Page 107 of Illicit

He lowers his voice as if someone is eavesdropping when I know that’s not the case. He’s probably on one of the most secure lines in the country. “I’m the CIA, Roc. If you don’t tell me, I can find out. But since you’re trying to get an elderly man out of a Nigerian prison, I have better things to do with my time. You know I’m a softy at heart. The Hayes man is as old as my dad when he died. Now that I’ve figured out the big picture, I want to get that man home to his family.”

“What’s the big picture?” I demand.

“Tit for tat.”

“Is this what it was like when the rest of the guys worked with you? I’m tired, Cole. I haven’t even been back in Miami for twenty-four hours. Tim’s oldest daughter went into labor last night. We’ve been at the hospital, and I haven’t slept in over a day.”

“No shit? How did I not know Tim was going to be a grandpa. Boy or girl?”

“Girl. It got dicey, but everyone is okay.”

“A girl.” I hear a smile on his face. “That’s great. I’ll tell Bella, and we’ll send something.”

“Can we get back to Heath Hayes?”

“Jules Robichaux,” Cole states. “That guy is a slimy fucker. I had to have Bella dig deep on him so I didn’t throw any red flags poking around within our borders. He’s connected all over Africa. The bigger organization I uncovered has multiple Robichauxs all over the US, and the Hayes man is one of many. And when I say many, the number is not insignificant. There, I gave you something. I want to know how the DEA found Heath Hayes. He didn’t once come into contact with anyone you work with while he was still in the US.”

“Robichaux’s name popped up on multiple cases for the last year, but he was careful—until he had an unusual meeting in public. I got wind of when and where it was going to take place on a wire and was able to sit and listen in public without a warrant.” I pause, recounting the big event that finally got me to this point with Teagan. “But I wasn’t the only one undercover that day. There was a woman who was working with the Hayes family to get him home.” I pause before adding. “An investigative journalist. She’d already done the work on Robichaux. I took it from there because they were targeting her in a way that was not good.”

“A female investigative journalist,” he drawls. “And one who’s not afraid to meet someone like Robichaux. That is fan-fucking-tastic. And when you hear just how big this is … well, let’s just say I had a figurative orgasm. I want to meet this journalist. You know how I feel about a badass woman. I’ll be in Miami tomorrow. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen the gang. Everything is arranged.”

“Wait,” I say, wondering how I’m going to keep Teagan’s name out of this. “She’s a journalist. I’m not sure she wants her name out there.”

“I’m the CIA, Roc. Do you think I’m going to rat her out to the bad guys?”

Shit. “I’ll talk to her. See what she says.”

“No offense, but if she’s willing to work with the DEA, she’ll wet herself over me.”

“I know for a fucking fact that won’t happen,” I bite.

“Whoa. Do I sense a bit of possessive jealousy in your tone? Would this woman be your woman?”

“It’s complicated, Cole. Really fucking complicated at the moment. I’m not going to make her meet with the CIA if she doesn’t want to.”

“Not to worry. I will make sure the CIA protects your journalist-lover’s identity. I’ll call Tim and set the whole thing up. I know he’s got the new grandbaby, but when he hears what you’ve done with this case, he’ll think he’s died and gone to heaven.”

I’m not afraid to tell Tim that I’m falling in love with his youngest daughter.

I am, though, not excited to tell him that Teagan met undercover with someone like Robichaux. Not only that, but that I took her back in myself.

“Like I said,” I go on. “I’ll have to check with her?—”

“It’s all set.” Cole Carson proceeds to take over the situation. “I’m booking my flight now. Man, it’s like a family reunion. Get some beauty sleep, Roc. You’re going to need it.”

And with that, he hangs up on me.

“Dammit,” I mutter to no one but myself.

Of all the ways this could have played out, this is not the script I would have chosen.

Wait until Teagan hears about this.

Teagan

It’s official.

I’m in love.

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