That would make me judge and jury, something I’d always sworn I wasn’t when I wore a badge. But I’d never needed a judge or jury to tell me the truly evil ones were guilty. And I’d watched too many of them hire high-powered attorneys and walk free.
If Gerald Knox got arrested, he’d probably do the same.
And then more girls would be at his mercy.
I drew in a breath, and a steely resolve settled in my bones.
Knox wanted to destroy me in retaliation.
Which was why I was going to destroy him first.
Where did that leave James and his deal with his handler? I’d sort that out later.
Chapter 20
I put on some light makeup and dried my hair. My wigs and the wig cap were in the other room, so I was ready for James to continue our fight when I opened the door.
Room service must have just come, because when I left the bathroom, he was setting a tray on the coffee table. He glanced up at me, but I didn’t see the animosity I’d expected.
“Are you hungry?”
“Not particularly,” I said, still defensive.
“You need to eat before we go out. You had a thorough workout today and you need to refuel.”
I almost snapped at him that I could decide when I ate, but I knew this was his way of showing me he cared. That he still cared, even after our fight.
“Okay,” I said, moving to the sofa, and to make amends, I teased, “Couldn’t get a suite with a dining table?”
His mouth lifted into a half grin. “You gave me short notice.”
He had a point.
We sat down on the sofa, and he handed me my plate, then picked up his own and set it on the table.
“So you’re bound and determined to see this through now,” he said, picking up a set of silverware. “Not later.”
“Yeah.”
“What’s your plan for the night?” he asked. “What are we doin’?”
I stared at him, surprised by the question, and he flicked a glance my way. “It was your contact who came through first. We’ll follow the lead and see where it takes us.” His voice turned practical. “But if it’s a bust, what do you wanna do?”
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
He cut off a piece of his steak. “You need to be thinkin’ that far ahead. Ten steps ahead.” He didn’t look up. “What you’re gonna do if she has usable information and what you’ll do if she doesn’t. What to do if her handler interrupts. What to do if he has backup.” He glanced over at me. “You need to be ready for anything.”
“Are you suggesting I’m not cut out for this?” I asked, my defenses flaring.
“No.” He lifted a bite to his mouth. “You’re not a cop anymore, so you need to stop thinkin’ like one.” He took a bite, then started cutting another piece.
Funny how I’d given myself the same damn speech minutes before.
“I’m guessing that’s how you plan things?”
He finished chewing before answering. “Not always. Not in the beginning. Funnily enough, I learned it from J.R.”
I gave him another look of surprise.
