Chapter 8 #3
“Either way, we need to find him, dead or alive,” Cate said. “The footage might be used to clear my friend, but a real live, supposedly dead husband would be better. He needs to pay for what he’s put Dana through.”
“And for money laundering and potentially murder,” Brandt added.
Another chirp from Draco’s phone had all three of them looking at the phone.
“They’re going to continue to run the facial recognition software over footage attained in the vicinity of that tram stop and see if they find him again.
If they have enough findings, they hope to nail his location or find him somewhere nearby.
They’ll keep us up to date on their progress.
” He pocketed his cell phone and faced both women.
“So, what’s it to be? Are you two joining efforts to find Marcus and take out the man in charge? ”
Brandt met Cate’s gaze. “I could use all the help I can get. I would also like to be in the loop if you hear more information on the whereabouts of Marcus Calloway.”
Cate nodded. “Sharing needs to go both ways.”
Brandt nodded. “Deal.” She held out her hand.
Though she was still not entirely ready to trust the woman, Cate shook her hand. Having a contact on the local police force could prove beneficial.
“Since we’ll be working together, let me formerly introduce you to my...partner, Draco Thornton. He works for an organization called Stealth Operations Specialists. We’re working closely with the Brotherhood Protectors International based here in Zurich.”
Brandt shook Draco’s hand. “I have heard of the Brotherhood. They have a good reputation in Europe.” She dipped her head toward Draco. “Pleasure to meet you.”
The inspector placed a card in Cate’s hand. “My cell phone number. Call me if you hear anything that might relate to this case or if you need my help researching something in Zurich.”
“Thank you, Inspector Brandt,” Cate said.
Brandt turned to Draco. “Be careful. The closer we get to the truth, the more desperate they might become.” She left the room, leaving silence in her wake.
Cate stared at the documents lying on the bed. “Did you want to go over these again?”
“No,” Draco said. “I think we should call it a night. I don’t know about you, but I’m too tired to take it all in. We can start fresh in the morning.”
“And maybe Dmytro and Lucie will have more on Marcus’s whereabouts.
” Cate glanced at the time on her cell phone.
“I wish I could call Dana and let her know they found Marcus alive as of three days ago. But then, we don’t have the full picture.
I don’t want to get her hopes up.” Cate gathered the envelopes.
Draco held the satchel open while she tucked them in with the ledger.
Her fingers brushed against his, sending a spark of warmth throughout her body.
She looked up into his eyes, a rush of longing making her sway toward him.
“How does a man who promised to love, honor and cherish frame his wife for his own murder? What switch flipped inside him to make him such a monster?”
Draco pulled her close and stroked her back. “I don’t know.”
Tired of being alone and even more exhausted from fighting her attraction for the man, Cate pressed her cheek against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Do you trust Inspector Brandt?"
“I think she was telling the truth,” he said. “We can have Dmytro run a query on her account to verify that money went to the charity.” He tipped her chin up and stared down at her, one hand still stroking her back, causing her insides to burn hot.
For him.
He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “Why don’t you get your shower first?”
Her arms tightened around his waist. “Why don’t you come with me?” she whispered.
Draco stiffened, his brow creasing. “Into the shower?”
“No, for a swim in the Limmat.” Her lips twisted.
“Of course I meant in the shower.” She raised her hands to rest on his chest. “Look, I’m not asking for commitment.
You don’t have to say yes. And if you do come with me, it doesn’t have to mean anything.
” Her fingers curled into his shirt. “I just want to be held. To make love. To matter, if only for the night.”
“Cate, I—”
Her throat tightened. “Don’t want to?” She stepped back, her hands still on his chest, her heart thudding hard in her chest. “That’s okay. You’re under no obligation. I just thought... I understand. It’s okay. I’ll just grab my things and be done before you know—”
Draco gripped her shoulders. His mouth came down over hers, cutting off the imbecilic flow of humiliating nonsense. It didn’t shut down the rise of tears in her eyes.
Hard at first, almost punishing, the kiss changed and went deeper until his tongue swept hers up in a sensuous dance.
Cate melted against him, her hands lacing behind his head. She rose onto the balls of her feet, leaning into him, wanting more. Wanting his skin against hers, nothing between them.
The nagging voice in the back of her mind told her it was a mistake.
She didn’t care. Cate desperately wanted him inside her, on top of her, touching every part of her body and reminding her that she was a strong independent woman, capable of making her choices, good or bad. No regrets.
Those would come later.