“Honey, you must admit I’m safer by your side. Furthermore, I’m not about to allow Miss Babs Barracuda free access to my husband.”
“Believe me, I have no interest in her.” Unlocking the door, I take her arm and lead her to the parking lot.
Hand on the passenger side handle, she stops and shakes her head. “Something about the woman is… off. I can’t put my finger on it, but I do not trust her.”
Chapter 8
“Be wild; that is how to clear the river.” ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Gwen
After the adrenaline rush wears off, I crash and don’t wake until Axel parks in front of The Suites Hotel. An armed, Armani-suited Scott Hunter opens my door, nods at my husband, and rushes us into the lobby.
In the elevator, the agent frowns at my bandage as he holsters his weapon. “How’s the arm?”
“Not too bad. Did you find the assassin?” Eyes on the control panel, I yawn, recall the car chase, and stretch the offending limb.
“Not yet.” The cab pings, metal doors slide, and we exit onto a plush blue carpet.
Inside our room, I wave to the FBI task force sitting at the kitchen table and head for the fridge. Mouth dry, stomach grumbling, I grab a bottle of sparkling water along with a slice of hoagie.
Once I sit and unwrap the paper, Brittany exits the bedroom, looms over me, and sneers. “Do you know how many calories that has?”
“Calories have almost nothing to do with weight gain. I could explain the quantum physics, but I doubt you’d understand.”
You go, girrrlll.Shoulder Beyoncé gives me a high five.
My husband must hear the interaction because he stops talking to his team, clutches his ex-girlfriend’s upper arm, and drags her into the kitchen.
Brows furrowed, my wolf kicks out a chair and places her in it. “How did you and Joanne meet?”
Ink, Rhonda, Trev, and Scott glance up from their screens. They must’ve waited for us to arrive to start questioning the conniving bitch.
For the first time since meeting her, the witch squirms. “I met her at a bar near the Capitol. She noticed our similar appearance and struck up a conversation.”
Hunt’s unusual dark blue eyes catch her gaze and hold it. “You’ve paid for everything. She was your guest. Why put her in danger?”
The so-called Interpol employee shrugs. “It's simple. I came, she followed, and I allowed her to stay. If I were under surveillance, it would’ve seemed strange if I had sent her away.”
Ink gazes up from his computer, nods at Rhonda, and stands. “Did Joanne follow you to the Tiki Beach Tavern?”
“Not that I know of.” While the rest continue to grill her, I focus my camera app on her face.
My lie-detecting program indicates she is full of shit, but I don’t say anything. I trust these guys. Breaking into the conversation could complicate their interrogation.
As the tatted team member parts his lips to ask another question, Brittany glances down at the caller ID on her ringing phone. “Sorry. It’s Danbury. I need to take this.”
Electronics to her ear, the troublemaker stands and paces. “I know, and I apologize… How was I supposed to know? …No, I did not know he was married… Huh?… We’re fuck buddies, that’s why and if you don’t want to talk to him, just tell me, andI’ll let the whole thing drop.” The way she stares down her nose at me, one might think sitting on the couch was a crime.
Her eyes roll into her head. “Alright, alright. Calm down. We can try again. Sure, tomorrow works. Text me the coordinates, and we’ll be there… No, no. No surveillance. I promise, and no jealous wives either. Yeah. Agreed. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again…. The dead body? It had nothing to do with me. Why would I kill my roommate? In fact, I thought you killed her to send me a message. Okay, who did? …Well then, you don’t have anything to worry about, do you… Fine. Fine. See you soon… What? Yes, he will come alone. …Why the fuck would I care? …Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
Hanging up, the bitch strolls back into the kitchen. “It’s on for tomorrow night.”
Hell, no.As I’m about to object, she points her index finger at me. “However, I’m not saying more until Little Miss Screw-Up vacates.”
My fuming spouse opens his mouth. While I’m delighted he’s about to carve Ms. Babsolicious a new asshole, I don’t want to mess up their chances to catch Ledbetter.
That’s why, when Bear paws at the door, I grab the leash and capture my hubby’s dark gaze. “How about I take him outside?”
