When Mac died, Blakely knew he no longer had anything to lose. He had to retrieve the software or Smirnov would kill him. When he couldn’t find the software or its designer in any of Mac’s usual hiding places, Blakely decided that Angela was the key. In truth, he never considered the possibility that he wouldn’t be able to find what he sought.
When the Russian mobster tried to kill him, Blakely panicked and faked his own death. Then, he went after Angela. He needed to find the software in order to fund his new life.
Chase turned away from the monitor as Zach entered his office. “Sir.”
“At ease, son,” Zach replied as he dropped into the guest chair across from Chase’s desk. “Done?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“So, what’s your plan?”
“Sir?” Chase was genuinely confused by his boss’s question.
“For Angela?” Zach clarified, staring at Chase with a steely look in his eyes.
“Well, since my contract doesn’t expire for another year, I was hoping I could handle some of the less dangerous investigative work,” Chase proposed. “I’d prefer to avoid undercover work if I could.”
When Zach opened his mouth, Chase rushed on. “I understand if I have to take a few small assignments, but I’d prefer to be gone as little as possible. No more long term assignments where I’m out of touch.”
“Relax, Chase,” Zach cut in. “I understand what you want.” He steepled his fingers together while he considered Chase’s request. “Do you really love her?”
“I do,” Chase vowed. “I never thought a man like me would fall in love but I did. I know I’m not good enough for her, but I promise I’ll take good care of her.”
“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best to keep you out of the line of fire until your contract expires. You have quite a bit of leave stored up. Might I suggest you take some time right now and check on Angela?” Zach stood and prepared to leave when Chase spoke once more.
“Thank you, Sir.” He paused and spoke quickly as Zach closed the door behind him with an audible snap.
Chase gathered his few belongings with a smile. He had a plane to catch and a woman to love.
Several hours later, Chase stood in the shadow of the large boulder where he’d originally watched Angela on this very beach. Glancing at the copy of the local newspaper in his hand, he couldn’t help but smile at the front page headline, “Local Girl Cleared of All Wrongdoing: FBI Apologizes.”
The FBI had officially offered Angela her job back last week after a review committee absolved her of any wrongdoing. Monroe had been sanctioned for accusing Angela publicly as well as trying to use her as bait without her knowledge or consent. He still had his job, but Zach wasn’t done with him yet. Monroe’s day of reckoning would come when he least expected it.
Setting the copy of The Times aside and stepping into the light, he waited for Angela to notice him. He gazed at her for a few moments before she spun around and squealed with delight. A look of pure joy spread across her face as she raced toward him, Chase meeting her halfway, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around while tears of happiness rained down up her face.
In between kisses, Angela poured out her plans to open Angel Investigations with Maddie and Cat. Carrying her over to the blanket, Chase listened to the women’s plans as he held Angela in his arms. With a smile, he asked if they had room for one more investigator on a part-time basis to start.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
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