by Liliana Hart
Cade nodded sharply, and Kelly relaxed in his seat.
“Tell me what you see in the homicide report.”
Cade pulled the file onto his lap and flipped it open, his expression never changing at the gruesome photos that lay on top. The girl was young, no more than eighteen or twenty, and her eyes stared open and blank—death a surprise on her fragile features. Makeup was smeared under her eyes and across her lips, and Cade took in the bites and abrasions on her nude body.
The syringe that stuck out of the vein in her arm might as well have been saying “fuck you” to whatever officer first arrived on scene. It couldn’t have been more obvious that the girl was murdered. He read the homicide detective and medical examiner’s reports, but he already knew what he’d find. He’d seen it before. This was a cartel killing, and the small cut on the inside of her thigh meant that she was the first victim they’d claimed.
The victim, her name was Katie Ross, had left one of the nicer college bars with a group of men under her own free will. The camera feed from the bar had shown that damning evidence, but not ten minutes before she’d left, she was sitting quietly at a corner table with some friends. She hadn’t danced with anyone, and she’d only had one beer. But her entire personality changed after she came back from a trip to the ladies room. And video showed any number of men passing by her that could have wiped the drug across her skin.
“We need to look back at the surveillance tapes and see if there was anyone wearing gloves inside the bar,” Cade said absently. “Even a tiny amount on the skin can affect whoever is administering it. Though if they wore surgical gloves it could be difficult to see in the low lighting.”
After her trip to the bathroom, the girl hit the dance floor and didn’t slow down. She’d gotten a lot of attention from the men—a pretty girl tempting every man in the room, obviously on the prowl. Even the bouncers had noticed her. She’d left with six guys, to the complete confusion of her friends, even though they’d tried to stop her. One of Katie’s girlfriends had tried to pull her into her car to get her away from the men, but Katie had pushed her friend to the ground and gone on with the men who’d drugged her. It had been too late for her at that point. With the drug in the system, all logical thought ceased to exist. The only thing that mattered was sexual release.
One of the guys she’d left with had to be the one who’d given her the drug, but all of their faces had been averted from the cameras and they’d been unrecognizable, which meant they’d known the location of the cameras before they’d ever stepped foot inside the bar. The parking lot cameras didn’t help, as the van the men and girl had piled into had bogus plates and it was as nondescript as you could get. They’d planned the whole operation very well. It was slick from beginning to end.
The girl had been taken to a pay by the hour motel less than a mile from the bar, and the medical examiner had found ejaculate from more than a dozen men. The others had probably already been waiting in the room. She’d been raped and sodomized repeatedly, and the girl hadn’t been used lightly. But there were no signs of a struggle. That was the terrible thing about Rabbit. They’d never find signs of a struggle, even though the victim knew what was happening to her wasn’t her choice.
The drug had been described by one of the victims they’d rescued in Miami as floating outside your body, watching yourself do things you knew you’d never do, and screaming silently until you thought your head would burst from the pressure. It was like being trapped in a mental straitjacket while your body went on a free-for-all without you. It was the missing signs of struggle that made it most difficult for those investigating the case, because it was made to look as if it were consensual. Unless you were familiar with the drug and what it did, and most local cops weren’t even aware it existed.
“Jesus,” Cade said, sickened just as much as he had been the first time he’d seen what the drug could do.
“This is some terrible shit, MacKenzie. I had no idea what it was until your former employer informed me.”
Cade just grunted and kept reading. When the men had finished with the girl they’d given her an injection of the drug, ensuring her death. Miguel del Fuego’s scientists still hadn’t been able to stabilize the drug so it didn’t have such a high fatality rate when taken internally. It was something he knew they were still working on in Colombia. Unfortunately, after Cade’s true identity had been discovered, Carlos del Fuego had the compound bombed and they’d moved their headquarters. The DEA still didn’t know the location of del Fuego’s scientists.
“The ME says he found traces of an unidentified stimulant in her bloodstream,” Kelly said once Cade closed the file. “Also high traces of progesterone and testosterone, and something the ME couldn’t identify. A plant of some kind.”
“It’s the Yatamala root,” Cade said. “It’s indigenous to Central America, specifically Colombia.”
Cade tossed the file back on the desk in disgust. Anger, hot and vicious, swept through his body. He wanted nothing more than to find those scientists and destroy every one of them—a bullet through the brain was too easy a death. But he wasn’t with the DEA anymore, so someone else would have to kill the scientists. His job was here and the cartel had followed him. He made himself sit back in the chair and meet Kelly’s eyes. He’d always had an inordinate amount of self-control.
“They call it Rabbit on the street,” Cade explained. “The last I heard, there’s only been one other documented case of the drug being used in the state of Texas. Most of it’s concentrated in the Miami area, as well as along the Gulf Coast because of the location of the cartels. But a drug like this is highly desirable on the black market, and if money isn’t an option then it’s easily attainable if you know who to contact. It sells for a quarter million an ounce.”
Kelly let out a low whistle and drummed his fingers on his desktop. “We need to find out who’s supplying that drug in our state, and where it’s coming from.”
“I have my suspicions, sir,” Cade said. “The del Fuego cartel has been waiting for me to become visible again. I’m afraid I’m the reason they’re here killing innocent girls.”
“They’re here because they’re crazy sons of bitches. And you’re the one who’s going to stop them. You’ll stay in contact with the investigating agents in the DEA since you’re known to them. They made sure to let me know that they wanted you working on this. But they said they won’t interfere unless you need them. Keep me in the loop, MacKenzie. I don’t want any federal surprises, but I’m giving you free reign.”
“Are you sure you want to do this, Captain Kelly? Innocent men could die. This could get a hell of a lot more dangerous than you thought when you agreed to bring me on.”
“I know that, son. I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday. But this is my city, and that drug is out there whether you think you’re the reason or not. A drug like that would get here eventually, and you know it. We’re just nipping it in the bud before it can spread anywhere else.”
“Yes, sir,” Cade said with a sigh.
Maybe when the cartel was taken down once and for all he’d go back to the stretch of land he had in Montana and retire for good. He was damned tired of trying to save the world.
Captain Kelly took out a gun and badge from his desk drawer and slid them to Cade. “Looks like you get to start a day early. Welcome aboard, son. And when this is over and the cartel is taken down, I want you to remember what a nice guy I am and come and work for me for real.”
The look Kelly sent him made Cade realize he and the DEA hadn’t fooled the man for a minute, and Cade nodded in respect. He took his weapon and badge and grabbed the file on the desk before heading back into the chaos of the precinct.
“Oh, and MacKenzie,” Kelly called out before he could escape. “Remember I’ve read your file. You’re a bit unorthodox to say the least. Try not to piss anyone off for at least a day or two. I really hate having to talk to the Chief.”
Cade smiled, his grin a bit piratical. �
��Too late. You should have seen the reaction my new neighbor had when she met me.”
Chapter Five
The man was making her crazy.
He’d lived next door to her for four days, and her nerves were strung so tight she was surprised her brain didn’t leak right out of her ears. He had a habit of showing up out of nowhere, and she’d gotten to the point where she was sneaking in and out of her house like a thief just to avoid him. Because damn, that kiss could not happen again. He’d have her naked and on her back in no time if his lips ever touched hers again. And she wasn’t about to let that happen.
Common sense had kicked in once her brain had started functioning again. Cade had actually said, “If I was the kind of man who believed in settling down for the long haul,” which meant he wasn’t the type at all. She wasn’t built for one night stands or casual affairs. It wasn’t his fault, it’s just the way she was. But she also knew the power of attraction. She was only human, but as long as she stayed away she’d be fine.
“You okay, Bayleigh?” her assistant, Tara LeCourt asked. “You’ve been acting strange all day. Maybe you’re coming down with that same bug I had.”
Tara’s smooth mocha skin was creased with concern, her dark eyes filled with worry, and Bayleigh turned back to the mannequin she was working on in the window so Tara wouldn’t see the lie on her face.
“I’m fine, Tara,” she said, adjusting the black lace negligee so it hung perfectly. “Just a little tired. I haven’t been sleeping well the last couple of nights.”
The long swath of fabric was completely sheer, shot through with threads of silver. The neckline and back plunged dramatically, and it was meant to catch the eyes of those walking past her shop. All she could think about was wearing it for Cade and watching him lose his mind. Of course, she’d have to alter the bust if she were to wear the gown, but it would be worth the extra work.
“Well, it’s no wonder. You’ve worked non-stop since I was out sick. I still think you need to hire a part-time person or two. We’re getting enough business that you and I are spread pretty thin. And it would be nice to have extra time off every once in a while.”
“I know. I just want it to be the two of us for as long as possible. I’m not ready to let go just yet.”
She and Tara had met in college and had been inseparable ever since, and the thought of someone else coming in made her heart hurt just a little. She’d built her business from the ground up, and it was making her a hell of a profit. To the point that she’d started to think about opening another shop in Dallas.
“Why don’t you go home for the rest of the day?” Tara said. “And take tomorrow too. I’m feeling much better, and you look like you need the—”
Tara’s words trailed off as the bell chimed over the front door, and she could have sworn she heard her friend mutter, Holy Mother of God under her breath. Bayleigh knew it was him before she turned around. The atmosphere was immediately charged with tension, and she swore her nipples hardened like homing beacons whenever he was near.
Bayleigh gave the front window display a final look before turning to Cade. She made sure her expression was composed and her breathing was mostly normal before she met his eyes.
“I don’t think we have anything in your size here, MacKenzie.”
Tara choked and Cade smiled wickedly, making Bayleigh’s heart pound harder in her chest.
“What do you have in your size?” he asked “This?”
His fingers skimmed the bodice of a silvery blue gown she’d been eyeing for herself. It was more modest than most of the pieces in the shop, but it was breathtaking, reminding her of something that would have been worn in the forties.
“I think I’m going to take my lunch break,” Tara said wide-eyed. “Three is obviously a crowd here.” She grabbed her purse from under the counter and headed out the door before Bayleigh could stop her.
“You’ve been avoiding me, Bayleigh.”
“I know, Cade,” she answered sardonically, causing his lips to twitch.
“I didn’t take you for a coward.”
Her eyes narrowed and she took two steps forward before she realized that’s exactly the reaction he’d wanted her to have. She was too close to him now—so close all he had to do was reach out and pull her into his arms.
“I’m not a coward. But I’m also not stupid. You think I didn’t see the light that went off in your eyes when I told you I couldn’t have an orgasm. All you want is the challenge of trying to prove me wrong.”
“That’s not all I want from you, baby.”
“Really? So you’re interested in taking me out to dinner? Maybe to a movie? Getting to know each other over bad Chinese food and neighborhood barbecues?”
Cade’s eyes narrowed and she knew she’d struck home with her point. He wanted her in bed and nowhere else. He didn’t want the connection of anything past the physical.
“We’ve known each other four days,” he said. “Don’t you think you might be overreacting a little?”
“No, I don’t.”
He took a step toward her, and it was everything she could do to hold her ground. His fingers touched her hair lightly before moving to the sensitive skin at the side of her neck. She gasped at the contact and she felt the dampness gather between her thighs. Chills snaked up her spine and zinged across every erogenous zone in her body.
“What’s wrong with satisfying the physical aspect? Those needs and feelings will always be there. We can be friends later. Once the edge is off and our bodies are sated. What’s wrong with giving in to that need? Sex is just another part of life. Why would you deny yourself one of its greatest pleasures?”
Confusion began to cloud the lust rioting through her body. He made a persuasive argument, one she was tempted to give in to. But it wasn’t just her need for something more that was holding her back. It was shame. And fear. What would happen when he finally got what he wanted? Would he be disappointed when she didn’t respond the way he imagined? Would he look at her with disdain and tell her all the things she was doing wrong? It wasn’t a chance she was sure she could take. Paul had damaged her pride, but she had a feeling Cade could destroy it completely.
“In my opinion, I’m not denying myself anything,” she said, shakily.
“Only because you haven’t had me inside you yet.”
He leaned down and took her mouth fast and hard, his tongue sliding along hers sinuously, and she realized too late that the moan she’d heard had come from her.
He pulled back, but he kept her wrapped loosely in his arms. “What’s going on between us is rare, Bayleigh. I don’t think you’re experienced enough to realize how rare. It’s fine that you want something more, and I won’t stand in your way when you’re ready to find it, but there’s no reason we can’t enjoy this and take advantage of it while it lasts.”
“You’re asking a lot of me, Cade. I just don’t know if I can do it.”
“We’ll see, sugar.”
He kissed her again, and she melted into his arms, knowing her resistance was wearing thin. If he kept up this assault she’d never be able to hold out against him.
“Oh, sorry,” Tara said as she came back in the shop.
Bayleigh hadn’t even heard the chime ring, but she could tell by the smug look in Cade’s eyes that he’d been perfectly aware of what was going on.
“I thought you’d be done by now.” Tara’s eyes danced with humor as she moved back behind the counter to store her purse. “Who’s your friend, Bayleigh? And why am I just now finding out about this? You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, girl.”
Bayleigh stepped out of Cade’s embrace and narrowed her eyes at him. “There’s nothing to explain. He’s a nuisance. And my new neighbor,” she added as an afterthought, waving her hand agitatedly.
“Cade MacKenzie,” he said to Tara, his mouth quirking as if he wanted to laugh.
Bayleigh was glad they were both having such a good time at her expense.
“New neighb
or, huh?” Tara asked. “So you bought the house Bayleigh wanted.”
“Really?” Cade asked, his curiosity evident in his expression. “Why didn’t you buy it?”
“Because it wasn’t for sale then. And I love my house. Will you please go away now and stop bothering me?”
“Sure,” Cade said. “I can always bother you at home later. I’ve got to get back to work anyway.”
It wasn’t until he’d mentioned it that Bayleigh noticed the silver badge hooked to his belt and the sidearm he had strapped at his waist. He had the ability to cloud her judgment and her senses just by being in the same room. He hadn’t been lying. He really was a cop.
She swallowed painfully, looking at the evidence in front of her face before meeting his laughing eyes. “So I guess you really are a cop?”
Tara burst out into laughter, and Bayleigh scowled at her friend.
“Want to see my handcuffs?”
Bayleigh felt the heat rush to her cheeks at the memory of what he’d promised to do with those cuffs and she straightened her shoulders, more determined than ever to keep pushing him away.
“Goodbye, Cade.”
“Goodbye, Bayleigh,” he mimicked in the same tone of voice and winked as he left her shop.
“Helloooo? Bayleigh?” Tara said, waving her hand in front of her face to get her attention. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on. That man is driving me crazy.”
“He’s obviously doing a good job of it. I’ve been trying to get your attention for a good five minutes.”
“I think I’m going to go home,” Bayleigh said.
The sensations pulsing through her body made it difficult to function, much less think. There was no way she’d be any help in the shop for the rest of the day, and she didn’t have any appointments scheduled that needed her personal attention.