“Nino has always been in and out of trouble.” I wring my hands together.
“And he loves to bring other people down with him, huh?” Slade comments.
I stay silent.
“Do you know this girl?” Slade pulls up a picture on his phone of a young Asian girl with long black hair and a pretty smile.
“I don’t.”
“Never seen her at the club?” he interrogates me.
“No, never. Why?”
“She’s missing.”
“And you think Nino has something to do with it?” I pull my knees up to my chest.
“The number to the club showed up frequently on her cell phone bill but came across as Joe’s Pizza. All the calls wereincoming.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know anything about that. Nino doesn’t like the girls to mingle. The only way I knew who was working for him is the wristbands. He was very specific with his instructions. You show up,work, and then leave. He wanted you to blend in and look like just another patron in the crowd.”
“Sophisticated business,” Slade mocks.
“I tried not to get too involved.”
“At least you had enough smarts for that. So what’s the next move?” Slade directs his question to CJ.
“Not sure yet.” He’s still focusing on his laptop. “I’m going to need to gather more info on Nino and the pros ring. I’m thinking maybe a raid or send in the local authorities. Come up with a cover story so the trail doesn’t fall back on Tara.”
“Sounds good. Let me know what I can do to help.” He puts his hand up to CJ for another fist bump. “I have to jet. Work to do.”
“Later then.”
“Sunshine,” Slade addresses me and then walks out the door.
I sit there for a second taking it all in. What a crazy twist my life has taken. Missing girls, raids, prostitution.
“How long have you been doing this?” I look at CJ wide-eyed.
“Been an operative you mean?” CJ tears his attention away from the laptop.
“Is that your official title, operative?”
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades. Handler, hacker, analyst, operative,” he says proudly. “But to answer your question, nine years. I always wanted to be in the military, and I followed my dream. ROTC in high school, attended West Point for college, and then enlisted right after I graduated. I was on the fast track until my helicopter crashed, ending my career right on the spot.” CJ clasps his hands together and looks down at the floor.
“That’s what Slade meant when he said you lost the love of your life?”
CJ nods solemnly. “It was a really dark time. I was lost, felt useless, and had no direction. I had no idea what to do with myself. That’s when Endeavor recruited me. They gave me a second chance. With my special forces background and knowledge of cyber security, I was a prime candidate for the organization.”
CJ takes my hands in his. “I wasn’t lying when I told you my job was demanding. It is part of the reason I’ve kept my distance. Being with someone who does what I do is challenging. It’s why I haven’t seen my family in three years or pursued a serious relationship.”
I frown immediately. I don’t like the turn this conversation is taking.
“Don’t worry.” CJ touches the crease in the middle of my brows. “You’re the first woman who’s ever made me want more. Made me want to try and have it all. I have no idea how we’re going to make that happen.” He laughs light-heartedly. “But if Kayne and Ellie and Jett and London can make it work, so can we. You know, if you’re willing, now that you know the truth.”
“I’m willing.” I can barely contain myself. “I’m willing to try anything you need me to do.” I slide across the small couch and into his arms.
“Good because I really don’t think I can live without this.” He kisses me firmly, slipping his tongue between my lips as he traps me flush to his chest.
