Page 85 of Sinful Beauty

“Jack here. Any update on your missing person?”

I flinch at the application of that terminology. Lucia’s not missing. Before the sun goes down, I’ll find her.

“We have a general location. I’m en route. Our team is working on pinpointing the exact location.”

“Do you have support resources?”

“There’s no time.”

“I’ve got six men in your area. Pulled them into action after your last call. Let me send them as backup. My dime.”

“I appreciate that, but we’ve got this one.”

“Don’t do this on your own. You don’t know what you’re walking into.” His words mingle with Nigel’s. My skin tingles with frenetic energy, and my jaw aches from the grinding of my molars. This is not my normal headed into an extraction.Damn, Nigel. I am emotional.

“I’ll have Penny from our office send you everything you need. But that’s not why I called. SAS nabbed Solonov.”

“In London?”

“Assume so, but didn’t get the specifics.” Fuck. I’m not on my A-game.

“Thanks for the update.”

“We’re getting close. I can feel it. I don’t expect Solonov to talk, but whoever hired him might fear it. If they think the Watson women might be used in court against them, they could be in danger.”

“I increased protective detail on both of them after our last call. We’ll work with Penny to coordinate a rendezvous point for you and our men. Don’t do this on your own. Use a team.”

Jack Sullivan is showing his military background. But I’m a part of a different team, and we find solo operatives to be highly effective.

“Seriously. We’ve kicked the hornet’s nest. It’s not the time to play cowboy hero.”

“Where in America did you say you’re from again, Jack?”

“Texas. Does it show?”

“Just a mite friend. Just a mite.”

Chapter31

Lucia

Footsteps fall, growing closer.

I pull my knees into my chest.

Apprehension and fear swarm.

I close my mouth and breathe through my nose.

Glance at the pitcher. It’s within reach.

The footsteps grow louder. Heavy. Dragging?

Should I have broken the pitcher?

Metal rattles.

A quiver slices through me.

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