Cole’s Redemption (24 page)

Simon King strolled inside and faced him, wearing a grin. “I changed clothes, and
nobody saw me come here. It’s not like she got a good look at me anyhow.”

Gray rolled his eyes. “She knows something is off, you idiot. Once she calmed down
and had time to pull herself together, she said you were too articulate and you smelled
good. And it didn’t escape her notice that you weren’t armed.”

The cocky grin slid off his face. Good.

“Shit. I didn’t expect her to be so aware of those kinds of details. Most women wouldn’t
be when they’re so scared.”

“Anna’s not most women, Simon.” Gray sighed.

“Yeah? Well, at least we accomplished our goal,” his partner pointed out. “You got
invited into the lioness’s den. The question is, did you get a free pass to go back?”

“Most likely. She’s a tough one, but I think this was the edge I needed.”

Simon considered that. Thankfully, he didn’t mention just how far Gray might still
have to go to capture their prey. “Did you get the trace put on her cell phone?” he
asked instead.

“Yeah. I’ll get the rest in place next time I go over there.”

“Which will be when?”

“Hopefully tomorrow.”

“It would be quicker if you just broke in and did the job.”

“And more risky, too, in a building like this with all the apartment doors facing
the hallway and no access from the outside. No, being invited in is a much better
scenario.”

“All right. It’s your call.” Simon paused. “Who do you like for this, partner? Honestly?”

Gray rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s the million-dollar question.”

And that’s why he and his partner were on this case, and why Gray had infiltrated
the staff of Floor Fifty-Five. Several of Anna’s employees were running drugs, using
the restaurant as a cover and base of operations. His job was to learn the names of
everyone involved, how and where they were hiding the drugs—and whether Anna was in
on the scheme.

Lowering himself into an easy chair, he answered, “I’m the low man there, so working
my way into confidences is proving harder than I expected.”

“Whoever’s behind this is mob-connected, my friend. They’re going to be suspicious
of anyone new and it will take too long to earn their trust, so forget making buddies.
Just find the evidence and get out.”

“I have to tell you, my gut says Anna’s not involved.”

“You sure that’s not your dick doing the talking?”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Gray laughed. “Not at all.”

“That’s what I figured.” His partner shook his head. “Be careful, okay?”

“I wouldn’t be anything less.”

But after Simon left, he couldn’t help but think
careful
wasn’t going to be a word that applied at all where Anna was concerned.