Chapter 18
[Hunter]
My shoulders ache. I’m too tired to be at work, but I need to keep up appearances.
The raid last night was successful. Millions of dollars of contraband were seized at the harbor because of our efforts, putting a
squeeze on the local black market.
But then after making a few arrests and making sure the evidence was properly locked away for the evening, I still had to make an
appearance at the club. I needed a steel–clad alibi, so I switched with my double at the gym, took a shower, and reappeared in the
lobby, looking as if I had finished a very good workout.
Which of course I did, just not in the way anyone knows.
And of course, being Hunter Grant, I had to go out to the top dance club in the city, The Rooftop Revue, which I started as soon as
I moved back into town. I have a solid reputation as a playboy that I need to maintain. It also provides the perfect cover for
reconnaissance.
If the mobsters think you’re just as dirty as they are, they’ll open up.
Last night my connections were fairly open with their information. Reggie was working one side of the room, speaking with the
dons during a game of poker while I sat on a large white couch surrounded by their girlfriends and sisters. Yeah, I realize now I
was playing with fire. But again, I have a reputation to uphold a reputation that allows me to speak with people I wouldn’t be able
to get near if they knew I was a federal agent.
After a few flirtations and promises for future liaisons I have no intention of keeping, I was able to gather new information about
the recent upshoot in human trafficking cases. There’s a new kingpin in town. Nobody knows his name, but everyone feels his
influence.
The mob situation in New York is starting to get out of hand. I’ve barely managed to staunch the flow of new talent coming into the city ready to make a quick buck at a dirty deed. Until my crew and I get a handle on it, nobody will be safe.
Including Addison Stone. I just met her, but I feel a need to keep her safe. Something tells me that her husband is in over his head.
For her sake, it would be better if she could get as far away from him as possible.
“Hunter,” Reggie pokes his head into my office holding a thick report in his hand. “Sorry to disturb you, but I have the report you
requested.”
I wave him into the office, eager to see what he has found on the Stone family. Especially regarding their investments. 500
million dollars doesn’t disappear accidentally—which means, of course, that it wasn’t an accident at all.
“You were right,” Reggie confirms. “There is some money laundering along with some gambling and bad investments.
I pull out a page with a picture of a young woman who at first I think is Addison, until I look closer. “Evelyn Valentine.”
1/3
Chapter 13
“His mistress,” Reggle raises his eyebrow. “It seems Mr. Stone has a type.”
From her bright blond hair to her startling blue eyes, she looks so much like Addison that you’d think the w e siste
“Valentine?” The name sounds familiar but I can’t quite place it. “Where do I know her from?”
“Nowhere that I can find,” Reggie shrugs as he pulls out another folder, this one a bit smaller. “I looked into her back
well. She’s just a schoolteacher although she also seems to have a loose coincidental connection to the DeBrassy famil
The DeBrassy family has been a big part of the overseas human trafficking and drug scene for decades. “How?”
“Ms. Valentine was hired as a tutor–slash–nanny about five years ago.,” he explains. “She moved overseas to serve thei
but there is no indication that she knew they were anything other than just another wealthy family with connections in
I nod. Of course, as the children’s caretaker, she’d be as clueless as any other nanny for a big house. Many mobsters keep
childcare workers in their homes that are completely oblivious to the underground workings of the families they serve. E
current nanny for Livy has no idea about what I do when I’m not at the office.
“Have someone keep an eye on Mrs. Stone. I don’t believe in coincidences. For all we know she was planted in my path—e
she is ignorant of it.”
Reggie nods. “I understand, but Hunter,” he places a hand on my shoulder, “Do you think she actually has anything to do w any of her husband’s dealings? I can’t imagine she’d be okay with any of this. She doesn’t seem to be the type.”
My instincts say that she’s innocent, but I’ve been wrong in the past.
“It doesn’t hurt to check every possible avenue,” I close the file and place it in my drawer, locking it securely away. “Our worl
too important for us to take unnecessary risks.”
“Of course,” Reggie bows slightly. “If there is anything else I can do, let me know.”
Taking a deep breath, I remember Addy’s kind smile as she refused my offer in the hospital. Even after I offered her more, she
still refused me.
If she wanted to get close to me, wouldn’t she have jumped at the chance?
If she isn’t a player in this game, that means she’s a pawn.
But who is the one moving the pieces?
There is no way that Addison is a spy. Which means I need to find a way to convince her to come with me. After seeing this report, I see that there is no better option.
Besides, if something were to happen to her, Livy would never forgive me.
“Hey Reggie,” I call out as he opens the door.
Adjusting his glasses he turns to face me with a tiny grin, his eyes twinkling. “Hunter?”
2/3
Chapter 18
“Have someone ready one of the company cars,” I request simply. “I want to go for a drive.”
“Of course,” Reggie smiles in understanding. “I’ll tell them to ready the BMW. Oh, and Hunter…”
I look to see my best friend grinning mischievously, hiding his laughter as he wipes his glasses clean.
“Good luck,” he shakes his head as he gently closes the door behind him.
