Page 56 of Deadly Designs

“But, Christian, he’s the one who vandalized thebuilding.”

“He was. We think someone wanted to ensure he didn’tsell his accomplices down the river.” He told her about his PastorChet theory and their plans.

“I know a great costume shop,” she told them. “Theirprops are super-realistic.”

Presley jumped to her feet. “That sounds awesome.Let’s roll.”

#

It was impossible to disguise hotness. That’s allthere was to it.

Christian stood before Aja Blue with a raggedfu-manchu mustache, a mouth full of rotten teeth, and a shaggy wigthat looked like a bird’s nest that hadn’t been combed in years.Kayne wore a blond mullet with a tail that hung down his back, abushy beard and mustache, and more blackened teeth. They were intattered plaid that covered their Kevlar vests and frayed bluejeans. Yet both still wore an air of confidence and, oh, thosemuscles.

Presley threw up her hands in disgust and echoed AjaBlue’s thoughts. “This isn’t going to work.”

Christian’s eyebrows shot up. “What? Why?”

“We look authentic,” Kayne argued.

“No, you two still look like you could kick ass andtake names. No one will buy you as sheep who will blindly follow aleader.”

“Trust us to blend in,” Kayne admonished. “We knowhow to sell it.”

Since they had no other ideas, they proceeded withthe plans. They either worked or they didn’t.

Kayne drove with Christian riding shotgun this time.Presley sat in the back with Aja Blue, where other event attendeeswouldn’t notice them. They would wait in the parking lot and listento what was happening with communication devices Presley handedout.

Aja Blue studied it before inserting it into her ear.They were undetectable, but after everyone checked in, the soundwas incredible. It was as if Christian were whispering into herear.

“Tap your right one if you want to turn off sound,”Presley instructed.

“Got it,” Aja Blue responded.

“Show-time.”

Christian made eye contact and smiled at her beforehe and Kayne got out and loped inside the red-brick church with atowering spire. Several pickups and cars filled the lot. It lookedlike Pastor Chet’s meeting would be well-attended.

“I hope this works,” Presley grumbled.

“Me too.”

As darkness descended, Presley glanced around thearea. “You stay here with the doors locked. I’m going to do someexploring.”

“Wait—what?” Aja Blue reached for her, but she wasgone before she could stop her.

Aja Blue had never been afraid to be alone before.She was self-sufficient and independent. Suddenly, she was a bundleof nerves.

With a sigh, she relaxed against the seat andlistened to what was happening inside the church.

#

Presley Parrish glanced around the parking lot as shecasually strolled among the cars. She’d never been one to sit onthe sidelines and let others do the work. She was a doer, not awaiter . . . or however the saying went.

It chaffed her that she couldn’t go inside and helpbring down the scumbag. But she understood the dynamics. PastorChet was a lowlife who saw women as second-class citizens. She’ddealt with more than her fair share during her law enforcementcareer. She hoped it would ultimately be a female who broughtPastor Chet down. How freaking poetic would that be? Moreso, ifthat lady was Aja Blue. She was rooting for her.

Speaking of, Christian would not be happy that sheleft the woman alone in the SUV, and Presley winced. Sure, she hadlocked the doors, but he wouldn’t care that she’d taken that step.He might accuse her of dereliction of duty, but she kept thevehicle in sight. If anything happened, she’d be back there in ananosecond.

Presley had seen the looks that passed betweenChristian and Aja Blue. There was more there than a client/agentrelationship. True feelings were involved. If she wasn’t mistaken,it was love. Christian wouldn’t admit it, but he didn’t have to.Having never been in love before, Presley was no expert. But shewas proficient at reading people.

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