Page 26 of Innocent Target

“James.”

“The fuck you know about my sister?”

Rao held up his hands in defense, but James knew by the smirk on his face that he’d already gotten the reaction he wanted. “I meant no harm, just trying to be truthful. The MC is brutal. They won’t let anyone leave once they’re on the inside. They also killed the person who took your DNA samples so you can bet they have a finger in lots of pies along the coast.”

“So nothing fucking useful then.”

Rao smirked and then shrugged. “Like I said, you’re out of your depth. Leave this to the experts. Perhaps if your sister calls then have her call the local office, and we’ll bring her in.”

James stood, and Mercy and Nick followed. “We’ll take that under advisement.”

He walked away without looking back, but something made his gut twisted in a way he didn’t like. Shit was about to heat up, he felt it in his blood.

Chapter Fourteen

The tension was so dense in the car it was a wonder the metal top didn’t burst off. Mercy sat in the back, while the two stiff and silent men rode up front. Nick was silent because it was who he was, James’s silence was because of what Agent Rao had said about Bethany.

She’d said little during the meeting, but from start to finish, something felt off, way off.

Pulling out her phone, she sent a text to Imari to request a quick search on Agent Rao, what he did, his cases, and his reputation. All the shiny and nasty bits that could give her a better picture of the man, although her instincts told her that her first impression was most probably on point.

It became more of a challenge to think, caged as she was with two beasts on the point of being unleashed, especially since they had another hour before reaching Ian’s home.

They were entering a more urban area and Mercy decided she needed a break. “I’m hungry.” She got no response from the men and rolled her eyes, not happy at being ignored. “I’m hungry now!”

Nick grunted, and as he was driving, he took a turn into another street where there were several restaurants and shops. “There should be some fast-food drive-throughs around here.”

“Stopping wouldn’t hurt any of us.”

Both men grunted this time, which was a positive sign from James. She’d take any small improvement on the general atmosphere.

Nick parked on the side of the street, and Mercy hopped out. The air was warm and with the sun filtering through the colorful buildings, she almost felt like she was on vacation. Not that she was delusional about the danger hovering over their heads and the threat to Bethany’s and Abbie’s lives, but sometimes, a swift and temporary change of scenery could help her see things more clearly. At the least, it would prevent her from knocking their heads together and cracking them open to allow some light through. A more reasonable option was to put food in their bellies.

A quick scan over the area told her it wasn’t a tourist spot and the few people around were locals. It reduced the risks as intruders would stand out like a sore thumb.

Leaving the two men to their brooding, she walked down the street, knowing they’d follow.

After checking a few store windows, she lingered inside a baby shop, making a few purchases for Abbie. The poor angel was living on bare essentials, and it was fun to see Nick squirm around all the pink frills. James didn’t seem out of place at all, although all the ladies only had eyes for him. Mercy was caught up too. He was so handsome, it filled her belly with flurries, with a thousand possibilities. The feeling so new to her, it made her feel both stronger and more vulnerable than ever.

After finding the most adorable onesie with funny pandas for Abbie and the softest blanket ever, James snatched everything out of her hands before she could pay for it, giving her a quick wink. It wasn’t a smile, but it was a beginning.

Joining a stern-looking Nick on the sidewalk, James on her heels, she continued walking until a wonderful smell filled her nose, a mix of melting butter, sugar, and orange peel. Her nose led her into the most delightful bakery. The outside was a bright turquoise color, and so was the inside, an incredible ocean vibe awaiting hungry customers.

Mercy slid into a secluded booth by the front window, and as she hoped, James slid in beside her as Nick took the opposite seat.

A waitress, dressed for a 50s diner, approached with a smile and a spring in her step.

“Good afternoon and welcome! I don’t recognize you so you must be first-time customers! I’m Stacy. What do you fancy today?”

James and Nick grumbled something about only wanting a coffee, but Mercy was having none of that and smiled back. “What’s your specialty? What do you recommend?”

At her question, Stacy lit up. “Oh! That’s a trick question! I love the key lime pie, that’s a staple. The homemade strawberry shortcake is divine. We do have a raspberry and pear cobbler to die for, or, if you like classics with a twist, I’ve heard that our Death by Chocolate can nearly produce spontaneous orgasms.”

That last word magically perked the men up and shaking her head, Mercy winked at Stacy. “As my friends here don’t want anything, I’ll have one of each, and I’ll make sure to finish off with the orgasm.”

If Mercy had surprised her, the waitress didn’t let it show and strutted away with their order.

Nick leaned back. “You said you were hungry, but I didn’t know you were looking for a sugar rush.” A faint grin pulled at the mouth of the typically solemn man, and there was teasing when he looked from her to James. “Or an orgasm.”