Page 77 of Falling for a Stranger

"She's the woman Drew brought to the house the other night," Emma told her fiancé. "I mentioned her to you."

"Emma," Drew interrupted. "Can I talk now?"

"Sorry," Emma said. "Go on."

"I can't go on until I ask you if this is something you'd be willing to do for me on an unofficial basis. It does involve Ria, and I don't want to put her in danger. And I can't say anything more without your agreement. I know it's a lot to ask."

"If she's in danger, then you could be in danger," Emma said, a frown pulling her brows together. "I don't like the sound of that. Of course we'll help. Won't we, Max?"

"If you have any reservations, just say no," Drew said.

"I can ask some questions without making it official," Max said. "What's the name?"

"Enrique Valdez. I don't know much about him, except that he allegedly runs a criminal organization with a home base possibly in Spain, and that he also has a private estate on an island called Isla de los Sueños. I'd like to know what exactly he's involved in and how close anyone is to catching him and putting him in jail."

"I'll look into it," Max said.

"How does Ria tie to this Enrique Valdez?" Emma asked. "Wait. She was on that island, and so were you."

"You never forget anything, do you?"

"That's why I'm good at my job."

"Yes, I met her on the island. Her sister was married to Enrique's brother. Both her sister and her sister's husband were killed in a suspicious car accident two years ago. Ria believes that Enrique is responsible for her sister's death."

"And she wants vengeance?" Max asked.

"Actually, she just wants to make sure she doesn't end up in the same kind of accident," he said, deciding not to mention Megan for the moment. "She told me that Valdez has a long reach. And that he has reason to dislike her. I don't want my questions through you to trigger anything. That's why I need this done off the record. My name can't come into it. There are people who know that Ria and I were together on the island. I can't put her in jeopardy."

Emma sighed. "I thought she was so nice, but now she sounds like a lot of trouble. Can't you find anyone trouble-free to hang out with?"

"Not anyone this beautiful, sexy or interesting," he said. "Some people are worth a little trouble. And look who's talking—a serial arsonist was stalking you when you and Max fell for each other. Talk about trouble. That word should be your middle name, Emma."

"Very funny," she said, making a face at him.

"And true," Max said.

She shot her fiancé a pointed look. "Let me give you a tip, Max, agreeing with my brother instead of me is not the secret to a happy life."

"Got it," Max said. "What about me helping your brother?"

"That would be appreciated."

"I have a friend who should be able to help," Max said. "And I understand the need for discretion. He won't ask why I'm asking, because we do have international criminals come through San Francisco. But even if he did, I would not mention your name."

"I appreciate that," Drew said.

"I actually have to go into work for an hour," Max said.

"What? I thought we were going to the movies," Emma protested.

"Sorry, babe. I got a call. Potential witness. It won't take long," Max said, giving her a kiss. "I'll make you dinner tonight."

"I've seen you cook. We'll go out," Emma said.

Max grabbed his keys off the table. "I'll be in touch, Drew."

"Thanks."

As Max left, Drew found himself facing Emma's inquisitive gaze. She was not going to let him off as easily as Max.

"I can't tell you anything else," he said.

"You can tell me whether or not you're in love with Ria," Emma said.

His gut tightened at her question. Usually when Emma asked about his dates or his relationships, he could answer quickly and easily, but not this time.

"Well," Emma said, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes. "I think I have my answer."

"She's important to me," he said. "That's all I can say right now."

"What about Megan? She's raising her, right? Do you really want to take on a ready-made family?"

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