Page 48 of Dark King (Advantage Play 2)

“Love you too, King.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jack

“Connelly, get your ass in here,” I hear from down the hall. With another slap on the back from one of the men on my team, I head to my superior’s office.

Poking my head through Agent Reed’s door frame, I ask, “Yes, sir? You wanted to see me?”

“Yeah. Get in here.”

I follow his orders and take a seat across from him. Jonathan Reed is as put together as always in his crisp, white shirt and black slacks. Hell, even his shaved head looks freshly polished. My mouth tilts up in the corner before I smooth my features. The asshole has had it out for me for as long as I can remember, and he’s never been one to congratulate me for my successes––even when it benefits him personally.

Once I’m situated, he continues, “I wanted to congratulate you on the bust.” Bullshit. “We’ve been chasing Carbonne, Russo, Biancci, and Moretti for a long time, and I’m impressed you were able to bring them in.”

I cross my arms over my chest and lean back in my chair. “Thanks. Like you said, it was a long time coming.”

“It was. Do we have enough evidence to make it stick?”

“Yes, sir. We have multiple eyewitnesses, the suspects’ voices on tape admitting their intent in purchasing a girl or having purchased one in the past, and enough DNA on the premises to keep them in jail for the rest of their lives.”

“Good.”

A tense silence follows his comment, and I shift in my seat.

There’s something in the way he’s staring at me that confirms my earlier suspicion. He’s still an ass, and a congratulatory conversation was not on the agenda for our little visit.

I can feel the but coming. My anxiety spikes.

“But,”—there it is—“we’re still missing a very important piece in your case. Wanna tell me who?” With his fingers steepled in front of him, an unamused Agent Reed stares at me pointedly.

Gritting my teeth, I mutter, “Burlone Allegretti.”

“That’s right. Your anonymous tip brought in four of the five. The problem is that there’s still someone out there, and that’s unacceptable.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Celebrate tonight, then bring me my final man.” He waves his hand in the air, clearly dismissing me. There’s just one problem.

“And if I can’t find him?” I ask.

Bringing his gaze back to mine, he answers, “Then you still failed, and I can’t close your case. Is finding Burlone going to be a problem?”

Yeah. He’s dead.

I clear my throat. “No, sir.”

“Good.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ace

When I see Dex’s car pull up to the house, I rush toward it and swing the passenger door open before practically tackling Gigi with hugs.

“G! I’ve missed you so much! I can’t believe you’re Kingston’s sister! I had no idea. Neither of us did. Your brother thought it was hilarious, by the way. Are you okay? I couldn’t find you. I’ve been freaking out. I’m so glad you’re here.” The words keep tumbling out of me as I squeeze the crap out of her.

With a soft laugh, Gigi returns my embrace. “I’ll be okay, Ace. And I’m glad my brother doesn’t want to shoot me for putting all of you through the wringer.”

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