Black Book: Black Star Security

by Cynthia Rayne

  “No one’s saying we don’t, but—”

  “Save it.” Mack held up a hand. “Did West tell you to keep it hush-hush?”

  “Yes,” Storm admitted. “Sorry.”

  This was like a nightmare. Once again, people didn’t trust her at work. And they were probably talking behind her back, too.

  Mack sighed. “Let’s talk discuss the case. We don’t have anything incriminating on Harold.”

  “Yet,” Nox said. “Give it time. The prick’s bound to screw up sooner or later.”

  “We don’t have much time. He’s only going to be here another couple of days and then he’ll be traveling around the country.”

  “Got it.”

  “Oh, and they’re going out for dinner tomorrow night.”

  “Yeah, I heard about it on playback. Nox and Lucy volunteered to follow the tangos.”

  “Quinn and I want to be on the ground.”

  “Oh, heelllll no,” Nox said.

  “Yeah, what he said,” Storm agreed.

  “I know, but once he starts something, he wants to finish it. We’ll camouflage ourselves, so we blend in.”

  “And what if Harold makes you?” Storm asked. “Then this whole operation was for nothing.”

  Mack rolled her eyes. “You are preaching to the choir on this one, but I’ve never met anyone more stubborn.”

  Nox raised a brow. “And since when did you ever listen to anyone else's wishes?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re a pain in the ass, Mack. Everything has to be your way, and you're not shy about sharing your opinions.”

  That was certainly true, albeit unflattering.

  “What are you trying to say? I’ve gone soft or something?”

  “We all go soft when it comes to someone we care about.” His tone softened, and she knew Nox was talking about Maeve. “You really like this guy, don't you?”

  “Are we really going to have this conversation?”

  “Didn't you talk with me about Lucy?” Storm asked.

  “Okay, point taken.”

  “Where is this going?” Nox asked.

  “Excellent question. I have no idea.” Mack had no idea what the hell she was doing. This was probably a huge mistake, and yet she couldn't pull back.

  Storm laid a hand on her shoulder. “I hate to state the obvious, Mack, but we’re gonna turn Quinn into the FBI, once the threat’s been neutralized.”

  “What? You think I’m delusional? I know this story doesn’t have a happily ever after kind of ending. So, I’m gonna enjoy the little time I have.”

  And somehow, it would have to be enough.

  Mack cleared her throat. “So, what about the operation?”

  “I can help you blend into the crowd. But, West isn't going to agree to this, without backup. We’ll post Lucy in the restaurant as a spotter, and Nox can play overwatch.”

  “Damn straight,” Nox said.

  “I don't need a babysitter.”

  “It's protocol, not a punishment, and before you ask, it's not negotiable,” Storm said firmly.

  “You suck.”

  Storm just chuckled.

  ***

  Quinn couldn't sleep for shit.

  The next morning, Quinn couldn’t stop thinking about Mack. He kept tossing and turning and all he could see in his mind’s eye was her face.

  This is absolutely ridiculous.

  In prison, he had a thin foam mattress that got flattened out every night until it felt as if he were sleeping on a steel table. At Madame’s house, it was a bit better. At least he had a twin bed all to himself, and it was thick.

  Now he had a king-sized bed. But every morning, when he laid down in it, the sheets smelled of her, a hint of flowers, and a unique musk which was one hundred percent Mack.

  She was driving him insane.

  And tonight, they were going out on a date.

  No, it’s an operation, not a social occasion. Besides, he had chaperones on this thing. Lucy and Nox would be watching every move he made.

  It wasn’t really a night made for romance. Mackenzie’s friends hated his guts and couldn’t wait to put him behind bars again.

  Mack had returned from HQ with some formal clothing, along with a wig for herself and hair dye for him. Quinn had shaved the stubble on his chin and cheeks and dyed his hair dark brown.

  Suddenly, the door slammed open.

  Instantly, Quinn was on his feet, with a pistol in his hand. Before he could draw, two of her friends walked in the bedroom door, Nox and West.

  Speak of the bastards…

  “What the fuck are you two doin’?” Quinn growled.

  “Funny,” West said. “I was about to ask you the same question.”

  “What are you drivin’ at?” Quinn was being deliberately obtuse, hoping they’d take a hint and move the fuck on.

  Nox glowered. “Yeah, we ain't got much time. She's gonna be here any second, so let's get down to it. What the fuck are you doin’ with Mack?”

  “Does she know you're here?”

  “No, she'd have our balls in a vise, if she knew what we were up to.” West took a couple of menacing steps forward.

  Quinn held his ground. “Let me guess, Storm played a tape for you?”

  “Are you just screwin’ around with her?” Nox asked, narrowing his eyes. “Tryin’ to break her heart?”

  “It's none of your damn business.” He couldn't say he was surprised by their concern, but he wasn't about to justify his actions.

  “But it is. Mack’s one of mine. She’s literally a part of my business.”

  Nox got in his face, standing nose to nose with Quinn. “She's like a little sister. I care about her. A lot. And if someone hurt her, I’d have to do somethin’ unpleasant about it.”

  “I don’t respond well to threats.”

  “Wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.” Nox pulled back his fist.

  “Go on, I dare ya.”

  “That’s enough, Nox. We’re done here.” West poked a finger into Quinn’s chest. “Bottom line, if you hurt her, we hurt you. Understand?”

  “Yeah, I heard you, loud and clear.”

  But Quinn thought it was far too late for either one of them to get out of this thing unscathed.

  One, or both of them, was headed for heartache.

  Chapter 9

  Before going to dinner, Harold and Lupita went for a romantic walk.

  Quinn and Mack had no choice but to follow them into a park across the street from the restaurant. It was picturesque with fountains and statues.

  If Quinn hadn’t been working, he might have even enjoyed himself. After being cooped up for so long, being outdoors was a blessing. They lingered next to a fountain, tossing coins in and making a wish.

  Hmph. Harold would need all the help he could get, if Quinn had anything to say about it.

  To make matters worse, he and Mack were on a pretend date, following their quarry. And the cherry on top of this pile of dog shit was Nox and Lucy listening to every word they said.

  “Slow down,” Mack hissed, squeezing his hand. Her fingers felt reassuring in his own.

  If only this was real.

  Harold turned toward them.

  Instinctively, Mackenzie pulled him down for a kiss. Her mouth was on his, and the world slipped away. She was gentle, but thorough, exploring every inch of his mouth. He felt it all the way down to his toes.

  His body roared to life, heart beating faster, his cock swelling.

  “I think they moved on,” she murmured against his lips.

  “Thank God. Stop kissin’. I’m about to be sick,” Nox said over the comms.

  Lucy snickered.

  Quinn ignored them both.

  When they pulled back, both of them were breathing heavy. It was a small consolation. Thank God, he’d worn a suit with a coat long enough to cover his reaction.

  She was a natural at undercover work. Has she done this before? Let the men she worked with kiss her? The thoug
ht alone set his teeth on edge.

  “That was close,” she muttered. “He could have made us.”

  “Yeah, but he didn’t.” Quinn and Mackenzie merged into the crowd, walking at least twenty feet from them. “Come on, let’s follow them.”

  “So, why did he come out here today?”

  “I thought he might be meetin’ a contact from the cartel.”

  “He hasn’t spoken with anyone.”

  The couple appeared to be wrapped up in each other, pausing every now and then to take in the view, or whisper to one another. They couldn’t hear what Harold and his mistress were saying, but it appeared to be innocuous from the expressions on their faces.

  “We should’ve bugged them.” Quinn was so close to catching Harold, he could practically taste it.

  “There was no time.”

  Eventually, they stopped on a park bench.

  Quinn closed his eyes. “Fuck. We need a reason not to walk anymore.”

  She bit her lower lip. “We could make out again.”

  Nox groaned. “Please don’t.”

  Fuckin’ Nox. Quinn adjusted his earpiece. Neither one of them could see the sniper, but they definitely felt his presence.

  Mackenzie narrowed her eyes. “Sorry, but you don’t get a vote.”

  Quinn leaned against a lamppost and pulled Mack toward him, wrapping her in his arms. As he held onto her, kissing Mackenzie’s neck, nuzzling her jawline, he tried to watch Harold.

  But Mackenzie cupped his head, fingers trailing over the sensitive spot on the back of his neck. She threaded her fingertips through his hair.

  God damn.

  He grasped her hips and brought her body flush against his, his erection pushing between her thighs. It was all he could do to keep from sweeping her up in his arms and locking her legs around his waist.

  “We shouldn’t,” she whispered into his ear.

  “I know.”

  “We’re in public.”

  “Yup.”

  And yet neither one of them stopped.

  “Christ, y’all are gonna give me nightmares,” Nox drawled.

  “I second that,” Lucy said. “Knock it off.” She was somewhere in the crowd as well, watching them from a distance.

  When Harold and Lupita stood, Nox had a crushing sense of disappointment. He could’ve stayed there all day, pressed up against her.

  Once they put themselves to rights, Quinn and Mackenzie followed their targets to the restaurant.

  The show was about to begin.

  ***

  When are they gonna say something useful?

  Quinn was about ready to lose his shit. The restaurant was crowded, even for a Friday night.

  Thankfully, they’d made a reservation two tables down from Harold and Lupita. All it had taken to get the spot was a generous tip. Storm had gone there for lunch earlier in the day, so he'd been able to plant a bug on the centerpiece.

  They sat at their table, trying to look normal, and not draw attention to themselves. It was difficult. They both wore earbuds, so their targets’ conversation was a constant distraction. It was hard to concentrate with another person’s voice echoing in your ear.

  Not to mention Mackenzie’s teammates as well. All of this crosstalk was giving Quinn a headache.

  It was an authentic Greek place and the food was good, at least. The hummus and pita bread they’d brought to the table was fresh and homemade.

  “She’s beautiful, huh?” Mackenzie commented.

  They’d only gotten a driver’s license picture, and it had scarcely done the young woman justice.

  Lupita had a slender hourglass figure, long dark hair which cascaded down her back in a riot of curls. Her skin was dusky brown. And she wore a black dress, which was cinched in tight around her waist.

  “Yes, he likes a pretty face.”

  Mackenzie was tense, and her back was ramrod straight. He could tell being in the same room with Harold was rattling her cage. Listening to someone and seeing them was an entirely different matter.

  The waiter had brought Harold and Lupita a couple of shrimp kabobs. Thankfully, they stopped talking for a few minutes to eat.

  “Are you two okay?” It was Nox again.

  “Peachy,” Quinn said dryly. “Why don’t you shut the fuck up? We could do without the commentary”

  “You know, I could take you out. You’re seated right by the window, so it’s a clean shot.”

  “Stop it, Nox,” Mackenzie whispered.

  “I’m just sayin’ is all.”

  “Do you wanna order an entrée?” Quinn asked, ignoring the threat.

  She took a sip of her wine. “No, I’m fine, but if you’re hungry go ahead.”

  Evidently, she considered this evening a job.

  Jesus H. Christ, you sound like an idiot. Any reason why it shouldn’t be?

  So, Quinn went back to work. “Do you think she has any clue what he’s up to?”

  “I doubt it. She’s probably a dupe, like I was.” She muttered the last bit.

  “Where’s she from?”

  “According to what Storm found, she’s from Mexico City.”

  “So, what the hell is she doing with Harold? He’s old enough to be her father.”

  Mackenzie rolled her eyes. “Easy. Daddy issues.”

  “If she’s lookin’ for a good influence, Harold ain’t it. Not by a longshot.”

  She chuckled. “Yeah, no kidding.”

  They looked happy, sharing bites of food, laughing and talking, and they seemed oblivious to everyone around them. He missed the feeling, being so involved with someone, that nothing and no one else mattered.

  With Mackenzie at your side, you could handle anything.

  Stop it. It ain’t even an option.

  Suddenly, Harold started talking again. Their eyes rounded when they heard what he said.

  “They’re finally getting down to business,” Mackenzie whispered.

  They were discussing a trip to Mexico in two weeks. No doubt, Harold would probably meet with his cartel handlers while he was there. Having a Mexican mistress was the perfect cover. He could enter the country with her, ostensibly to escort Lupita to her parents’ home, while he conducted a little business.

  Mackenzie grinned. “Finally! A break in the case. We can follow him to Mexico City.”

  “Yeah, we’ve almost got him.” Quinn closed his eyes. Once they had his connection, they could begin dismantling the operation.

  He’d turn this evidence over to the FBI and they could focus on cleaning house and getting rid of dirty agents. He owed the organization that much.

  And he’d put Harold into the ground for killing Karen.

  It was nearly over. Quinn was afraid, it was too good to be true.

  “I bet you’re ready to put this to bed,” Mackenzie said.

  “You’ve no idea.” Quinn sighed.

  Mack tapped his hand. “Pay attention, they’re leaving.”

  “Then we should head out, too.” Quinn flagged down their waiter and paid for the meal in cash, so there’d be no record they’d ever been here. Lupita headed for the front of the restaurant, but Harold walked out the side entrance.

  “What the fuck?” Nox growled. “I don’t have a visual. Repeat, tango is in the wind.”

  “Let me see if I can find him.” Lucy headed off in his direction.

  “I can help.” Mackenzie stood up.

  “Nope, sit your sweet ass down,” Nox said before Quinn could comment.

  “Are you kidding me?” Mack shook her head. “We can’t just sit here and wait.”

  “Sure, we can.” For once, Quinn agreed with Nox. “We’re almost home free. Let’s not fuck this up while we’re ahead.”

  “Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “But I’m gonna go to the ladies’ room.”

  ***

  What a mess.

  Mack finished using the restroom and checked her appearance in the mirror. The glasses she wore, along with the wig, was an effective costum
e. She looked radically different.

  But she froze when Lupita emerged from the stall behind her.

  Crap. I should’ve been more careful. Evidently, Lupita had doubled back to use the facilities.

  Lupita stalked to the mirror and withdrew a tube of crimson lipstick from her clutch. She painstakingly applied another coat to her lips.

  Her first instinct was to run away, but Mack didn’t want to appear suspicious. And maybe she wanted to get a closer look at the woman. It was hard not to be intimidated by Lupita’s perfection.

  Lupita glanced at her. “You look familiar. Do I know you?”

  Fantastic work, Mack. You sat there studying your target in plain view

  I suck at this. No wonder they never gave me any undercover assignments.

  “Um, no, I don’t think so.” She headed for the door.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Um, Annie.” It just popped into her head.

  “Nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Lupita.” She offered her hand and Mack was obliged to shake it. “I noticed the handsome man you were with, too.”

  Shit. Thank God Lupita had never seen them before or their cover would’ve been blown.

  “What the fuck?” Nox yelled into her earpiece. “Don’t engage the target.”

  I don’t exactly have a choice here.

  “Please tell me you aren’t talkin’ to Lupita,” Quinn said with a groan.

  Dammit. She’d never hear the end of this.

  “Yes, he is handsome. And you were here on a date, too?”

  “Hmm, yes.” Lupita winked.” You are thinking he is too old for me, yes?” She spoke English with a very slight accent. It was charming.

  “No, not at all.” But suddenly Mack felt terrible for Lupita.

  She was young and innocent. And Lupita was about to be swept up into something awful. She didn’t deserve to be brought down by Harold.

  Hadn’t he ruined enough women’s lives?

  ‘This is a bold question, but do you love him?”

  Her lips curved. “No, but we have a beneficial arrangement.” At least her feelings wouldn’t be hurt in the process.

  “This is just an off-the-cuff observation, but you’re young, beautiful, and smart. I’m sure you could do a lot better than Ha…the man you’re with. Maybe you should consider other options?”

  “Hmm. Maybe.” Lupita seemed to think it over. “Well, I’d better be going. It was nice to meet you.”