“Guys from my unit. I probably should have stayed distant but I didn’t. I gave the kids some trinkets as a thank you. Stupid little items, snack bars, cards, obvious American items. They showed them to some others from their village and tried to trade them. Damn Taliban knew someone had found their stash. When Samira and Tariq were flashing around trinkets from the States, somebody got suspicious. They were found with bullet holes in their heads.”
Meg slipped her hands into his and squeezed, letting him know she was listening. But he didn’t want her listening to the confession of his sins. Describing the scenery in Afghanistan and the types of vehicles they used had to be the most boring thing he could think of. His voice droned on as he continued rubbing her arm and back.
Her breathing grew rhythmic but he kept on talking, back to his earlier confessions. He needed the catharsis. “It was my fault they died. I never should have let them help, never should have given them anything. I should have stayed professional and focused on my job. It’s my fault they’re dead.”
Meg was now asleep. Her chest rose and fell against him. He held her for a few more minutes even though he shouldn’t. It went against everything he’d talked about. Never get involved.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her through to the bedroom. Her sheets were already rolled down so he gently slid her in then pulled the comforter over her body. She wiggled a bit then settled. He reached down and touched her silky hair.
“That’s why I have to keep thinking of you as only a case, an informant and nothing more. You can’t mean more to me than that. It hurts too much otherwise.”
He leaned down to press a soft kiss to her cheek then walked back to his own bed. Sleep wouldn’t be easy in coming and looking at Meg as he left, he knew it was because of her and the rule that he may have already broken.
Chapter 13
“What are you looking for, Dave?”
Dave whipped around, breathing a sigh of relief at Tina standing in the doorway of Moreno’s office. He’d have to be more on alert. He hadn’t heard her walk past. She must have been in the locker room changing for her shift. Moreno was out front with Barone so he hadn’t worried.
He pasted on a smile and took the earbuds from his ears. “Hey, gorgeous. Just trying to find a pencil for this liquor order.” He held up the clipboard and checklist he had.Always have props when you’re going to search someone’s office.
Tina walked over to the desk and dug in a small cup. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “This is a pencil. Do you need anything else?”
Dave took the pencil and plopped into Moreno’s chair. He usually did the liquor order in here so it wasn’t any big deal. “I needyou.” He winked and reached for her hand.
Tina allowed him to pull her closer but rolled her eyes and stopped before he could get her in his lap. He didn’t argue, wasn’t planning on actually getting her there. Too many customers already treated her like a piece of meat.
He’d been looking for the stamp Shaunessy had told him about. The one used to mark the card left under Eddie Ballantine. Not that he could do anything if he found it. He didn’t have a warrant. But if he knew it was here, he could mention it and maybe the police could get a warrant.
He didn’t mind being interrupted by the mocha-skinned beauty. Spending time with her was nice when it was something other thanhimfilling her drink order. Aside from a few minutes before and after work, they didn’t get much of that.
Her pulse jumped as he stroked his thumb over her wrist. He looked up to see her eyes staring intently at his hand. Was she actually affected by his touch? His pulse hammered faster from simply holding her hand and gazing at her shapely figure, exposed by the ridiculous uniform she wore.
She pulled her hand away with a shaky breath and gave him an impish grin.
“I’ll let you get back to your work. The place opens in a few minutes.”
He missed the feel of her hand in his but nodded knowing he had things he needed to do. “Then you better get out to the club floor. There are two other bartenders right now so I have time to finish this order before it gets too crowded. I’ll see you around.”
She smiled as she left and he wished he knew what she was thinking. Letting out a breath he walked to the door, peeking out. Moreno and Barone were coming toward the office. He settled into the chair, put his earbuds in again, though he kept the volume down. Picking up the clipboard he earnestly looked at the liquor order. Needed to appear busy, doing his job.
Voices carried toward him and he could hear the two men having a disagreement.
“I’m getting tired of waiting for her, Salazar. It’s been over a year since I first spied her and now she’s living with another man.”
“Augustus, you must settle yourself down. Katie is young and of course would prefer her handsome gentleman. This obsession of yours will have to wait. We have much business to discuss.”
“You promised me I could have her when we first started this partnership. She was part of the deal we made.”
Dave’s gut twisted hearing Moreno had promised Katie to Barone as part of whatever business arrangement they had. His department had done extensive background checks on Barone. He was linked to gun-running organizations and was suspected in the disappearance of several women. But there was no hard evidence, and anything that materialized swiftly went missing, just like anything they got on Moreno.
“My friend,” Moreno soothed. “I told you I would do what I can to get Katie to you but I did not signifywhen. For now I benefit from her excellent waitressing skills without actually paying her. I cannot simply tell her to service you. If we forced her, it would make things difficult for us. She has morals, that one. I think if we pushed for this service she might seek out the police. I do not need that kind of hassle or unwanted attention.”
“You’ve dealt with witnesses before, Salazar. You could do it again.”
Moreno laughed low. “But then you would not have her more than once. Do it my way and you will have her longer.”
“I don’t like the fact Martin is getting what I was promised.”
