Page 77 of Dangerous Pursuit

I’m excited to be able to use tonight’s winnings to reduce the amount owed before we settle up tomorrow. I’m on a poker high as we reach Jackson’s place. Watching me in action apparently got him all sorts of worked up, and after mauling me in the car, he promised there was more to come. I’m very much looking forward to that.

Jackson has me up against the wall as soon as the door closes. His hands are everywhere, his mouth on mine, and all the pent-up lust comes pouring out at once. He hoists me up and turns to carry me to the bedroom when a loud knock sounds at the door.

“Who would be here at this hour?” I ask.

“No fucking clue, but it better be good.” He sets me down and adjusts himself before going to answer.

Suddenly, it dawns on me who it might be. “Wait! Don’t open it. Check who it is first. What if they followed me to your house?”

There’s another knock, louder than the first, along with someone’s voice. “FBI, open up.”

CHOICES

Jackson

“What the fuck is the FBI doing here?” I ask more to myself than anything.

“I don’t know, but hurry and open the door. You can’t leave them out there,” Mia says frantically.

Through the peephole are two agents, a man and woman in suits, standing like statues while holding their badges up. I open the door and take a closer look at each one. They seem legit to me. I’m about to ask what this is about but get the answer before having the chance.

“I’m Agent Roger Bale, and this is Agent Liz Wallace. Agent Wallace and I would like to speak with Mia. May we come in?”

“I’m assuming we don’t have a choice,” I say, moving aside for them to enter.

“You always have a choice, but cooperating makes our jobs easier.” They walk in and see Mia standing off to the side.

Her face is pale, and she’s shaking like a leaf, which prompts me to shut the door quickly and go wrap her in my arms. “Shhh. It’ll be okay. I’m here, sweetheart.” She seems to calm as I rub her back.

“Mia, I’m Agent Wallace. Would you mind if we ask a few questions?” Agent Wallace is the softer of the two, which is probably why she’s the one to address Mia.

“Sure.” The fear in her voice pierces my heart, and I wish I could carry her off and make all her problems go away.

“Let’s sit down at the kitchen table,” I suggest. “Can I get you water or anything?” They both respond no as they take their seats. “Mia?”

“No, I’m fine.”

I give her the look and see the tiniest hint of a smile. If my only job in life were to bring a smile to her face, I’d be content.

We sit across from the agents and I hold Mia’s hand in mine, squeezing it in encouragement.

“First, are you okay with Mr. Soloman being present for this discussion?” Agent Wallace asks. “So far, this matter is strictly related to you, although we’ll get to Mr. Soloman in a moment.”

What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

Mia doesn’t even hesitate. “Yes. I want him to stay.”

“Noted. Is it okay if we record this?” Mia nods. “Your answers will need to be verbal from here on out.”

“Yes, you can record it.” She states firmly.

“Great, thank you, Mia. Let’s start by telling you what we know. You’ve been receiving visits from two men, one of whom you know as Frank and the other as Jay. Is that correct?”

“Yes?” Mia answers with the accent of a question.

“Good. So, here’s what we’ve learned so far. They’ve been coming to collect a debt resulting from your father, Roland Marcos, who took a loan to finance his gambling habit and skipped town with the money. How are we doing so far?”

“That’s correct.” The anxiousness is present in her voice. My hand squeezes hers, reminding her that I’m by her side.

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