by Sheila Kell
The crinkling of a folding newspaper reached his ears. “This journalist is trouble, AJ. She’s making it worse. Can’t you stop her?”
He chuckled. “Are you kidding me? She’s just as eager as I am to get the fucker. If I tried to stop her, she’d just take off on her own to get things done. At least now I can watch over her.” He glanced her way, catching her absorbed in reading the newspaper.
“Have you talked her in to coming here yet?”
“She refused.”
“Why won’t you walk away? At least until everyone returns? You know we’ll help you with this.”
“He tried to have me killed, Dev. I won’t walk away, and I’m not waiting.”
His brother sighed. “Okay. Where and when?”
He provided an address, and they agreed on a time transportation would be available. A small weight lifted from his shoulders. One thing down.
“We need to get on the Internet without being located.”
“Ha, little brother, you know I can do that quicker than you can pick up a woman.”
He smiled. “You take good care of me, Dev.”
“Just remember that when I need something from you.” His brother chuckled.
Megan stood and walked to her suitcase with a sly smile on her face. Ah, she’d been listening.
She lugged her bag to the bathroom with her. “I have the shower first.”
She’d paid attention to him about not unpacking in the event they had to depart quickly. He hated she had to live this way, but he was damn proud of her for taking it in stride. He’d keep her safe until he could return her back to her world. And Trent.
* * * * *
AJ couldn’t wait any longer to make his calls even if Megan listened. He pulled out the burner phone.
“Blade, I need information.”
“Whatcha’ want, AJ?”
“I need the Magician.”
The man chuckled. “Come on. We’ve been through that before. I don’t know who he is or where he hides.”
He’d met Blade when he’d been sent to give him a message. It had been eye-opening. Jimmy Baldwin liked to have him regularly beaten up to show the other dealers he could and would hurt them if they didn’t remain loyal. AJ couldn’t figure out why Jimmy chose this particular dealer as his victim, and Blade wouldn’t share why.
His informant wanted Jimmy to have payback, but he wasn’t capable of doing it himself. AJ promised to take care of the man if he helped him find the organization’s boss. Blade knew he’d be out of a job if that happened, but didn’t care as someone else would take over almost immediately. Someone he hoped to whom he wouldn’t be the example.
“I know you don’t know who he is, but someone else might. I need him. I need you to dig deeper. Find new friends and see if you can find out where he is or when he’s coming around. I’m also looking for anything you hear about an upcoming secret mission.”
“All right, man. Let me see what I can find out.”
“That’s all I ask. Call me on this phone when you have something. Don’t let anyone know we spoke.”
“I never do. I heard they’re going fucking nuts looking for you. You’d best keep your head down,” Blade advised.
“I’ll do that.”
He didn’t expect the dealer to have anything new when he’d called, but he was AJ’s best informant. He could ferret out information like no one else. He had no doubt the man would find something useful.
Megan held his gaze with a raised eyebrow. “Blade?”
Of course, she’d listened.
“He wants to sound dangerous,” he answered with a mischievous smile.
“I have some contacts too, but I need the phone.”
They’d been useful to her before. She’d exposed several dealers on the streets plus the councilman. Hell, she’d been at his meeting with Damian. A meeting only three people, well four if you count the Magician, knew about. They were damn good sources. They could use all of the help they could get right now.
“Come on. I won’t say where we are or that I’m with you.” She tilted her head and added a charming smile.
“Make it quick.”
“May I give them this number so they can call me when they find out something?”
He sighed. “Go ahead.”
She jumped up and took the phone from him. “Oh, and I’m calling Kristen.”
He shrugged. Devon had cleared her boss. “Be careful what you say. Talk where I can hear you.”
* * * * *
Megan watched AJ stretch out his glorious body on his bed, his back propped against the headboard, his feet crossed with a bored look on his face. She wanted to kiss it away, watch his eyes darken with desire. She wanted him and wouldn’t fight it any longer.
Even now looking at him had her heartbeat accelerating. But why had he quit kissing her? Why was he sorry? And what was it she knew?
“Yo.”
“Raven, what’s the word on the street?”
“Lady, word is that everyone is looking for you. The good guys and bad. I heard Feds got involved.”
“Yeah. I’m kind of in a bind. I need information. I’m looking for the Magician or where I can find him.”
“Since when did you jump back to the top? I thought you wanted to take down every level of Magic Shop before you got to him?”
“You know my plan was for him all along. I just had to start at the bottom because it was all I had.”
“Well, if this helps, I heard a rumor he’s pissed with Damian. The one you got a picture of offing those guys. That was bitchin’.”
“Thanks. Would you try to find out where I can find the man? This is important.”
“He’s got a hit out on you. Why are you trying to find him? Do you have a death wish or something?”
Why did everyone keep asking her that? “It’s because he has a hit on me that I want to find him, besides you know he had my brother killed.”
He sighed. “Okay. I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’ll take anything you can find out.”
“Will do.”
“Thanks, Raven.”
She disconnected the call and looked at AJ. “The boss is pissed at Damian.”
AJ’s eyes remained focused on the television. “Of course he is but Damian can’t help us find what we need because he’s probably in hiding. You did plaster his photo across the front page of your newspaper.”
“Don’t you think it’s time we share information? It might help us get closer to finding him.” She crossed her fingers behind her back. Please. Please.
“Not yet. I’m sure you don’t have anything I can use.”
Dang him for being right. He knew all about them. She didn’t have a story if she couldn’t get more information. “Why won’t you share with me?”
“Because, you’ll use the information to write an article that broadens the bull’s-eye on your back. And, we’d probably lose our chance.”
She would write about it. That’s what she did. “I’m not worried about me. People have a right to know what’s happening on the streets of Baltimore.” She sighed. “But, for the sake of our investigation, I might not write it. Yet.”
He’d tried to put his foot down on her writing articles. No way would she listen to him on her work. She knew her articles would help them. He just didn’t see it.
“Finished with your calls? I have more to make.”
He wouldn’t budge on sharing. She’d keep at it. She needed what he knew about the organization. “No. I have another call to make. Can’t you use your other phone?”
He gave her a look that had her rolling her eyes. “Okay, I’ll be quick.”
She called Tyrone and learned that since things got screwed up the big boss might personally get involved.
Maybe her wi
tnessing Damian killing Hank would bring out the boss. That was the best news she’d heard.
She needed to call Kristen before AJ changed his mind. She dialed the newsroom.
“Michaels.”
“Hello, Kristen.”
“Megan! Where are you? Are you safe?”
“I’m safe.”
“Good Good. Your article is a hit. Our sales are through the roof.”
Elation filled Megan. The more people knew what happens in Magic Shop the better. “Thanks for the front page exposure.”
“The story deserved it. What’s next? What do you have on the Magician?”
“Nothing. But I’m not giving up. I have my sources on it.”
“Well, being on the run could negatively impact writing stories. I don’t expect anything out of you. I considered yesterday a bonus.”
“I’ll find something. Just give me time.”
“Megan, come in and let’s get you to the FBI. They’ve been driving me nuts.”
Megan’s hands shook at the thought of the feds tracking her down. “If you tell them we talked, we won’t be able to anymore.”
“I understand. Oh, that bastard Marcus called to see if I’d heard from you. He sounded truly worried.”
Megan tightened her grip on the phone. “Ignore him.”
“Done. I don’t like you on the run by yourself.”
She wished she could tell her not to worry, that she was with AJ. “How’s the team?”
“Worried about you. Tell me where you are, and I’ll drive you personally to the FBI office.”
“Sorry, Kristen. I don’t trust them.”
She had to end the call before she slipped and told Kristen everything. “I have to go. You can reach me at this number for a day or two.” She rattled off the number, not knowing when AJ would change out the phones.
“Wait! Victoria wants to speak with you.”
“Hey, Megan, I can tell you’re in a hurry so I’ll be quick. I’ve tracked the ownership of the building the brothel is in to a dummy corporation owned by another dummy corporation. I still haven’t seen anyone important or that matches the men in your photos. I’ve heard a rumor of another brothel that I’m checking out tonight. Maybe I’ll have more luck there.
“Call me when you have more time, and we can compare notes over the phone or in person, whichever works best for you.”
Maybe Victoria could find something at the other location. Anything that could help them finish this. “Thanks, Victoria. I’ll call when I can.”
She ended her call and handed AJ the cell phone. “It’s all yours.”
* * * * *
“What? You look like you’re a kid waiting to sit in Santa’s lap,” AJ said.
A chuckle burst from her. “We might be drawing him out.”
“That’s what we want. If we disrupt things enough, he’ll have to come out and fix it himself.” That thought gave him an idea for part of his new plan.
“Rumor is he’s pissed.”
“I don’t doubt it. You made one of his advisors’ crimes public. Plus, we’re both still alive.”
She smiled at him. “You probably sent Damian to the hospital.”
“I’m sure he’s long gone. Now, let me finish up with my informants.”
He called Javier and received the same answers.
When he finished his last call he walked over to Megan. She had papers and photographs spread out on the desk with a determined look on her face. “Looking for another story?” he asked jokingly.
“No. I’m just looking at these photos. I snapped a lot while I walked the streets. Especially when someone didn’t look like they fitted in. I’m sure there’s something in them. Someone important. My sources haven’t seen any of my recent photos to help me identify anyone.”
He peered over her shoulder and almost choked on his water. She had a photo of Jimmy, Carl and Paul, a street boss and two advisors. He picked up the photo, curious as to where she’d captured them together.
Having a photo of Jimmy and Carl was bad enough. Prison escapees don’t like their photo taken. But Paul was the Magician’s most secret advisor. Only a handful of people knew about him.
If they knew she had a photo of the bosses, they’d double their efforts to find her before she realized it and published it.
“Do you know those men?” she asked softly.
“Yes.”
“I had to get their photo. They didn’t belong. Who are they?”
He set the photo down and moved to his bed. “Don’t you think it’s time you told me why you’re so ferocious with this?”
Her shoulders stiffened. She slid the photos back into her laptop bag. “I’m an investigative reporter. I investigate. This needed investigating.”
“Are you sure it had nothing to do with your brother’s disappearance last month?”
Her head whipped around so fast he wouldn’t be surprised if she had whiplash. “What do you know about that?”
“Just what I’ve heard. He worked at the same newspaper as you. I’m guessing since you’re so far from home, you moved here to be close to him.” He paused and assessed her. “He was investigating Magic Shop when he disappeared, and they secretly took credit.”
Slowly, she asked, “Were you involved in his disappearance?”
“No.” He wished he could give her an answer to soothe her pain.
“Were you there when he disappeared or did you hear about it?” she asked hopefully.
“I heard he found out something he shouldn’t have.” Kevin overheard Tim, Ted and Paul discussing past prison breaks and where the latest escapees had been relocated to.
Why they left the other reporter alone, the one digging into the prostitution ring baffled him. It might be because she hadn’t reported anything like Megan. But she had recently stumbled across one of the brothels. A brothel filled with trafficked women. He’d have Jesse take care of that also.
Sadness overshadowed her expression. “But he never shared anything with me.”
He sighed. Pain radiated from her eyes. He didn’t like seeing her this way. “Maybe he was trying to protect you. Maybe he didn’t have time to share.”
They didn’t give Kevin enough time to go to the police or FBI with what he’d found out. He was taken care of immediately, before he had an opportunity to speak with anyone.
He watched the tears slip down her face and couldn’t stand it. He rose and walked to her, offering his hand. She accepted it and stood. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her tight against him. He pressed kisses against her silky hair, his hands rubbing up and down her back in an attempt to soothe her. He inhaled the pomegranate scent of her hair and smiled.
Tightening her hold, she tucked her face in closer to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. You can use my shoulder anytime, my little dove.”
She pulled her head back and looked up at him. All he could do was fixate on those beautiful, wet, dark blue eyes holding him captive. He witnessed sadness and pain in them and wanted to take it away.
He brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, slowly lowered his head and gently covered her mouth with his. He didn’t want to stop. She tasted so Goddamn sweet.
Raising his head, he looked into her eyes again and saw the blue darken even deeper as desire flickered and finally held on.
His jeans tightened as his cock swelled. “What about Trent?” he asked in a raspy voice.
“What about him?” Confusion marred her features.
“I won’t take a friend’s girlfriend, but you tempt me something fierce, Megan.”
“Trent and I aren’t together.”
Relief thundered in his heart, and he smiled. “Good.”
AJ raised his hands to either side of her face, and his lips descended to meet hers. His
mouth covered hers hungrily, their tongues tangling, exploring. With only a kiss, sparks of pleasure wound their way to his loins.
She slid her hands up his chest and wound her arms around his neck, pulled herself closer and sighed against his mouth. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, the feel of them elicited a low growl from deep in his throat. This woman had no idea what she did to him, how much he craved her.
His hands left her face, slowly traveling up and down her sides reaching the hem of her sweater and tugging it up. She didn’t protest. Instead she stepped back and raised her arms.
His heart pounded. “Beautiful,” he murmured.
He reached for her breast, his thumb lightly circling her rosy, puckered nipple. He watched goose bumps form on her body. She closed her eyes and a soft whimper escaped, making naked desire flood his veins.
“Megan, I won’t stop unless you tell me now.”
Holding his heated gaze, she whispered, “Don’t.”
They stepped to his bed and he gently eased her down onto the mattress.
His body sizzled as she watched him remove his weapons and pull his sweatshirt over his head. He lay down beside her and stretched out on his side, turning to her.
She reached a hand up to touch his chest with feather-light strokes around his bruising. He closed his eyes and sighed. The cool brush of her fingers set his chest to tingling instead of the pain her touch should’ve caused.
She gasped. “It’s a dove. What does it say?”
Damn. She’d made out his tattoo from beneath the mess covering his chest. He didn’t wish to discuss it now.
His mouth landed on hers for a deep, scorching kiss where the heat level increased as she met his fire with her own. He burned deep for her, wanted to engulf himself in her essence, fan the flames, let it reach its hottest, and then help it explode.
His lips left hers and kissed a trail down her ivory, silky body, stopping to play at her neck, nipping it playfully. She leaned her head, giving him full access to his playground.
He spent another minute playing before his mouth made a path to her breast. His tongue slowly circled her areola, the rosy peaks instantly firmed. He flicked her nipple with his tongue, teased the taut bud and then tugged on it with his teeth.