Page 45 of Seven Deadly Sins

“You’re pouting, Carl.”

He scowled. “I’m the one who makes the decisions. I’m the one who chooses who deserves to die. I don’t fault you for the child you chose. After all, she’ll be fine. But she isn’t the one I told you to take.”

“I have something far grander planned for her. You’ll enjoy it. What do you have against the Stevenson family?”

“My father and his father were business partners. Stevenson stole a large amount of money from the company.” Carl wasn’t one to forgive or forget.

“Make sure to watch the evening news.” She grinned and left his apartment, closing the door firmly behind her.

He drained his glass and went for a refill. Who cared that it wasn’t even nine a.m.? It occurred to him he might be losing his mind.

He supposed he could have saved the target for the sin of lust, but after Lucy took the girl, he’d decided to go ahead with his original plan. He could say one thing about Lucy. She was very creative when disposing of a target.

But it was time for him to regain control. He sent Lucy a text to let him know where and when the deed was done. After all, he needed to let the agent and detective know where to find the next victim they failed to save.

~

Harper paused in the doorway of the living room. Since they’d been closer to her place than the hotel Liam was staying in, he’d crashed on her couch. He lay sprawled out, one leg hanging off the sofa, and one arm over his head. Soft snores emanated from his mouth.

He might not be book cover handsome, but he turned heads. His lean body reminded her of a jungle cat. He moved with a slow, determined purpose. Lips a little too full, a square jaw, hazel eyes that could look right though a person, and inky hair. Yes, the man was handsome enough. She sighed and headed for the kitchen to start the coffee.

While she might not want him to leave, she didn’t want a relationship either. Relationships complicated things.

Seconds after the coffee percolated, Liam entered the kitchen. “Now, that’s the way a man likes to wake up. Well, second best way.” He tossed her a wink. “You look cute with your hair all mussed from sleep.” He poured a cup and leaned against the counter. “Has anyone told you that you look far too young and innocent to be a detective?”

“All the time.” And she hated being reminded she didn’t look her age or look tough enough to bring down a bad guy. She could do the job as well, if not better, than a man. She might not look like a detective, but Liam looked every bit an FBI agent.

“You did good in that escape room. I know it started off as geared toward a child’s birthday party, but if we hadn’t figured things out, one or both of us might not be standing here.”

She nodded. “And the girl is safe. That doesn’t seem like his MO, does it?”

“Not really, but I think the escape room was set up by the assassin. The man behind her doesn’t seem to be calling the shots anymore. The escape room isn’t something he’d do.”

“I agree. Before, the people were killed and humiliated in death.” She poured creamer into her coffee. “Do you think the assassin is taking over? Could she have the same vision?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Sure wish I did. Thanks for letting me crash here last night.”

“I have a guest room, Liam. There’s no need for you to stay at the hotel. No need for us to waste time with me picking you up.” What was she thinking? She’d wake up to him every morning.

“That’s great. Thanks. We can stop by and get my things before heading to the office.” He saluted her with his coffee. “Will be more comfortable than sleeping in the clothes I wore all day.”

“Let me get dressed, and we’ll go by the hotel so you can shower and get your things.” She carried her coffee with her to her room and donned one of her suits. Hair back, minimal makeup, gun, handcuffs, and taser completed the look.

She stared at her reflection. Liam was right. She didn’t look like a detective, but she was one, and a very good one, too.

Liam jumped up from his seat at the kitchen table when she set her cup in the sink. “Thanks again for the offer.”

“No problem. It only makes sense. We don’t know how long this is going to go on.” They were only on the second sin as far as they knew. Five more could stretch on for quite a while.

At Liam’s hotel room, she glanced around as he showered. He kept the room neat. Clothes hung in the tiny closet or folded in drawers. A paperback crime novel on the nightstand next to a tube of ChapStick. Deodorant, cologne, toothpaste, and a toothbrush lined up on the counter outside the small room containing the shower and toilet.

She smiled. The chief’s office looked like a disaster zone compared to this room.

A shirtless Liam exited the bathroom and headed for the closet. Muscles rippled as he reached for a shirt.

She tore her gaze away. “I’ll be outside.” She rushed from the room and took deep breaths to steady herself. Seeing him half-clothed didn’t do much for her resolve of not getting involved.

~

---