Page 21 of Special Agent Isabella

“Funny you should bring that up. The guys back in the office searched the street cams around the vicinity before and after the incident. Seems they spotted a beige Toyota. And before you ask, they weren’t able to read the license plate.”

“Bummer. I knew this morning wasn’t a one-time, lousy-driving incident. I got the impression it could be serious.”

“It is. The office informed me a while ago that they located the car fitting that description, and it had been doused with gasoline and set on fire. Once it cools, I doubt they’ll be able to find any prints.”

Just then, a knock on her bedroom door informing them of dinner interrupted their discussion. He opened the bathroom and stood back to let her pass him. When a whiff of her sexy perfume again filled is senses, he closed his eyes for a few seconds.

God, she smelled good.

He looked up and added…not fair buddy.

ChapterSeventeen

Bella couldn’t believe that she’d enjoy the company of a six-year-old as much as she did. Once they’d returned from school to be told by Nan, the housekeeper, that the Governor and Tanner had been called into the State department because of a bomb, she doubled her precautions.

Knowing she had to keep the child beside her all the time, she’d have agreed to anything to keep her happy. Once they began working together to start rebuilding a huge Lego construction that Abbie decided would be an airport, she found herself deeply involved.

Concentrating on making one of the many planes they would need, she listened while Abbie rattled on, hopping from one subject to another with the ease of a bumblebee pollinating a garden.

“I love Tanner. He’s always making my mommy laugh, and he likes me too. His hugs are the best.”

“Yep. He’s one of the good guys.”

“Do you love him too?”

Bella had to control her choking. Go figure the kid would hit her with such a question just when she took a sip of water. “Umm, yeah sure. He’s okay. I guess I like him.”

“Did you grow up with him and Demi? He told us you were kids together.”

“Sort of. We lived in the same foster home for a short time before he left.”

Abbie seemed to like that Bella responded to her question without trying to pretend she was too young to be given an answer. “What’s Demi like?”

“She’s great. Runs a home for street kids.”

“You mean kids with no parents?”

“Sometimes. But mostly it’s for those who don’t like living with their folks. But they’re too young to be alone, or on the streets, so they go and stay the nights with Demi in her special place.”

“Can I meet her one day?”

“Sure. She’d like that. Demi’s not so good with the grownups but she loves kids.”

“Do you love kids too?”

Not paying attention to the sentiments behind the leading question, Bella answered truthfully. “Don’t know. Never been around them. Always figured they were a pain in the…”

“Yes?”

“Heart.”

“You were going to say ass.”

“Was not, poopy mouth.”

“Were so.”

“Okay, you tricked me. I wasn’t listening closely. Look. The truth is I’ve never been around kids your age. So you make me nervous.”

---