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“She’s a beautiful redhead with green eyes. Her name is Veronica…Miss Orange County. Just what the sheik is looking for,” Sami said sheepishly, trying to convince whoever he was talking to.

My mind raced. What is Sami involved in? A sheik? What’s going on?

“That’s fine. But it’s too soon to try anything, and you haven’t even met her yet. Just keep tabs on her and see if she’d be up to having you coach her,” the other voice said. It was deeper in resonance, and definitely one of authority. “We were expected to deliver three women to our client. One ends up dead, thanks to that fucking moron, Boris. I can only hope Luca finally got rid of that PI pretending to be a reporter at Bally’s.”

I felt a cold sweat break out at his last remark. A flare of rage coursed through me, knowing that this Luca person drove that Suburban, forcing Craig off the highway.

“It’s only the first night of interviews. The next few days will give us a chance to find the perfect specimens for the sheik’s collection,” Sami said, trying to placate the other man.

“We need to get it done as soon as possible,” the man hissed, clearly upset and with even less patience. “I want it completed in the next couple of days so we can get out of here. When does Chet get here with Luca?”

I held my breath as I listened, straining to hear over the rushing pulse in my ears. It was now making sense; if my hunch was right, we were dealing with human trafficking involving the beauty contestants. That fit what Craig had overheard in Lake Tahoe.

“I-I don’t know when they’re getting here,” Sami replied nervously. “I know the woman we also took from Lake Tahoe is with Boris, incapacitated and secured.”

“Shit… we should have two more girls by now.” There was a pause. “And make sure whatever drugs we’re using don’t kill them. Go do your pageant thing and look over the contestants to find a replacement for the one Boris killed. She was blonde. Although the redhead is promising to complete the set,” the unidentified man said. I heard his clipped heel strikes as he walked away.

Sami let out a deep sigh and headed in the opposite direction, probably still wearing those stilettos he so enjoyed sashaying in. I gave myself until the count of ten before stepping out from behind the backdrop.

“Did you get any of that, Sean?”

He whistled. “It was muffled, but I think we can clean it up with some audio forensics help. I didn’t catch all that was said, but I heard Craig was targeted.”

“I’m taking these assholes down. And to think I met one of them yesterday. That little queen is gonna get his balls busted if it’s the last thing I do,” I gritted out.

34

CRAIG

“You don’t have to cook us dinner, Andrew,” I called from the living room to the kitchen. “And you guys don’t need to babysit me.”

I was surprised by Bryce's sudden departure with no explanation as soon as we got to Jonesy’s condo. Andrew said he was heading to the grocery store, and he’d be right back. He returned about thirty minutes later, carrying two bags of groceries.

“It’s my pleasure. I love doing this for you guys; you need to be spoiled a little, having been cooped up in that hospital over the weekend,” Andrew replied over the sound of running water from the sink. “Plus, you’d do it for me.”

“Uh… in spirit maybe, but I’m not much of a cook. I’d be scared to even make toast for you, Chef.” A light chuckle came from the kitchen.

As Bryce and I waited for Andrew to put dinner together, I could tell he was itching to ask about what had happened to me on that highway a couple of days ago.

“Bryce, just ask me. I can see you want to know,” I said, feeling it would be easier if I brought it up.

He opened a beer and took a swig. “Andrew didn’t want me to probe you about it. But Jonesy told us you were forced off the road. He didn’t give details.”

“I ruffled somebody’s feathers when I was in Lake Tahoe, I think. I wasn’t up there on official business, but I went up to snoop around and see if I could get answers involving a case Jonesy and his partner are currently working on. On my way back, a large black SUV forced my car off the highway. I’m sure it had to do with either trying to scare me or trying to take me out permanently.”

“Is their case about the murdered beauty contestant? I mean, we reported on it and that she was abducted from Lake Tahoe.”

“Yes. And I know your curious news mind would like to know more, but I can’t tell you any more than I have. I can’t jeopardize the case.”

“No, I get it,” he replied, but I knew he was disappointed. “You don’t seem angry about what happened.”

I chuckled as I adjusted myself, which shot a jab of pain through my ribs, making me scowl. “The only thing I’m pissed about is that my Beemer was totaled. I loved that car. And I lost my phone in that tumble.”

“Are you comfortable enough?” Bryce asked, watching me adjust myself on the sofa.

“Yeah,” I replied, taking a slow breath. “Just trying to get settled. I should probably take a painkiller. Do you mind? They should be in that bag from the hospital that has my clothes in it.”

“Hold tight.” He got up and brought me back the ibuprofen and some water. As he handed it to me, he noticed the signatures of Andrew and Marcus on my cast. “That’s so elementary school… signing your cast, I mean,” he said, pointing to my arm with a quiet laugh.