Page 47 of Risky Passion

“Holy hell,” Cooper said, his voice quieter now, but no less dangerous. “It is Alice Turnur, isn’t it?”

“She’s not anit, you fucker.”

He released a cocky laugh. “And it seems like she meant a lot to you. Bet Parker would love to know about this Alice Turnur, the missing woman. That’d be a cold case he’d kill to tickoff his list.”

“Fuck you, Cooper. Just remember who you’re talking to.”

“Well, that’s just it, isn’t it, B?” His voice dropped, low and pointed. “I don’t know who you are. But with this little tidbit, I reckon I could piece a link together.”

As I drummed my fingers against the table, I stared at the screen, my jaw grinding harder with each passing second. Blade hovered over Grant, checking his pulse. Grant’s head lolled to the side, and his pale face turned toward the camera.

He was still out cold. Pity, it would have been nice for him to see how his life ended.

The stumps where his legs used to be were dark with dried blood.

Maya moved like a shadow through the warehouse, her weapon sweeping left and right. Where the fuck was Cobra? My plan hinged on all of them being inside. Every one of those bastards deserved to burn.

Viper shifted his focus, stepping closer to study something near Grant.

Shit, has he seen my cables?

“B!” Cooper barked, dragging my attention back to the call. “Are you listening to me?”

“I’m listening.”

“Good. Then you heard what I said. I want more money,” he snapped.

On my iPad screen, Aria was still outside, pacing near the front door like a nervous animal. My grip on the detonation device tightened.

If she didn’t go in the warehouse soon, I would have to . . .. No. Patience.

“We had a deal, Cooper,” I said, forcing calm into my voice.

“Well, the deal’s changed,” Cooper shot back. “I’m always risking my ass for you. And what do I get in return?”

“You get paid, that’s what.”

“Yeah, well, I want more.”

I clenched my jaw, my teeth grinding so hard it felt like they would shatter. “You already get paid more than you’re worth.”

You slimy fucker.

“You think so?” His tone grated on my nerves. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re pretty desperate. Alice Turnur, huh? You’ve got alot of skeletons, B. Might be worth my while to start digging a little deeper.”

My vision blurred with rage. I was going to watch the life drain out of his smug face. Slowly. Painfully. My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists so hard it felt like my skin might split.

On the screen, Cobra finally appeared, striding toward Aria with his gun held low, his gaze sweeping the ocean beyond the old wharf. Smart bastard. He was expecting an attack from the water. Too bad for him, the real danger was right under his feet.

“B! Did you hear me?” Cooper barked.

“How much?” I demanded, my voice tight but steady. I couldn’t let the fury boiling under my skin bleed through. If I caved too quickly, Cooper would smell the desperation.

“Another fifty grand. Cash. Delivered by tomorrow.”

Fifty grand? I could burn that much in an afternoon and not even notice, but giving it to Cooper and letting him think he could squeeze me for more was like swallowing broken glass. My hand hovered over the detonation device as Cobra reached Aria.

The pair stopped at the warehouse entrance, their heads low as they peered inside. Fucking finally.

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