is a stone’s throw from the Valensky compound. The women are within a half day’s hike of it.” Claudia zoomed the map onto a satellite view of Valensky’s property. “He built his house on this mountain, and you can see the wall line here.” She used a pencil to point. “There’s more to it than this shows, though. The wall is three feet thick and impenetrable without the largest payloads. Fortunately, it’s scalable. We have intelligence reports that point to a holding area on his property, probably in the back, near or in the pool house.”

  “Why send Annie or risk Kit’s passing us information if we know this already? Heck, we could use a drone to see what’s going on. As long as he’s not home.” Josh thought about the latest device the department had procured and wondered if he could carry it along with the needed camping items.

  “No drones. You’re only going to be the backup. That includes you, Annie. You’re there if the women are found and need immediate help. You’ll go in as a team. Keep in mind that we aren’t in charge of this op in the least. SVPD is support, and TH is clandestinely working with the FBI and other agencies on this.” Colt’s tone was steady. “FBI is the lead. We offer whatever they need. And they need us to first keep the women off of Valensky’s property, and if we can’t, we need to go in and get them.”

  “Annie, you’re the only TH female on this case for now, and you’re minimally trained because we don’t have the time to give you more. Your NYPD weapons handling and defensive tactical training will serve you well. I’ve got several of our other agents tied up with a larger trafficking operation that occurred in Boston a few weeks ago.” Claudia sat next to Colt behind the chief’s desk.

  Josh stood. “I’ll take a drive out to the Valenskys’ and see if there’s anything unusual going on in the area. Annie, we can plan for the camping stakeout now, if you have the time.”

  “Sure thing.”

  “Shut the door when you leave, Josh.” Colt sounded like his normal, professional self, but Josh didn’t want to think about either of his bosses taking advantage of a quick private respite from police work.

  And he didn’t want to examine the most definite jealousy that had him by the balls. He was jealous of any time Annie couldn’t spend with him. He’d do anything to be alone with Annie right now.

  Once outside the station, Josh walked her to her car.

  “Where do you want to talk about the camping trip?” Annie’s eyes were filled with the same heat he was fighting.

  “Let me make you lunch.” God forgive him, but he was grateful Becky was in her apartment and his house was a safe, private place to take Annie.

  “You’ve already made me dinner—it’s my turn to cook for you.”

  “I’m not talking about cooking, Annie.” Thank God she responded by licking her lower lip, her pupils dilated in the harsh fluorescent lighting. She wanted him, too.

  Chapter 11

  They were at his place within fifteen minutes. Annie parked her car behind his and followed him up to the front door. “Has it been lonely without Becky here?”

  “Of course. And I’m also enjoying my privacy.” She watched his slim hand turn the key in the front door lock and remembered that hand on her breast, the fingers tweaking her nipples.

  Those same fingers grasped her upper arm and ushered her across the threshold. The inside of the house was shadowed and cool, the outside sunlight pouring in and cutting Josh’s face in two. His eyes were inscrutable but his mouth was slightly open, his white teeth in stark contrast to his tan skin.

  “This op is about to break wide open and there’s no way of knowing how much time we have. I need you, Annie. Now.” He shut the door with his foot and pressed her against the wall with his pelvis, his arms braced on either side of her head. She gazed up at him, and her spine melted against the wall as he gyrated his pelvis against hers, his erection rubbing against her most sensitive parts, swollen from her desire. Their gazes held as he continued the erotic motion, and her breath hitched somewhere between her rib cage and her throat. All she felt, all she saw, all she smelled was pure Josh.

  She ran her fingers through his short hair, pulling his head to hers. His eyes remained open as she licked his lips and sucked his tongue into her mouth. When he reciprocated with another exquisite circling of his pelvis against hers, she closed her eyes, unable to see past the raw need he expertly drew out of her.

  “Josh.” He rained kisses on her jawline and down her throat, his hands shoving her dress up, up until he could reach under and cup her
between her legs. She moved with his palm, needing more. It would always be this way with him—never enough.

  He covered her mouth with his again, taking all of her need and want in a hungry kiss. She groaned in protest when he lifted his head from hers, a mere breath between them. If she could crawl under his skin she would.

  “Tell me what you want, Annie. Show me.” His pupils were dilated, and his eyes glittered with the same sensations arcing across her skin, to her most responsive parts. Keeping her eyes focused on his, she lowered one hand from his nape and covered his hand, the one between her legs.

  “I want you inside me, Josh.”

  His breath hitched and he turned his hand, holding hers. In a quick move he tugged her to him and spun her around to face the wall, his mouth claiming the side of her neck. He sucked on her skin as he hooked his hands on her hips and pulled her backside up against him. “Let’s go to my room.”

  She followed him as he half ran, half walked down the long hallway in the ranch house to the room farthest from the front of the house. All she saw in the room was the giant four-poster in the center. Contemporary and sleek, welcoming their need.

  And God, she wanted him to make love to her. Would let him do whatever he wanted. She raised her dress over her head and shrugged out of it, throwing it on the floor at her feet. Her matching bra and thong set was her favorite—dark blue with pale pink lace and ribbons. She was glad she’d splurged on them but just as happy to get them off as she reached to pull down the thong.

  “Stop.” Josh’s gaze scorched her; his unabashed reverence mesmerized her. She felt so wanted, so needed.

  “You’re quick.” Her breath caught as she spoke. Josh had shucked his pants and shirt, and stood in front of her like the most intensely erotic dream she’d ever had. But it wasn’t a dream, and this...this was more than a sexual encounter. It was beyond her fantasies.

  “You’re breathtaking.” He reached out and tugged at her bra strap until she was pressed up against him again. “I want to draw this out, make it last, but I swear to heaven if I don’t have you right this minute I’m going to explode.”

  She reached up on her tiptoes to press her mouth to his while her hand wrapped around his length, stroking him into silence. “Then take me.”

  He lifted her in one sure move, and suddenly she was on her back on the bed with Josh on top of her. She had a sense of him reaching for something, the sound of a drawer being opened, the quiet crackle of the condom wrapper. Only as he sheathed himself did she open her eyes and take in the sheer immensity of him. Not just his erection, which was considerable, but Josh. His shoulders were sheer perfection, wide and chiseled to match his pecs and abs. She lay with her legs spread to receive him.

  “Come here, Annie.” He stayed on his knees and flipped her around, pulling her ass up so that she was on her knees, facing the headboard. “Is this okay?”

  “Stop talking.” She ached for him—

  He filled her to the hilt and she dug her hands into the mattress, providing the support their lovemaking needed as he thrust again and again. A roll of pleasure swelled in her and then exploded before she could take in a deep breath. His cries soon followed, and she reveled in knowing he was as lost as she’d been seconds before.

  They remained joined together until the last possible moment, when Josh leaned over and, with his chest against her back, rolled them both to their sides, his arm around her waist and nestling her in his embrace.

  Annie snuggled into the spoon and let her mind drift.

  * * *

  Josh would have loved to stay here all day with her, but work called.

  “Annie?” His breath moved her red locks around his face and they tickled his nose.

  “Mmm. Shhhhh. Five more minutes.”

  He laughed. “We don’t have five or even two more minutes. We’ve got to plan our stakeout, and I’d like to get the supplies together this afternoon.” He was going to have to call Becky’s community adviser and let them know he’d be out of pocket for a few days.

  She turned to face him. Her cheeks had the rosy glow only an orgasm could bring, and a jolt of satisfaction shot through him. He’d helped her look like this. Like a painting.

  “I’m not much of a camper, but I’ll do whatever you suggest.” She softly grinned. There was a light in her eyes he didn’t want to name. Not yet.

  * * *

  Annie showered before she left Josh’s and made a run to the sporting goods store to get some breathable hiking clothes and sturdy boots. Josh had told her that Trail Hikers would provide the vast majority of the camping gear, so she didn’t worry about a tent or bedroll, but comfortable cargo pants and T-shirts were a must. With it being the height of tick season, she wasn’t going to be vulnerable to Lyme disease if she could help it. Long-sleeved shirts and pants were a necessity, even in the heat of summer.

  She texted Josh to make sure she had all she needed.

  You’re all I need. Thank you for our lunch today.

  He added a smiley face emoticon with hearts for eyes. It made her heart squeeze, but she chalked it up to the newness of their relationship. Although she’d known him for so long.

  She drove out to a restaurant Becky had picked, near her apartment, and found them already seated in a back booth.

  “Hi!” She stood at the table, feeling awkward. Should she sit with Josh or Becky? Becky held her hands up for a hug, which she willingly gave. Of course, she had to ignore the tug at her conscience. Becky’s feelings were at stake. She’d be sad if Annie left her again. Or even if she stayed, if she and Josh didn’t make a go of it. As if sensing her overactive mind, Josh reached out and grabbed her hand.

  “Come here.” He slid out of his seat and stood to hug her. She’d never tire of Josh’s hugs.

  “Should we be doing this?” she whispered in his ear.

  “We’ve already done it, honey.” His answering whisper sent shivers down her spine and made her laugh. Only Josh had ever been able to set her hormones afire and make her giggle at the same time.

  Josh sat back down against the wall of the booth, making room for her on his bench. Becky furiously drew on her paper place mat, the restaurant’s logo on the tiny pack of crayons. She wasn’t the least bit ruffled that her brother was sitting with Annie.

  “How’s your apartment working out, Bec? Josh told me you’re having a good time so far.”

  Becky’s grin said it all. “I’ve made so many friends, and I love being able to go to bed when I want to.”

  “Which means you’re tired when you get up for work.” Josh tugged on Becky’s drawing.

  “Hey, stop it.” Becky playfully slapped his hand. Her eyes regarded Annie. “Do you love Josh, Annie?”

  Talk about straight shooting. Annie didn’t feel put on the spot, though. Becky loved her brother and wanted to know others did, too.

  “Uh, um, I’ve always cared about Josh. We’ve been friends since what, third grade?”

  Josh clutched at his heart. “Ow, you’re killing me here. It was first grade, reading circle. You grabbed my book because you said yours was boring.”

  “Sounds like me. But I’m sure it was a ploy to get you to pay attention to me.”

  “I already was. How could anyone miss your bright red braids and glasses?”

  She gave him a playful punch on the upper arm. The waitress came and she asked for iced tea.

  “Josh used to love Karen but she went away. It didn’t work out.” Becky clearly enjoyed telling Josh’s story, and Annie couldn’t stop herself from smiling.

  “That happens sometimes.” She counted to three, wondering if she should say something about going back to New York in a couple of months.

  “Bec, Annie is only here for a little while. She’s visiting and working in her grandmother’s yarn shop. She’ll go back to New York City after a while.”

&nbs
p; Wow. Josh’s words were nothing but the truth, so why did they cut like dried burrs in autumn?

  “Can we go visit her in New York? I love the big Christmas tree!”

  “I do, too.” Annie made it a point to spend one evening each holiday season battling the throngs of tourists and native New Yorkers alike at Rockefeller Center to see the humongous tree with the thousands of multicolored lights. No matter how heavy or grim her workload, the tree and excitement from the crowds cheered her. It was the closest she came to the real wintry Christmases she’d had in Pennsylvania as a child, as her holidays were often spent in Florida with her parents. Nice beach time wasn’t something she regretted, but she did miss a traditional Pennsylvania holiday.

  The waitress took their food orders, and Annie welcomed the break from the intensity of emotion elicited by their conversation.

  “You okay?” Josh leaned over to her as Becky began to play a colorful, animated game on her phone. His eyes were soft, his smile easy.

  “I’m good.” She looked away, unable to tell him why it felt like her heart was ripped to shreds.

  He’d only spoken the truth about her going back to New York. So why did she want to argue it with him?

  * * *

  Josh dug into his food and watched Annie and Becky talk over their meals. He wasn’t running from the conversation, exactly, but more from his self-recrimination.

  He’d deliberately said Annie was going back to the city to see her reaction. Sure, he wanted to protect Becky, but his sister had managed fine when he split from his last long-term girlfriend.

  “Do you like being back in Silver Valley?”

  Annie nodded. “I do. Very much.”

  Becky grinned as she took one of Annie’s fries.

  “Hey, Bec, manners.” Josh wasn’t used to needing to correct her on something so basic.

  “I told her she could.”

  “Annie said I could.”

  He faced two incredulous women who wore the same expression: you missed it, leave us alone.