ELEVEN
“JUSTIN?”
The sweet voice behind him pulled Justin from his conversation. He turned on the bed and faced Brooke, standing in the doorway, looking so beautiful. She clutched her hands to her stomach.
“Hold on a moment, Brad,” Justin told his friend on the phone before smiling at Brooke. “What is it, angel?”
Slowly she walked to him and stopped in front of him, touching his arm. “I think I can help you with Uncle Tony.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You can?”
“I know something that can put my uncle in the slammer.”
“Really?”
“He smuggles illegal immigrants over the border, which is how Snakes came to work for him. He hires them, so he can get away with not paying them a full wage.”
“Are you kidding me?” Justin’s heart hammered. He grasped her hands as excitement shot through him. There might be hope in getting Tony arrested after all.
“And, there’s more.” Her smile widened. “He gives them fake ID’s and social security numbers.”
“How do you know all of this?” he asked in unbelief.
“One day in my uncle’s den, I stumbled across the fake ID’s.”
“Why didn’t you turn him in?”
“Ha! Are you kidding? You’ve said it yourself. He’s a powerful man. I knew I didn’t have a chance going up against him. I’m also afraid he’ll know it’s me and try to have me killed.”
Justin turned toward the cell phone still lying on the night stand. “Brad. Did you hear all that? Is there any way we can protect Brooke?”
“Yes, I heard every word,” Brad answered. “Tell your angel she doesn’t have anything to worry about. I have the connections who will scope Tony Pierpont’s butt so close he’d think he was getting a colonoscopy. Not only that, but the Feds have ways of keeping both of you safe.”
Justin grinned and stroked Brooke’s cheek. She snuggled against him and smiled. His heart leapt, as did his hopes. By her actions, he got the impression that she had forgiven him. He prayed he was right.
He winked at her. “Now we just need to get some proof.”
They sighed at the same time. Brooke sat on the bed next to him. They were both quiet for several moments. Even Brad was quiet.
Brooke inhaled a shaky breath, breaking the silence. “I will be able to get the proof.”
Panic grew inside of Justin, and his heart hammered a frantic beat. Brooke’s face had lost color and she appeared frightened. He was afraid to ask exactly how she would get the proof.
“You can get it?” Brad asked from the phone.
Brooke’s gaze was glued to Justin’s, and she nodded. “But it will mean going to my uncle’s house and—”
“No,” Justin said quickly. “I won’t have you putting your life on the line.”
