Page 52 of Wicked Suspicion

“From all accounts, Nyx is fine. Unfortunately, given the situation, I’m going to need to bring her back to Los Angeles. Her safety is at risk if she remains in Puerto Jardin.”

There was a pause, then, “I was afraid of that. When will she return to the hotel?”

“If everything goes according to plan, she won’t. If she does, it puts you and Ellis in danger. I’d need to bring all three of you home, then.”

The silence lasted longer this time, but Archer waited. Francesca was thinking, and he didn’t want to rush her.

“Ellis and I can bring her things home with us when we’re finished here,” Francesca said at last.

“That wasn’t what you wanted to say.”

“Well,” she said, drawing the word out, “I wanted to get some presents sent home. I know you said I shouldn’t get you anything, but I saw something I know you’ll love. If you’re bringing Nyx back to LA, maybe she could give it to you.”

“A present?”

“Uh-huh. I know how much you love puzzles, and you’d enjoy working on this. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

Archer frowned. Francesca knew her phone line wasn’t secure, so she hadn’t tried messaging or emailing. Suggesting she mail it back was out of the question. It would be far too easy for someone in Puerto Jardin to intercept it and then it would disappear.

“Let me see if there’s some way for Nyx to meet you. You know how much I enjoy gifts and I’d hate to miss out on this one. Logistics can always be adjusted.”

“Thanks, Archer.”

“I’ll keep in touch.”

“Sounds good.”

He took the time to end the call properly, understanding that some of his employees cared about such things. Like Francesca. Nyx would likely have hung up before Archer did and without a single nicety. His lips curved but without any real humor.

Francesca had given him a challenging puzzle to solve, but this was no gift. How did he arrange for her to rendezvous with Nyx and keep everyone safe?

Chapter 22

Nyx felt Case’s restlessness, had felt it since she woke. Bending over, she secured the notes in the backpack, concealing them behind the lining, and zipped up the bag. A careful search would find the papers, but it was the best option she had.

With the document taken care of, she braided her hair as quickly as she could. Case was going to have them on the move again and it would be in minutes, not hours.

After tying off the braid, she visually scanned the hut, making sure they hadn’t left anything, but she and Case hadn’t been here long enough to spread out. She watched him. He went from window to window, studying the surrounding area. Yes, they’d be leaving soon.

He came over to the table and stared at her without speaking. He was edgy, and that amped up her nervousness.

“What’s wrong? What did you see?”

“Nothing, but my gut says it’s time to move. How long will it take you to?—”

Nyx pulled on her hat, tugged the braid through the back, stood, and put on her pack. “I’m ready.”

Case’s lips curved. “Damn, if I’d known this was what it was like, I would have dated a chief’s daughter before now.”

He called this dating? “Case, there is no one else like me.” She stopped in front of him and tilted her chin up. “Bank on it.” His smile broadened just a little. “Are we going?”

After putting on the helmet, he shrugged on his backpack, one he’d kept at the hut and reached for his assault rifle. “Oh, yeah, Fireball, we’re leaving. Stay on my heels.”

“Copy that. On your heels.” It was repetitive, but Nyx understood why he gave the order each time. He wanted her to know what he expected of her. No mistakes. No confusion.

The going was rough. Case was in front of her blazing the path through the undergrowth and watching him was no hardship. Her thoughts drifted to their kiss. She’d never felt that excitement in the pit of her stomach before. The timing was inconvenient given the situation they were in, and even if they weren’t neck deep in it, he was on an op and she was in Puerto Jardin for work.

She tried appreciating the beauty of nature to take her mind off the feel of Case’s hard body pressed against hers. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves to the ground below, and while she’d rather not be trudging on foot, at least this time she could see where she was going which made it much better than last night.

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