AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oscar Valentina was everything she joined the agency to fight against. He was an ex-con, a murder, a player, or he was at one time. He was the disgraced and disowned son of a popular restaurateur who’d pushed his son out of the family home when he’d been caught using the restaurant after hours for illegal gambling. He left home and served as a Marine for five years. It didn’t take too long after his return home, before the Black Spades had brought him into their fold.
When her handler told her to get close to him, even though he wasn’t in the know, she’d balked initially, but in the end, she knew he was her ticket inside. He might not have been the enforcer at the time, but he’d been willing to talk about the role within the club. Then when his situation changed, he brought her into his confidence.
He trusted her, so she risked everything and trusted him in return. It was a huge gamble, one she never told her handler. At one point, she was afraid that he’d blown her cover, which was why she’d reached out to ECP. However, Oscar hadn’t outed her; instead, he flipped and became her confidential informant.
Now, they worked together. When Skylar had learned of the kidnapping scheme, she explained to Oscar why it was imperative that she be involved.
“I know these people, if not personally, then professionally. We can’t have them on our bad side. I had agreed to meet with them when I thought my cover had been blown. I knew I couldn’t go back to the agency, not without damning evidence, and I couldn’t stay in the club if I was outed. They were my only option.”
“You really thought I’d turn you in?” Oscar asked one night after they’d finished loving each other’s bodies.
“I think I put you in a difficult situation, and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had.”
“There was a time when I probably would have, but not with the way the club was heading. Drugs and guns, I was okay with, but not human trafficking. People who bought guns and drugs knew the risks. Those taken from their homes, the streets, or while shopping have no choice. Their rights had been taken from them. That’s not who I am. I know what it’s like to be held against my will. When I was locked up, I knew I’d never go back to prison. I’d die before I’d let that happen. I just kept seeing these people feeling the same sort of hopelessness, most likely wishing for death.”
“You’re a good man.”
Oscar scoffed. “If only that was true.”
“I know you are… right here,” Skylar said as she rubbed above his heart.
“That’s because you own that organ… well, a couple of them, but especially that one. You are what’s good in my life.”
Returning to their conversation, she listened as he outlined their backstory, including implicating Roberto in stealing from the club, making it bankrupt.
“No one questioned you for killing him?”
“No. I wouldn’t be surprised if they elect me as the new prez.”
“Really? Would you take it?” she asked, dreading his answer.
“Why wouldn’t I? I could direct us in a different area. I’d get us away from trafficking anything other than drugs and guns. I’d also step back from the tainted MJ. The Feds are too close to finding the source.”
Skylar sat still on his lap. She’d hoped he would leave that life behind, but it sounded like he was going to become more involved. Could she continue loving a man who would choose a criminal lifestyle over her?
In her heart, she knew the answer, but wasn’t ready to say it out loud. Not yet. She had too much to lose.
* * *
Later that day,Byte began what she called housekeeping. It didn’t include vacuuming or dusting. Instead, it was scrubbing all digital evidence of ALIAS’ involvement with the Higgins abduction, all three times. She scrubbed images of Skylar dropping them off, as well following her to a nondescript residence in the Austin suburbs. Byte reckoned it was her safe house, at least one of them. This was confirmed when she saw a Harley pull into the drive and remotely open the garage door.
She knew Skylar was dirty. Byte dragged the video files into the folder she’d created after learning her mother was ATF. While it was unlikely they knew each other, Byte never turned a questioning eye to coincidences. She’d learned to never ignore the obvious.
An email response popped up from Aaron.
“B-
Good news about the Raffertys. Attached are three more names, along with their stories. Pay particular attention to the Edwards. I have a feeling this one will be personal for you. As for your candidate, I like all three, but especially Alyse and Robin. I’ve made arrangements to meet both today. How do you feel about hiring more than one? Robin’s background as an investigator is on target. Although he wasn’t in foster care, he was in the big brother program until his ward died. I believe he’s invested in what we do as well. Let me know if you disagree.
A-”
Byte had full confidence in Aaron’s decision when it came to managing the business. Their symbiotic relationship was important and effective.
A knock on Byte’s door had her closing her laptop before calling out for whoever was there to enter. Since the compound, in particular the apartments, were only accessible by personnel, she knew it was either Ivy, Seven, or Aria.
She was surprised when Kyle called out a greeting, followed quickly by Aria.
“Hey. How did you get here?”
