“I thought that was lost after World War II.” My head is exploding with the knowledge that this sword wasn’t destroyed in the way history assumed. Masamune was a medieval Japanese blacksmith, widely acclaimed as Japan’s greatest swordsmith. It represented the Tokugawa Shogunate during most of the Edo period and was passed down from one Shogun to another. It is one of the best known of the swords created by Masamune and is believed to be among the finest Japanese swords ever made. Japan has been looking for it since the war.
“Ah, it was taken by a general, actually. Hidden for generations before someone in the very extended family needed … funds, if you will.”
“Wow. Incredible piece of history,” I murmur before I remember myself. “Must have cost a large fortune.”
“Ah, you see, it’s nothing compared to buyers in Japan who want a lost piece of the history,” Oscar says as if it’s a cell phone being bought.
“You already have a buyer?” I continue to stare at the sword, partially because I’m in awe, but also because Oscar can’t see anything in my eyes that gives my real motives away.
“I do. There’s a shipment being sent out in six days, and this will be included.”
“Anything I need to do for that?” My eyes finally meet his.
“There will be more coming in tomorrow. I’ll need you to pick up deliveries before another one comes in. I have a schedule for you, but you’ll need to memorize it. Check them while you are there and then bring them here after the last is delivered. Do not look at the last one.”
“Alright.” My mind is spinning because I know that Nova will want to be included, but this could be my big break.
“Do well tomorrow, and you’ll have control over the rest of the process. This is a lot of responsibility, and I’m not giving it to you without a thorough vetting process. Cross me, and you’ll end up in the river.” His threat is in the same tone as the rest of his speech. It’s almost more intimidating that way.
“Understood.”
I turn to leave, but the next words stop me in my tracks. “Oh, and Mr. Roth, if I get even a hint that Nova isn’t keeping information to herself, you’ll never see her again.”
I heave in a deep breath before continuing to walk away.
Shit, shit, shit. He knows about Nova.
If I had any real way to protect her, it was keeping her in the shadows. That’s out the window now, though.
I walk to the car at a clipped pace.
I find Nova at the playground as we’re talking on the phone. As our conversation develops, I get more and more hooked on her.
I’m definitely in trouble with Nova.
All I want to do is say “fuck it” and take her back to my place. Where we go from there is up to her, but I wouldn’t mind seeing what that smart ass mouth does in the bedroom.
Jesus, you perv. Chill the fuck out.
I should have never agreed to let her come, even if she did have a valid point that she could identify men easier than I could. She knew the guy who dropped off in alarming detail. That helps the Marshals’ case tremendously.
But fuck, now I have to ensure she stays safe while she’s on this vendetta against Oscar. Right when things are heating up too.
I’ll do anything to make sure she stays safe, though. I know what Oscar is capable of, and I won’t let her fall into his clutches even more than she already is.
The way she played me like a fiddle to come pick up the newest artifact is alarming, though. I’ve never been gullible or budged, especially when the safety of an innocent was involved. Yet she managed to worm her way into this endeavor like it was sneaking into a movie as a teenager.
So not only is she smart, endearing, and sexy as fuck, but she’s also crafty. I’ll have to keep an extra eye on her because I sure as hell don’t think she’s keeping her promise to stay in my car for the next drop-off.
We order all the makings of a classic breakfast and split it all as we eat our weight in food. Guess we both got too caught up in our mission. I’ll have to make sure she eats in between her busy schedule at Bella’s and inserting herself within my investigation.
Woodcroft is going to kill me when he hears about her involvement. I’ve never brought anyone close while undercover because it’s just stupid. And dangerous.
Maybe this is another sign that I need to retire from undercover work. I’m getting lax in my judgement apparently. I’m sure Juliette, or anyone else on our team, will be reading me the riot act as soon as I can wrap this all up.
The bill gets dropped off while I’m lost in my head. I pull out a fifty-dollar bill and throw it on top before glancing at Nova. “Ready?”
“You didn’t even look at the bill.”
