As I handed it to him, a new thought hit me. “Do you think Knox will be there for the shipment in the morning?”
He looked surprised. “I doubt he shows up to those things.”
“Usually, sure.” My pulse picked up. “But Bobby said the king of Little Rock hired extra guns. Wouldn’t that mean he’s worried?”
James scoffed. “I doubt he thinks I’d bring in law enforcement. He probably thinks I’m out for revenge after his mother nabbed me, or I’m trying to take over his empire.” His eyes darkened. “Maybe both.”
“But he’s scared you’ll show up,” I pressed. “He thinks you’ll try to stop him.”
“And you,” he said flatly. “You’re the one who took out all his men.” His mouth tightened. “If he’s building an army, it’s for both of us.”
I felt a strange flicker of pride, but I shoved it down. “That’s beside the point. What if we find out where it’s happening and go?”
“And take on his army?” he asked, like I’d suggested the two of us invade a country.
“No. We sneak close enough to confirm Knox is there.”
“That’s insane, Harper.”
“It’s a good idea.”
His jaw flexed. “And if he is there, what then?”
“If we get the opportunity, we take him out. If we don’t, we follow him when he leaves.”
His lips pressed tight. “So many things could go wrong.”
“Then we call the state police and let them stop it.”
He hesitated, releasing a sigh as he lifted the hard drive. “I’m not sayin’ no. Just… I’ve got to deal with this first before I can think about the rest.”
What was I thinking? He was right. The exchange was already contentious, and he hadn’t even met with his handler yet. “You’re right. Go. I’ll start going through the files. We’ll talk when you get back.”
“Instead of jumpin’ right on the files”—he tugged a strand of the wig I was still wearing— “why don’t you go take this off and take a long, hot shower? It’ll help clear your head.”
“I’m fine.”
“We’ve been pushin’ hard all day. Take a break, then come back fresh.” He tipped his head toward the sticky notes. “After that, you can start tacklin’ what’s in the files. I presume you’re gonna stick those on a wall?” He glanced toward a large painting hung over a credenza next to the bathroom. “Want me to take that down so you can start postin’ ’em up there? It seems like your best option.”
I frowned. “Yeah, it has the most surface area.” I shook my head. “But I can take it down.”
“So, about that shower…” he said suggestively.
I didn’t particularly feel the need to shower, but he had a point about taking a momentary break to clear my head. Then again, I often worked things through in the shower. Maybe I could figure out how to find Knox. “Yeah. Good idea.”
He took my hand and led me to the bathroom before he pulled me flush against him and kissed me like he was leaving for war. “When I get back, I want to fuck the real you. No wig.”
My stomach fluttered. “Fine. Maybe I’ll be waiting naked in bed.”
“Jesus, woman,” he growled, grabbing my ass with his free hand and hauling me closer until I felt exactly how serious he was. “You keep talkin’ like that, and I’m gonna tell my handler to go to hell so I can screw you in the shower.”
I stepped back, forcing myself to be stern. “No. You need to go. You’re already going to be late.”
For a second, he looked like he wanted to argue. Then he gave me a gentle push into the bathroom. “Shut the door before I change my mind.”
“Be safe, James,” I said, worry stealing my breath.
“I will.” His gaze held mine. “Don’t leave the hotel room. I have enough to worry about.”
