Chapter Twenty-Three
“I have a confession,” Jag said. They were stretched out naked on the bed, a sheet thrown over their bodies. “I haven’t slept with anyone since you either.”
She lifted her chin, her gaze narrowed on him. “You haven’t?”
“Why does that shock you so much?”
“You must have known it would, because you called it a confession.”
She got him there. “You ruined me for everyone else.”
Her mouth quirked at the corners, and she playfully pinched him. “I like the sound of that, but really, why?”
He shrugged. “I needed to work on myself.”
She cuddled closer. “Was it worth the wait?”
“Well worth it.” He pulled her closer.
A knock on the door brought them both up on the bed.
“Are you expecting someone?” she asked.
“No, at least not tonight.”
“What do you mean, not tonight?”
He pushed up, grabbed a pair of jeans from his drawer, and pulled them on. “I called Mateo and told him where we’d be.”
“You did what?” she whispered but it was as powerful as a scream.
“He needed to be brought in on this so we didn’t put him in danger.” He looked through the slats of the blind. “Mateo is here,” he mouthed.
“Shit!” she mouthed back.
She jumped off the bed, swiped up her clothing, and raced for the bathroom.
A more urgent knock came on the door.
Dragging open the door, Jag was met with an angry-looking Mateo. “There better be a good reason why you brought my sister back here.”
*****
Mercy stepped out of the bathroom and saw Mateo. His eyes were narrowed.
“I made Jag bring me here, or I would have come alone,” she said to Mateo, making things clear.
“I made the rules clear. You were to stay at Storm Pass until I gave you the clear.”
She was tired of being told what to do as if she couldn’t make her own decisions. “Well, I decided it was time I came home. Be grateful that Jag called you and told you because I wouldn’t have said a word.”
“Neither of you is on my good side right now.”
“That’s fine. But you need to hear what I have to say. My business is on the line, and it means a great deal to me.”
After she explained her suspicions about Howie, while Mateo listened intently, he seemed to soak in her theory. “You could be onto something, but why come back here?”
She pulled her legs up into the seat. She couldn’t sit on the bed where she and Jag had just had sex before Mateo arrived.
“I’m going to speak to him.”
Mateo laughed. “For someone so brave, you don’t know how criminals act.”
“This involves me too. It’s time you stop looking at me like a child.”
“Do you agree?” Mateo looked at Jag.
“I think she’s right on this one. What she’s not telling you is the near accident back in Shades Cove. Sometimes you should turn the tables and be the hunter and not the hunted.”
Mercy felt a warmth spread through her. Jag was on her side.
“What are you not telling me?” Mateo’s narrowed gaze landed on her.
Clearing her throat, she explained the incident.
She could see the concern etching lines around his mouth.
“I understand you have your suspicions, but what makes you think Howie will cooperate and answer your questions?” Some understanding entered Mateo’s expression.
“He and I have worked together, side by side. I don’t know why he’d get involved with Cross, but I want to hear him out and give him a chance to make things right,” she said. “He might be the greatest asset in bringing Cross to justice.”
“You think that if Howie is involved with Cross, you can save him?” Mateo looked doubtful.
“I know Howie. I don’t want to believe that he’s involved, but if he is there must be a reason. I’ve seen his caring side. He loves his wife and children. I know how to reach him.” As she said the words, doubt weakened her mindset.
“I think she has her mind made up. If that’s the case, then I’ll make it clear that you’re not going alone,” Jag said.
Mateo shifted his gaze onto Jag but didn’t say anything.
“And we have the chip. That alone should be enough to put Cross behind bars,” Mercy said confidently.
Mateo’s brows scrunched. “Mercy, there’s something I haven’t told you. The data on the chip is useless.”
“What do you mean? I saw all the data being downloaded.”
“You saw files, yes, but you didn’t see that you were downloading invoices for his club. All legal business dealings.”
Mercy blinked as she absorbed the information. “He knew I was after his files. Only Howie could have warned him.”
“You’re probably right,” Jag said. “Mateo, I think we should give Mercy a chance to speak to Howie. You’ve been spinning your wheels with this case for a while, and it seems like Cross is always one step ahead of the game. If Howie knows something, anything, which I believe he does, this could be the only way you’re going to nail that bastard.”
Mateo nodded. “I see your point, but just because you feel you know Howie doesn’t mean you do. If he’s affiliated with Cross, then he’s dangerous. Point blank.”
“I understand. But you and Jag can go with me, but allow me to take the lead.”
Mateo stood. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning and we’ll go see him. In the meantime, don’t do anything to get yourself into trouble,” he said pointedly to Mercy.
“I’m only going to sleep.” She didn’t dare look at Jag because Mateo would have read her expression.