Page 26 of Marked for Danger

“There’s nothing they can pin on me, because I’m not in any of that shit. I load and drive trucks, Iz. I get a call, I go to a warehouse in the south part of town, load the boxes waiting for transport, then I deliver them to wherever he sends me. That’s it.”

“No one thinks you’re involved in Valdez’s illegal dealings.” When he shot her a look of disbelief, she amended her statement by saying, “Fine,Idon’t believe you’re involved. But I know you, Olly. I know the kind of person you are, and there’s no way you’d—”

“You sure about that?” Another sarcastic quip. “I mean, we haven’t seen or spoken to each other in a long damn time.”

“Yeah? And who’s fault is that?” Izzy regrated the snarky question the instant it left her lips. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

“Doesn’t mean it isn’t true.”

A stretch of time passed between them before she finally broke the silence. “I don’t care if it’s been two years or two hundred.” She stared back at him. “I know you, Ol. That’s how I know you’d never,evergo along with the trafficking of any kind. Especially young girls.”

“Damn right, I wouldn’t.”

The flash of anger flaring behind his hazel gaze sent a rush of guilt racing through her. But before she could apologize, Olly did his best to dismiss her.

“Thanks for coming by, Iz, but you really shouldn’t be here. It’s not…safe.”

“Why? Because of your boss?”

“No, because it’s a shithole building in a shitty part of town. A woman who looks like you, dressed in your fancy suit and expensive heels… You’re a walking target for guys who live around here. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if your car’s still where you left it.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

With a shake of his head, Olly pushed himself to his feet and marched into the less-than-modest kitchen. Opening the small refrigerator, he pulled out a bottle of water and lifted it as if to ask if she wanted it. When she shook her head, he twisted off the small plastic lid and tossed it into the overflowing trash.

It hit the corner of an empty cereal box and fell to the floor, but her brother ignored it and chugged half of the bottle’s contents in one long gulp. His guarded stare found hers once more as he wiped his mouth with the back of his forearm.

“Okay, let’s have it. What do the Feds want you to talk me into?”

God, I hate how hardened he’s become.

“I had a meeting a few hours ago with the head of DPD’s Major Crimes unit, the FBI, and one of the city’s ADA’s.”Just tell him.“They’ve been investigating your boss for a while now, but they haven’t been able to get enough to lock him up. In the course of their investigation, they discovered you and that you’re my brother.”

“So they’re trying to use you to get to me, that about right?”

That’s exactly right.

“They want you to wear a wire to work. Try to get Valdez on tape admitting he ordered the execution of three Los Reyes members. If you can get him to talk about the other nefarious businesses they believe he’s running, even better. But the murders would put him away for life and end his trafficking business for good.”

Laughter echoed off the decades-old walls. “Boy, they don’t ask for much, do they?”

“I know it’s a lot—”

“Uh, you think?” He took another swig, clearly upset by her revelation. “Valdez didn’t get to the top by being stupid. The guy sniffs even the slightest hint of a set-up, he’ll kill me. And I don’t mean that metaphorically.”

“I know you don’t.” Izzy swallowed a giant knot in her throat. “I also know how dangerous it would be for you. That’s why I tried talking them out of it.”

“Really?” The lines on his face smoothed slightly. “You did that?”

“Of course, I did.” Izzy stood and went to him. “Look, I know I messed things up for you back then, but you’re still my brother.” Tears welled in her eyes, but she did her best to keep them at bay. “Nothing I say or do will ever make up for what happened, but I love you, and I willalwaysdo whatever I can to protect you.”

He was quiet for a stretch, his unreadable gaze searching hers for…something. She wasn’t quite sure what, but then…

“Ah hell, Iz.” He ran a hand through his unkempt hair. “We’ve talked about this a million times. I thought you finally understood. What happened back then wasn’t your fault. It washis.Well, his and that bitch of a wife.”

“But—”

“Damn it, Iz! There are no buts!” He actually sounded angry then. “That bastard would have raped you if I hadn’t done what I did. And if he got away with it once, he would’ve done it again. And again, and again, and again. You know I’m right.”

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