Page 67 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
"Vanessa, see if you can get into their scheduling system. Find out who rates a private entrance." I touch her shoulder without thinking, and a current rushes through my fingertips at the contact.
She doesn't flinch away. She leans into the touch for a heartbeat before her fingers resume their dance across the keyboard. "Already on it."
The mysterious figure disappears inside, the door closing behind him. The energy in our vehicle shifts, an almost tangible current between us as we recognize the significance of what we're witnessing.
I stare at the entrance where our unknown visitor vanished, already running through possible strategies in my head. Vanessa's typing reaches a crescendo beside me, her body nearly vibrating with excitement.
"Holy shit. Holy. Shit." Her words come out in a rushed whisper. "I finally got through their last firewall. I'm in their personnel database."
The energy in her voice pulls my attention from the building. Her eyes are wide, pupils dilated with the thrill of discovery.
"Tatiana Ivanov. Russian national, former model, immigrated fifteen years ago." Her fingers fly across the keyboard, screens flipping rapidly. "And look, monthly payments from Paradise Elite coded as 'talent acquisition'."
Cole immediately leans back, his posture still perfect as he pulls up financial records on his tablet. His expression doesn't change, but his eyes narrow slightly, his tell when he's found something significant.
"Financial patterns match known trafficking operations in Eastern Europe." His voice is measured and calm despite the breakthrough. This could be our first solid lead on who else might have been working with Markus Steele.
My heart rate kicks up a notch. Pieces falling into place. Patterns emerging. I've spent enough time studying criminal operations to recognize standard human trafficking financial shells. The rush of a solid lead courses through me.
Jax suddenly straightens in the driver's seat, his normal restless energy condensing into focused alertness.
"Company at three o'clock. Looking pretty interested in this vehicle."
My head snaps up. Security guard approaching, hand resting near his hip. Not a threat level that requires lethal force, but a complication we don't need.
Cole smoothly activates the vehicle's cover credentials on the displays while I shift my position, moving between the window and Vanessa without conscious thought. My body blocks her from view, shielding her screens.
"Just procedure," I murmur when she gives me a questioning look. But it's not. The urge to protect her goes beyond operational necessity, beyond the mission parameters.
Jax rolls down his window, his posture instantly relaxing into casual friendliness.
"Hey man, electrical contractors. Building management called us about surveillance system upgrades." His easy charm betrays none of the deadly skills I know he possesses.
I track the guard's movements, calculating how quickly I could neutralize him if needed. My hand drifts toward my weapon, muscles coiled and ready.
Vanessa's thigh presses against mine as she leans forward. The contact sends heat radiating up my leg, momentarily distracting me from tactical assessment.
The guard scrutinizes our falsified credentials while Jax maintains effortless small talk about the weather and local sports. Cole monitors every micro-expression on the guard's face, ready to signal if he detects suspicion.
When the guard finally nods and walks away, the tension breaks. Jax's grin is wolf-like in the rearview mirror.
"Time to disappear before he thinks twice."
Cole gives a single nod. "We've gained enough intelligence for this operation."
Jax pulls the vehicle to a smooth stop outside my house. Rain continues to fall, the sharp tapping on the roof surprisingly soothing after the day's tension.
"Nice work today, Echo." Jax gives Vanessa a genuine smile.
My eyes catch his in the rearview. There's respect there, not just for me, but for her. Something shifts in my chest.
Cole turns slightly in his seat, posture perfect even after hours of surveillance. "Your technical approach was exemplary. Most efficient first field operation I've witnessed."
From Cole, those words count as glowing approval. Vanessa's cheeks flush, and my heart hammers faster against my ribs.
I unlock the door and help Vanessa out of the vehicle. Rain dampens her hair, making it cling to her neck. I resist the urge to brush it away.
As we step toward the house, Jax calls out through the lowered window. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, which leaves pretty much everything on the table!"
