Page 40 of CJ

“We are that. What did the black widow say in her message?” asked CJ.

“She wants to meet me at this little bar in Georgetown, and I do mean, it’s little. This is a dive bar that a lot of college kids go to. It doesn’t seem like the kind of place a grown woman would want to meet a man.”

“It’s exactly the kind of place a bunch of college kids would slip something into a girl’s drink, though,” said Jalen. “I’m going to bet she’s got a deal with the bartender.”

“Well, I changed direction. Asked her to come to my place, and I’d cook her breakfast,” he said with a grin.

“She bought it?” laughed Tiger.

“Said she’d pack a light overnight bag.” He looked at his watch and nodded at the men. “Here’s my address. She’s coming at nine, so get there by eight.”

“Why don’t we just follow you,” said CJ. “Don’t worry, we’ll stay far enough back that no one will know we’re together. And fuck the nine-story climb through the window. We’ll be going in the front or back door.”

“It’s an apartment. You can take the stairs,” laughed Leo.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“Do you have it yet?” asked Mikella.

“You know that this takes time and finesse,” said Irena. “I’ve found my mark, and he’s invited me for breakfast. Tonight.” Her sister laughed, sending a chill up her spine.

“These boys will never learn. Experienced women know how to handle their urges. Just find out if the contracts have been signed yet. We need them to be in our name so that we can take the shipments.”

“I know what we need, Mikella. I’ve done everything you’ve asked. I’ve killed my share of soldiers. I arranged for the altered medication for the commander. I want your assurance that when this is done, I can leave. I want to do something else for a while.”

“The commander was of no use to me any longer. He made sure that Tim and Adam were where we needed them to be to dispose of them. Then he was useless. I appreciate your help in ending his pathetic life. As for you, this is a family business, Irena. You’re still family. Unless you’d like me to make sure you’re not family.” Irena knew exactly what her sister was saying.

“Then, at least let me have a break.”

“There are no times for breaks, Irena. This is domination! If we stop or slow down, someone else will take over. We can’t afford for that to happen.”

“Fine. Fine, let me run. I’ve got to get dressed for this guy.”

“Is he good-looking?” asked her sister with a seductive tone.

“He’s definitely a looker,” said Irena. “Although he did point out that I was obviously much older than him.”

“I’ve told you to keep up with the injections. Make an appointment with Dr. Birch when you’re done with this.”

“I will. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Welcome to my humble abode,” smiled Leo. “It’s not much. Just a temporary bachelor pad until I have a permanent station somewhere.”

“It’s charming,” said Irena.

She wasn’t lying. It was clean, the furniture neatly arranged with a few small items like pictures and books. He had one painting on the wall of a strange landscape she’d never seen before.

“Would you like a drink?” he asked.

“Sure. Vodka rocks for me. Will you be joining me?”

“Tonight, I will,” he smiled. “Sorry about the other night, but we’re not supposed to be drinking while in uniform. You were just a surprise. I don’t get hit on a lot in bars.”

“I find that hard to believe. I noticed you right away. You’re very good-looking, handsome, great body, and that smile definitely won me over,” she said, slipping off her heels and tucking her feet beneath her bottom as she took a seat on his sofa. He handed her the drink and clinked his glass to hers.

“To great beginnings,” he smiled. They both took a sip, and he set his glass down. “Let me check on dinner.”

She watched as he disappeared into the small kitchen space. There was a narrow passthrough that you could see into the space. Assuring his back was to her, she took the paper from her pocket and dumped the powder into his drink. When he returned, she handed him the drink and smiled.

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