Page 75 of Shades of Mercy
“I think she’s right on this one. What she’s not telling you is the near accident back in Shades Cove. Sometimes you should turn the tables and be the hunter and not the hunted.”
Mercy felt a warmth spread through her. Jag was on her side.
“What are you not telling me?” Mateo’s narrowed gaze landed on her.
Clearing her throat, she explained the incident.
She could see the concern etching lines around his mouth.
“I understand you have your suspicions, but what makes you think Howie will cooperate and answer your questions?” Some understanding entered Mateo’s expression.
“He and I have worked together, side by side. I don’t know why he’d get involved with Cross, but I want to hear him out and give him a chance to make things right,” she said. “He might be the greatest asset in bringing Cross to justice.”
“You think that if Howie is involved with Cross, you can save him?” Mateo looked doubtful.
“I know Howie. I don’t want to believe that he’s involved, but if he is there must be a reason. I’ve seen his caring side. He loves his wife and children. I know how to reach him.” As she said the words, doubt weakened her mindset.
“I think she has her mind made up. If that’s the case, then I’ll make it clear that you’re not going alone,” Jag said.
Mateo shifted his gaze onto Jag but didn’t say anything.
“And we have the chip. That alone should be enough to put Cross behind bars,” Mercy said confidently.
Mateo’s brows scrunched. “Mercy, there’s something I haven’t told you. The data on the chip is useless.”
“What do you mean? I saw all the data being downloaded.”
“You saw files, yes, but you didn’t see that you were downloading invoices for his club. All legal business dealings.”
Mercy blinked as she absorbed the information. “He knew I was after his files. Only Howie could have warned him.”
“You’re probably right,” Jag said. “Mateo, I think we should give Mercy a chance to speak to Howie. You’ve been spinning your wheels with this case for a while, and it seems like Cross is always one step ahead of the game. If Howie knows something, anything, which I believe he does, this could be the only way you’re going to nail that bastard.”
Mateo nodded. “I see your point, but just because you feel you know Howie doesn’t mean you do. If he’s affiliated with Cross, then he’s dangerous. Point blank.”
“I understand. But you and Jag can go with me, but allow me to take the lead.”
Mateo stood. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning and we’ll go see him. In the meantime, don’t do anything to get yourself into trouble,” he said pointedly to Mercy.
“I’m only going to sleep.” She didn’t dare look at Jag because Mateo would have read her expression.
Chapter Chapter-Four
“And you’re sure you want to do this?” Mateo asked.
“I was very sure until you demanded I wear a wire.” She touched the apparatus taped to her. “I feel like he’s going to see it.”
“He won’t see it unless you can’t stop touching it,” Mateo droned. “This is the only way we’re doing this is with the wire. Even skilled field agents wear one.”
She knew it would be a waste of her breath to argue. “Fine, but don’t come charging in. Give me some time to speak to him.”
“Are we ready?” Jag asked.
He’d been quiet all morning.
Last night they’d slept in the same bed, and he held her, but did he regret what they’d shared?
She gave her thoughts a mental shake. She needed to focus on what she’d say to Howie, not her emotionally charged love life.
