Page 54 of Protecting Bianca

“Maybe. But that would be quite convenient to have two dead pigs available.”

“Right. But that is circumstantial at best.”

“I know. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.”

I scoffed. “That isn’t the reason.”

I rubbed my mouth as an idea formed in my mind. “I don’t know much about farms, but don’t they tag their animals in case they get loose or lost?”

“Huh. I’m not sure.”

“Check the delivery. See if there’s a tag somewhere on that pig’s ear.”

Khan was quiet.

“Khan, are you still there?”

“Yeah. I’m just texting Chaudhary now. He’s at the station.”

“Good. Let me know as soon as you hear.”

“Will do.”

“And Khan?”

“Yeah?”

“That’s why you keep me in the loop.”

“Damn you, Jager,” he exhaled. “You cocky bastard.”

I smiled and hung up the phone.

With my business taken care of for the day, I left my apartment, impatient to see Bianca again.

We’d spent our first night together, and I wanted to show her how much that meant to me. Pulling into the jewelry store, I had every intention of buying my woman a diamond necklace. Fuck, I was ready to buy her the Hope Diamond if the store had it.

But when the saleswoman asked who the gift was for, I hesitated. Bianca wasn’t my wife, or even my girlfriend, yet. We hadn’t talked about it. While the necklace wouldn’t be a big deal for me financially, would it scare her off?

“It’s for a special woman in my life,” I said.

“Oh. I see.” She pulled out a tray of pendants. “Let’s choose something you like, and then we can pick a chain to go with it.”

Scanning the rows of glittering gems, my eyes landed on a ruby. I knew immediately that she had to have it. “That one.”

The woman removed the pendant from the case and nodded. “We just got this one in. It’s stunning. Now, for the chain. Are you looking for something ornate or simple?”

“Simple.”

“All right. Let me show you what I think would work well with this piece.”

She pulled another tray from the drawer and set it on the glass. “The ones on the left are 10k gold, moving onto 14k and 18k furthest right.”

I chose a chain from the rightthat looked like a rope rather than traditional links. I thought it would look elegant with the ruby.

“That’s a great choice.” She pulled the chain from the white cushion and needled it through the pendant. Then she held up the necklace. It shone under the fluorescent lights.

I nodded in satisfaction. “That’s it.”

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