Taking her by the arms, he searched her face. “Are you okay?” The earnestness in his voice would have been endearing, if the circumstances were different. As it was, his concern served to piss Jerry off.
“Oh. My. God. I am sick to death of you all treating me like I’m some incompetent female who needs a big strong man to take care of her. May I remind you that I am a trained FBI agent, top of my survival class at Quantico and perfectly capable of kicking your collective butts all the way to that bridge.” Jerry nodded towards the Golden Gate as she maneuvered her arms from Ethan’s grip. “Where do you guys get off reminding me to be careful with every other breath or telling me to stay inside until one of you is with me?” She tossed her phone towards the sofa, Dylan’s text message telling her to stay put still visible on the screen.
Jerry dressed in formal finery for the opera was stunning; Jerry ready to tackle a yoga class made his blood boil, but Jerry in a full-blown snit was magnificent. Ethan lowered his arms and tried not to smile as she continued her rant.
“First Rodney doesn’t think I can walk down the block alone, Nate tells me to go straight home, Dylan texts me to “stay put” and now you come in all concerned for my welfare. Who are you people? Do I need to wear my badge around, just to remind you that I’m more than capable of taking care of myself?” She began pacing the length of the wall, Ethan moved out of her way.
So we caught his attention, that’s a good thing. That was the plan, was it not? Now we let him make contact.”
“No!” Ethan caught Jerry by the arm as she walked by. “We find another way get him, one in which you are not the bait.”
Surprised by the vehemence of his response, Jerry allowed Ethan to hold onto her arm. “What do you mean, we find another way? This was the plan all along, attract him, then catch him in the act. It’s the only way we’re sure of a conviction; it’s the only way we can absolutely get him off the streets.”
“There has to be another way. I will not let him get close to you.” Ethan turned her around to face him. “No matter how competent you are, no matter that you received top honors at Quantico, no plan is foolproof. I will not risk you.” Ethan grabbed her by both arms and hauled her to him, his eyes sending sparks straight into hers.
Jerry was taken off guard by the passion she saw reflected in his face, but the fire in his eyes kept her from pushing him away. She wanted his arms around her, longed to feel his lips on hers once again, this time with meaning. She got her wish.
The first time she’d tasted him was sweet and caused butterflies to take flight from her center. Now, as he crushed her lips to his, she couldn’t help but be possessed by an all-consuming passion that obliterated any thoughts, leaving room only for a rush of emotion that charged her senses and melded her to him. Her first and last coherent thought was that ‘you really do see stars.’
Ethan felt her surrender in the small part of his mind that still worked. She tasted like honey and heat and the first dew of springtime. As her body molded to his, he tilted her head and took the kiss deeper, blocking out all reason and giving himself to the pure pleasure that swirled around him.
Neither knew how long they kissed, neither cared. It was difficult to say which one held up the other; both were balanced against each other as they fell into an abyss filled with psychedelic colors, shooting stars and the pounding of one heart.
It was no wonder they missed the front door opening. “Ahem,” Dylan cleared his throat loudly, taken aback though he was by the scene he’d walked in on.
Ethan broke the kiss long enough to glance over his shoulder, but he never loosened his grip on Jerry. She didn’t even try to move. “Not now, Dawes,” he growled, then tightened his hold as Jerry came back to her senses and began pulling away.
“Sorry Slick, but I have news about the unsub. You remember, the case we’re working, the reason that you’re here.” Dylan tried to keep it light, but inside he was seething. He knew Slick would try to weasel his way into Jerry’s heart, but he thought she was smart enough to block him. Apparently, he needed to rethink the situation. If what he’d walked in on was any indication, they were either already sleeping together, or soon would be. Jerry deserved better than a player like Barnes, but she was also stubborn enough to have to find out for herself. He’d just have to help pick up the pieces when the son-of-a-bitch walked away.
Jerry placed her hand on Ethan’s heart and shook her head slightly. He dropped his arms and let her go. Stepping away from him was like throwing ice water onto a raging inferno, but she put as much distance between them as was possible. From the look on Dylan’s face, he had pretty strong opinions on her getting involved with Ethan, but that was his problem. She’d had enough of men thinking they could tell her what to do.
As casually as possible, she walked past Dylan and into the kitchen. “What’s up?” She asked as she surveyed the fridge.
“It’s possible that the unsub got careless with Sonja. The M.E. found a partial fingerprint on her arm. The bad news is that it could be Sonja’s, he’s checking to be sure. I thought you’d like to know; didn’t mean to interrupt.” If looks could kill, Ethan would be lying dead on the floor.
Ethan ignored the other man’s scowl; he’d grown accustomed to Dylan’s attitude. “That’s good, because we need a new plan. There’s no way Jerry should be alone with him.” He stated his opinion as if it were fact.
Jerry came back into the room with three bottled waters. She tossed one to each of the men, then settled on the sofa. “I thought we discussed this already. Acting as bait is not only my job, but it’s the only way to convict him. Up until now and this possible fingerprint, every piece of evidence we have on him is circumstantial. If we arrest him and he walks, how many more women will he kill before we find him again?”
“Yes, but if the fingerprint is viable and it’s not Sonja’s, we could arrest him right now.” Ethan argued.
“Maybe in Europe, but here we play by the book, it’s the only way charges will stick. We’ll have to get his prints legally, like from a discarded drink, then match them up. Now that he’s noticed Jerry, she’s our best way to accomplish that without disturbing the chain of evidence.” Dylan perched on the arm of the sofa.
“So it’s okay if Jerry gets killed, as long as you preserve your chain of evidence?” Ethan’s stance indicated that he was ready for a fight.
“Who said anything about Jerry getting killed? We’ll be on her every minute. No way the unsub will get a chance to take her into the woods, if the print is good.” Dylan crossed his legs and waited for the explosion. Ethan was playing the protective lover to the hilt; he had to hand it to him. If he didn’t know what a scum the man was, even he would be impressed.
“If the print is good?” Ethan stalked towards Dylan. “I don’t care about the stupid print, she’s not getting into a car with that maniac, much less going into the woods with him. We need a new plan.” Ethan fumed, leveling his eyes at Dylan. “One that doesn’t include Jerry being alone with him.”
“Hold on a damn minute!” Jerry stood and glared at Ethan. “I decide what’s an acceptable risk, not you or you,” she shared the glare with Dylan, “or anyone else. Me. The sooner you get that straight, the smoother this operation will be.” Jerry paused to take a breath, then softened her tone. “I appreciate your concern, Ethan, but I understand the dangers and I’m confident that I can handle them.” She held up a finger to stop Ethan from speaking. “The only time he presents any danger to his victims is right at the end, when he kills them. If being part of an attempted murder is the only way to get this guy, then I’m game.”
“No, you’re insane.” Ethan had heard enough. “What are you going to do, let him come up behind you with a knife and turn the tables on him in just the nick of time? That’s crazy. We know he keeps his victims in the dark about their final ‘adventure’, so we won’t even be able to set up in the area to protect you. We can follow, but what if we get there too late? It only takes a second to sever
the carotid artery, then you’re dead.”
“You’re assuming he’ll get close enough to me to use the knife.” Jerry’s eyes gleamed. “Not gonna happen.”
“I think he needs a demonstration.” Dylan interjected, barely concealing his amusement.
“I don’t want to hurt him.” Jerry’s tone was serious.
“He can take it, can’t you Slick?” Dylan all but wrung his hands in glee. “There’s lots of room, right there in front of the window. Go on Ethan, try to sneak up on her.” Dylan discreetly aimed the camera on his phone at the perplexed man.
“What, you want me to try and hurt her?” Ethan glanced between Jerry and Dylan. “You’ve both lost it.”
“You could try,” Jerry scoffed. “As if.” She rolled her eyes and began to pile cushions on the floor. “May as well give you a soft place to land,” she winked at Dylan, then smiled sweetly at Ethan.
“You seriously think you can take me?” Ethan balked at even thinking of harming Jerry, but if he could prove his point with a gentle demonstration, he’d give it a try. Besides, he didn’t like the competitive gleam in her eye; maybe it was time for a lesson in humility.
“We’ll never know unless we try.” Jerry deliberately turned her back on him. “Whenever you’re ready.” She spoke to the opposite wall. Dylan hit record button on his phone. “I’ll even close my eyes.”
Ethan slipped off his shoes in order to help silence his approach. Jerry shook her hands out to the sides, limbering up. She waited, alert for even the slightest movement. Dylan didn’t bother to hide his grin any longer as he checked to make sure the camera was positioned correctly to capture Slick’s embarrassment.
Jerry was not the only one who had passed rigorous training with flying colors; Ethan knew how to be stealthy and moved up behind her without making a whisper of a sound. His intention was to grab her arms, with the utmost care, of course, and hold them behind her back, effectively proving his point.
Jerry felt the air move as he came closer to her. She’d always had the senses of a cat, and she used every one of them now. Without outwardly moving, she braced herself as she felt him reach for her.
Ethan never saw her move. One second, he was reaching for her arms, the next he was lying flat on his back, looking up into her beautiful face.
“You were saying?” Jerry’s voice held the slightest hint of a taunt as she held her arm out towards him. The stunned look on his face was reward enough, so she did her level best not to laugh.
Dylan was not as circumspect. Lying sideways on the sofa holding his sides from laughter, he still managed to keep the cell phone aimed at Ethan, sprawled on the floor.
Ethan took Jerry’s hand, more from a desire not to be rude than from necessity, and let her help him up. His breath was coming back, slowly; he couldn’t remember the last time he got the wind knocked out of him.
“Impressive.” He told her when he was upright. “Thanks for thinking of the pillows.”
“My pleasure.” Jerry told him sweetly. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“Not at all; I’m just a little winded, that’s all.” Ethan felt more pride in Jerry than humiliation that she had bested him. “How did you know I was there?”
“Shut up, Dylan,” Jerry admonished him before answering Ethan. “I just knew. My reflexes have always been pretty good.” She didn’t bother elaborating on the fact that all too often, her survival as a child had depended on her quick instincts.
“I’d say that was more than reflexes; it’s as if you have eyes in the back of your head.” Ethan turned his back to Dylan, effectively ignoring him.
“Do you see now why I’m not worried about Oscar, or whatever he’s calling himself? I really am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
“I never doubted your capabilities, but things don’t always go according to plan. What if he changes his M.O. and surprises you? You’ll have to be on guard every second you’re with him.”
“Ethan, I’ve done this before, many times. I know how to operate undercover. Please stop worrying ‘cause you’re really starting to piss me off.” Jerry’s voice was kinder than her words.
“Maybe he needs another demonstration.” Dylan looked and sounded hopeful.
“Shut up, Dylan.”
“Shut up, Dawes.”
Jerry and Ethan spoke in unison. Ethan continued.
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” He growled.
“Nope, right here is just fine.” Dylan wasn’t about to admit that he didn’t want to leave Jerry alone with Ethan. “Besides, Nate should be calling with an update soon.”
“Could we speak privately?” Ethan asked Jerry.
“Of course, but it won’t make a difference. I see no reason to alter the plan, unless the situation changes.” Jerry answered Dylan’s scowl with a look of exasperation as she led Ethan to the bedroom. At the moment, she’d like to toss both men over her shoulder.
Ethan touched her arm as soon as they were alone, turning her to face him. “I know you’re insulted that I want to change the plan and I’m sorry,” he began. “The truth is that I’ve never felt this way about a partner, or anyone, and I’m pretty much flying by the seat of my pants, as my housekeeper used to say.”
Jerry’s heart began to race, but she played it cool. Could he feel for her the way she felt for him? They barely knew each other. “Sounds like your housekeeper was from the South.” She smiled.
“As a matter of fact, she was.” Ethan returned her smile and stepped closer. “I have no idea what this is between us, but I know you feel it too. Bottom line, I would rather walk into a hungry lion’s den than watch you ride off with a killer. Every instinct I have is screaming at me to protect you, whether you need it or not.” He hastened to add.
Jerry held his gaze, then relaxed and leaned closer. “I do feel it, and I don’t know what it is either. It’s almost as if there’s a thick cord connecting us. I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
“I feel the same. It’s as if you’re a part of me, even though I hardly know you. I’d like to rectify that.” Ethan leaned towards her as Jerry pulled away, a look of surprise on her face. “No, I’d like to get to know you, not change the way I feel,” he explained and she relaxed again.
“I’d like that, too. But it won’t change the fact that I will do my job. You’ll have to come to terms with that, one way or another.” Jerry leaned towards Ethan, but this time he pulled away.
“I’m not sure that I can do that.” He told her honestly. “I picture you in danger and my head nearly explodes.”
Jerry tried an experiment, picturing Ethan in a life-threatening situation. Her gut clenched. “Okay. I get it. But we have to work through this. I’m an agent, you’re an agent. Danger comes with the territory.”
“Of course I know that. This could be one of the reasons that fraternization is frowned upon at Interpol.”
“Could be.” Jerry agreed. “Fraternization,” she grinned at him, “sounds like fun.”
“Could be.” He agreed and drew her into his arms.
The pair returned to the living room several minutes later to find Dylan in a heated conversation.
“If that’s the best you can do, maybe you should look for another job.” His frustration was tangible as he disconnected the call and threw the phone across the sofa.
“Who licked the red off your candy?” Jerry asked, trying to appear calmer than she felt. Ethan’s kisses and their mutual declaration had her emotions in a tailspin.
“The damn fingerprint is apparently ‘too smudged to be of use’,” Dylan quoted. “They can’t even tell if it’s Sonja’s or the unsub’s.”
“We knew it was a longshot. Whose head did you bite off?” Jerry asked.
“Some techy guy in the local lab. Why Nate didn’t send it off to Quantico, I’ll never know.”
“Are you finally ready to admit that Jimmy knows what he’s doing?”
“He’s gotta
be better than these yahoos.” Dylan scowled. He knew that he’d overreacted and he also knew why. It was obvious from the kiss he walked in on and from the private confab in the bedroom that Jerry and Ethan were more than partners, a situation that he despised. Jerry deserved better than Slick would ever give her, he knew it in his gut.
“Did Nate call? What’s the word on Oscar?” Ethan asked.
“They tailed him to a home near the Presidio. Very posh. They’re running down the owners now.” Dylan hated to give Ethan his due, but right was right. “Looks like you were spot on about him staying in a friend’s house; the owners of record are James and Ellen Forrester; an elderly couple with a penchant for travel.”
Ethan acknowledged the compliment with a nod. “What about the cars? Did the agents see the Mas?”
“No. The home has a three car garage with separate openings for each bay. We do know that the Mas is not registered to the home, but the blue sedan is. There’s also a Prius registered to the owners; we can only assume that it’s parked in the third bay.”
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