Jordan Summers (13 page)

“I know what I said. That does not change the fact that you slept with this man and gave him classified information. What were you thinking? Must I remind you of protocol?”

“It couldn’t be avoided. Jack was already suspicious after he caught me coming out of his office this morning. He gave me an ultimatum. I did what was best for the case. It was strictly a business decision.”

McMillan stared at her intently. Slowly he asked, “What’s really going on here, Delaney? You know I think of you like a second daughter.”

“I know, sir,” she said, wincing at his admission.

“This could cost you your promotion. Your job. This is so out of character for you that I have to ask. Do you care for this man?”

Delaney felt heat rise, engulf her ears, then radiate out through the top of her head. “No,” she croaked. “I don’t care about him.” Her heart clenched in protest. “How could you ask such a thing?”

“It’s not only me who wants to know. Anderson specifically phoned to find out what you uncovered.”

“Great.” She sighed.

McMillan’s shoulders relaxed. “It isn’t a problem if you do care for him. As far as we can tell, Jack Gordon’s still clean. I haven’t found a connection yet that would tie him to Elaine. He appears to be legit, unless you’ve uncovered new evidence to the contrary.”

Her mind instantly flashed to the plane and Jack’s carry-on luggage. “I—I…” she stuttered, then her shoulders slumped. “No.”

“I didn’t think so. That news disappointed the hell out of Anderson, but what doesn’t these days?” He chortled, then quickly sobered. “You’ll have to be on top of your game. You cannot be distracted. Tell me now whether you think we can proceed as scheduled.”

“I believe we can. Do you want me to notify the airline or would you like to?”

“Notify the airline?” he asked, clearly confused.

“Since Jack already knows who I am, I didn’t think there was a reason to continue with the charade.”

“You’ll stay undercover until this case is over. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

McMillan closed his eyes and scrubbed his beefy hands over his shaven face. “Your father will never forgive me for this one, especially if anything happens to you. He’s already had one daughter injured. I don’t think he could handle another. Here, I thought I was doing him a favor, as one war buddy to another.”

“It has nothing to do with my past,” she lied. Delaney stiffened at the mention of her dad. “And nothing to do with my father, either. I made my own decisions.” Things had gotten out of hand momentarily, but now the assignment was back on track. That was all that was important.

He frowned, then made a few calls, leaving her to wrestle with her thoughts.

“Against my better judgment, Special-Agent-in-Charge Anderson has agreed to meet Gordon’s demands. He’s hoping that if we give Jack enough rope, he’ll hang himself,” he said, putting down the phone receiver.

Delaney steeled her expression so McMillan couldn’t see how much his words were affecting her.

“I hope you know what you’re doing. At sea would be a hell of a time to find out that you were wrong about Gordon. We won’t be able to watch you aboard his boat. Rico would spot a helicopter hovering around. We’ll have a boat on standby, but it won’t be close by. If anything happened, we would be too late to save you.” He sat in silence, letting his last statement sink in.

“I understand, but I think we’ll have to take a chance and trust Jack.” And they weren’t the only ones. She was, too. “I’m not sure what he’s up to financially. There are still a few questions I need answered, but I don’t think they’ll come until after the shipment arrives.”

“And?”

“I can see no way to proceed until I meet with Rico and see if he knows anything about the incoming weapons. We’re down to the wire, chief and you know it. I know we’re taking a big chance by contacting Rico without definitive intel that he has the information that we need, but what choice do we have?”

“I still don’t like it,” McMillan grumbled.

Delaney rose, then took a shaky breath before she answered. “I’m aware of that, sir. The plan is far from ideal, but with the deadline we’re working against, I see no other option.”

“You cannot get emotionally entangled—until this case closes.”

She tensed. “I’m not. It was a temporary lack of judgment and it won’t happen again.”

His brow rose. Without a word, McMillan flicked a button to bring up the frozen picture of Jack and Delaney on the video screen. “Lack of judgment? Is that what you call what you’re doing here?”

“No.” Her jaw clenched. “I call that doing my job, sir.”

J
ACK SLIPPED THE KEY
into the front door of his house. It had been a long afternoon, but he’d managed to successfully place part of his art collection with the famous Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. He crossed the threshold and went directly to punch in the code to the silent alarm.

As his fingers neared the pad, he noticed it was disarmed. Jack tensed, and his hand slipped fluidly to the small of his back where he grasped the handle of his Glock. He was about to pull the weapon when a familiar feminine voice called out.

“Rough day at the office, dear.”

Jack’s muscles eased and he released his gun, then turned to face Delaney. She was lounging barefoot on his couch with a magazine propped on her stomach, looking like the Queen of Sheba. Her sweet brown eyes sparkled with mischief. Jack decided she was the most adorable thing he’d ever seen. He clamped down on the urge to cross the room and pull her into his arms. Instead, he glanced at his watch. “You’re early. I didn’t expect you until this evening.”

“What can I say? I couldn’t stand to be away from you that long.”

He snorted. “I bet. How did you get past my security?”

“You’d be amazed at what I’ve learned how to do over the years.”

“Oh, really?” He reached into his pocket, plucking his cell phone out, and began to dial.

“Who are you phoning?”

“My security company.”

Delaney frowned. “Why?”

Jack smiled, but didn’t answer her. “This is Mr. Gordon. Starting next week, your services will no longer be needed.” He pressed a button, disconnecting the call.

Her mouth dropped open. “Why did you fire them?”

He laughed. “Because they aren’t doing the job I paid them for. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Sure.”

“White or red?” he asked, heading to the minibar.

“Red.”

Jack returned carrying two glasses of wine and handed one to Delaney. She’d pulled her brown hair back, leaving her face and soft eyes visible. He longed to touch her, but first he wanted to find out why she was here. There was something different about her, a newfound confidence that he hadn’t detected before. The duality of her nature made him slightly uneasy. Had she been able to meet his demands? He almost hoped not. He didn’t want Delaney to get hurt.

“What did your boss say?” he asked, raising the glass to his lips. The wine burned as he swallowed. Delaney mirrored his actions, wetting her lips with the garnet liquid. Jack wanted so bad to lick the lingering moisture off. He took a step back to put some distance between them.

Delaney smiled knowingly. “He’s agreed to meet your terms if you can get us in contact with David Rico.”

“I put out the word to my friends in California that I was looking for a buyer for my boat. I made sure that they’d contact Rico’s people. Did you get the word out about me doing a deal?”

She set the wineglass down on the coffee table. “I personally sent out the information before I left the office.”

“How long do you think it’ll take to reach L.A.?” he asked, sitting in his overstuffed chair.

“With the Internet, not long.”

Jack nodded. It sounded as if they’d covered all their bases could for now. All that was left to do was wait and see if Rico took the bait. Jack’s gaze drank in Delaney, from her small painted toes to her lovely rich hair. “Have you eaten?” he asked, suddenly famished.

She shook her head. “I can’t stay long.”

He frowned. “What do you mean you can’t stay? I thought we agreed that you’d play the role of my girlfriend until this assignment ended.”

She laughed. “I did, but since Rico hasn’t contacted you, I doubt very much he’ll be watching tonight.” She had him and she knew it.

“And your point is?”

Delaney grinned mischievously. “That there’s no need for me to spend the night.”

Jack rose before he knew what he was doing. He crossed the distance separating them and grabbed Delaney by the upper arms, pulling her to her feet. The second her toes touched the ground, his lips were on her. Heat seared his gut as he devoured her mouth, coaxing her to open for him. Delaney didn’t disappoint. Their tongues clashed, battling and twisting like a serpent mating dance.

His hands fisted her shirt, wanting—no, needing—to get closer. Delaney stopped him before he could remove it. He tore his mouth away, his breath staggering in his chest. “I want you so bad.”

D
ELANEY WANTED HIM
,
too, but she wouldn’t allow herself to get caught up in the moment again. The last time had landed her on video. She’d come here to tell him what McMillan had agreed upon and planned to leave right afterward. She needed to get home and pack in case Rico called and they had to catch a flight out to L.A.

“I can’t stay,” she repeated, trying to get her feet to cooperate.

Jack licked his bottom lip as if savoring her taste. The hard ridge of his erection pressed into her. His blue gaze swept her with such heat and hunger it almost took her breath away.

“If you’re done torturing me, the least you can do is stay for dinner.”

Delaney opened her mouth to answer when the phone rang.

“Excuse me,” Jack said, then reached for his cell.

Delaney picked up her wine. She thought to leave the room to give Jack some privacy, but realized who was on the other line.

“Sure, I can meet him there tomorrow at…” He glanced at Delaney.

She shrugged, then mouthed eleven thirty.

“Eleven thirty,” Jack relayed to the caller. “Good, I’ll be there.” He disconnected.

“That was David Rico, wasn’t it?” she asked, approaching.

Jack shook his head. “No, it was his people. Rico doesn’t make personal phone calls unless he deems them important.”

“I guess buying a boat doesn’t exactly fall in that category.”

Jack smiled. “No, it doesn’t.” He brushed his fingers over her face.

“So we’re meeting him tomorrow? Where?” she asked, knowing she’d have to phone McMillan and fill him in on the latest. She also needed to pack, since they’d be going back to California.

“My boat’s docked at Marina Del Rey. We’ll have to catch a flight to Los Angeles first thing in the morning.” He stepped closer. “You could always spend the night so we could practice the whole boyfriend-girlfriend thing.”

“As tempting as that is, I’d better go.”

“I thought we’d agreed upon dinner,” he said, sounding decidedly put out.

“Actually, I don’t remember agreeing to anything.” Delaney reached up and kissed him on the chin. “See you in the morning Jack. Sleep tight.”

She heard grumbles as she reached the heavy wooden door, then a very clear voice said, “You won’t get away so easily tomorrow.” Delaney hid her smile and stepped out into the warm desert air.

D
ELANEY STOOD
as the plane leveled out. She wanted to grab drinks before Jeremy started his service. It felt wrong to make him wait on her and Jack. Her heart bounced with each air pocket. Nothing in the world could convince her that this mode of transportation was safe. Screw the statistics.

Jack sat in his first-class seat, watching her every move. His “I’m here for you if you need me” expression did strange things to her insides while lending her quiet strength. She gave him one last look before she stepped into the galley.

She hadn’t slept much the previous night thanks to thoughts of Jack and the upcoming meet with David Rico.

“I see you’re traveling with Mr. Yummy,” Jeremy said from beside her.

Delaney glanced over her shoulder and shot him a look that she hoped said “back off.” She was tired and she hadn’t had her daily rationing of coffee yet.

“Don’t shoot that attitude at me, girlfriend. I’m not the one who stayed up having monkey sex last night. Although I wish I had.”

“We didn’t have monkey sex…last night.”

“But you did sleep with him.”

She blushed. “How did you know?”

He grinned. “You just admitted it. Besides, Mr. Yummy hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you boarded the plane.” Jeremy inched closer. “Tell me, is he as good as he looks?”

“A girl never tells.”

“Oh, please, you know I have to live vicariously through you, since you won’t let me touch.”

She laughed. “You’re unbelievable.”

“So I’ve been told.” He pretended to buff his nails on his shirt. “Now come on. Do tell. I’d share the details if I’d rolled him in the sack.”

Delaney glanced around the galley wall in Jack’s direction. He winked at her.

Jeremy cleared his throat to remind her that he was still there.

Delaney started, then turned to beam at him. “He’s better.”

“Oh, girl, I knew it,” he said with dramatic flair, then sauntered off, repeating “I knew it” under his breath.

She grabbed the two cups of coffee she’d poured and returned to her seat.

T
HE PLANE TOUCHED DOWN
right on time. Delaney reached for her suitcase, but Jack got there first. “I’ll get these and wait for you at the top of the jetway,” he said, nodding toward Jeremy and Barbie, who were motioning to Delaney. A third flight attendant she’d never seen before brought up the rear.

“Thanks,” she said.

The flight attendants pulled their bags behind them, making their way up the aisle.

Jeremy stopped when he reached her. “Even though you didn’t work this one with us, I just love flying with you. Your trips are much shorter. The company must be trying something new with the probies. When I started, they flew us like dogs.”

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to the minimized schedule, Romeo. I’m not sure I’m cut out for this job.”

He made a face. “It takes a while, but once you do, the job’s not so bad.”

“I don’t know,” Delaney said, shaking her head.

“Is it us? Sometimes the training flight attendants can be rough on the newbies. We’ve tried to lighten your load.”

Delaney laughed. “It’s not you guys, if anything I’ve been difficult.” She wanted so bad to tell them the truth. They deserved that much, but she couldn’t. Not yet anyway. “Well, I’d better scoot. Mr. Yummy is waiting.” She winked at Jeremy.

“Sure, rub it in.”

Jack took quick glances at his watch. “We don’t have much time,” he said, wheeling the bags expertly through Los Angeles International Airport. “We’ll have to go straight there from here.”

“Shouldn’t I change clothes?” she asked, glancing down at her jeans.

“It would be better if you were in your uniform, but it really doesn’t matter. I can always tell him that you’re a stewardess.”

“Flight attendant,” she corrected without thought.

He looked over his shoulder. “My apologies, flight attendant.”

Delaney glared mockingly. Jack didn’t look sorry. He never looked sorry. She kicked the back of her bag and his footsteps faltered. He narrowed his eyes and grinned. Delaney looked at the wall as if nothing happened. Immature, yes, but it made her feel better.

“I’ll get you back later.” The promise in his voice turned her to mush. They were about to face someone who possibly held the key to a potential threat to the nation’s security and here she was flirting.

She’d gone from rigidly detached while on the job to neck-deep involvement. The agents she’d worked with in the past would be shocked that the Ice Queen had finally melted.

Jack rented a car at the airport and drove in silence to Marina Del Rey, a quiet suburb of Los Angeles. Homes ranging from 1960s bungalows to modern architectural show pieces lined the beach in a hiccup fashion, all trying to capitalize on the stunning Pacific Ocean views.

A paved walkway split the sandy beach like an unruly hair part, giving the residents and visitors a place to partake in outdoor recreation year-round. Delaney watched as two people on Rollerblades barely missed a man walking his Pomeranian.

Jack’s boat was parked in one of the far slips of a substantial marina. Delaney followed him down the wood planked dock, keeping an eye on her surroundings. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Jack—she did, but the lack of backup made her nervous. To make matters worse, she couldn’t bring her gun, which meant she had to rely on Jack and her own quick thinking if things went south.

“Here she is,” Jack said, turning to grin at Delaney.

She looked at his craft and gaped. “This is your modest-sized boat?”

“I never lie about size.” He chuckled wagging his eyebrows. “Besides, forty-three feet is modest in certain circles.”

Delaney was agog. Boys and their toys. No wonder David Rico was interested in Jack’s boat. It was magnificent in a completely over-the-top way and obviously made for gliding across the waves. “How fast does it go?” she asked.

“A Scarab can reach over eighty miles an hour.”

She stared at the boat, then at the ocean’s calm waters. At eighty miles an hour, the hull would be like a rock skipping over the surface. “What time is Rico due here?” she asked, nervously.

Jack’s expression sobered. “I told him to meet us.” He glanced at his watch. “In about thirty minutes.”

“At least we have some time to mentally and physically prepare,” she said.

“Let’s hope we don’t need it.”