Page 23 of Jacqueline's Quest

“Or the man can play the system well,” Thomas muttered.

The front door of the mansion opened, and Luca appeared, holding a martini glass. He wore a monochrome suit, grey on black. The first four buttons of the silk shirt were left undone, giving them a glimpse of his tanned-ginger toned skin. He had perfectly quaffed raven-black hair and piercing hazel-green eyes. He carried himself with a superiority Murray had seen over the years. Yeah, he understood why Tex put him undercover in Mexico. He could be a cartel leader. It also made the unease wiggling through his stomach worse.

Maybe AJ had a point. They’d have to stay on their toes with him.

AJ popped open the passenger door when Murray exited the vehicle and started for the back of the vehicle so they could retrieve their things. AJ was already there grabbing gear and taking it out. Her movements were jerking and a bit nervous. Whatever happened on that mission, the parts she didn’t talk about, disturbed her. He understood. There were missions he’d felt the same way. Puerto Nariño, Colombia, being the freshest in his memories. The things Senator Lincoln had done to those innocent people would haunt Murray for the rest of his life. So, he could understand her fear when it came to Luca. The man helped free those women and children. Murray would have probably lost his mind if he'd been put in the same situation and he'd try to exact vengeance on their behalf too. When put into those situations, it does something to a person.

“Beneventos,” Luca said in greeting, his Spanish accent a little too thick. “Mi casa es su casa.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear Luca is a Sicario.” AJ rolled her shoulders as she stood there. “I don’t think, even though he’s CIA, he holds allegiance to anyone.”

“I’ll take your assessment under advisement. I appreciate the information.” Thomas grabbed one of the cases.

“You’re welcome.”

Murray climbed the stairs in front of them, taking the lead. As Thomas said, they'd take AJ's assessment under advisement. He stopped in front of Luca and held out his hand. "You know how to make a first impression, don't you?"

Luca smirked, the corner of his mouth lifted in such a way, his attitude took on a devil may care flare. “First impressions can make or break a situation, no?”

Murray grunted. “Sure.” He stepped around the man and continued into the house. However, he didn’t go far, he stayed within hearing range.

“I once did a job with an AJ and a Scotty.” His words echoed in the foyer.

“Jig is up, Luca. I know you’re a Bronx boy through and through. You even like the Yankees. I see right through you.” AJ’s tone wobbled, but also held a note of strength.

Luca laughed. "You know it. So, you are the AJ of AJ and Scotty."

“Yes,” she answered.

“It’s good to finally meet you, shorty. Tex and your team leader, Asher, told me all about the mission. I’m sorry your friend got caught up in it.” Luca stepped inside the house and passed Murray. “Come along. We have much to discuss.”

"Didn't go as bad as I thought it would," Thomas murmured.

“Yeah, we’re not running the op yet either.” AJ followed Luca.

The house was more of a mansion. Too rich for Murray’s tastes. However, since Luca had a persona to play it also made sense. A giant chandelier hung in the foyer casting light off the veins of gold in the walls and floors. In the cap above the fixture was a small rendering of The Creation of Adam, painted by Michelangelo. On the wall to their right near the double staircase hanged in an inlet wall, a painting of cherub angels ascending into a cloudy sky with the white light of God shining upon them. Like the floors, the staircase was also polished marble and converged on a single hallway headed east into the house.

Each room flowed into the next and became more extravagant than the last. Luca had spared no expense when it came to his house. Of course, Murray realized the government or CIA, in this case, would only do so much to play up Luca's standing, so, if Murray had to guess how Luca came to be the owner of such a house, he figured it came as a forfeiture from some Narco who'd been caught.

“Bet this place set you back a pretty penny,” Thomas said.

“When you’re the premier Dominante, who deals in complacer and dolor, I have to have the appearance to go with it.” He motioned to the house. This is my el antro de decadencia.My den of decadence.”

AJ snorted. “Interesting name.”

“Si,” Luca answered. “It serves me well. Come, there is more to show you.”

Murray entered the study first. Jaqueline followed behind him, placing the cases she carried onto the table to their right. After he placed his things beside hers, he gave the space a little look-see. Books lined all the built-in shelves. Some were classics, others were modern. There was a Karma Sutra book that got a snicker out of Murray. The place was a veritable library. Not something he'd have suspect Luca would use or enjoy. To his left was a wrought iron staircase, leading to the second floor where there were more shelves filled books. It was quite impressive. Along the railing of the open-air second floor, were tables strategically placed for those who wished to study while reading. It reminded him of some of the fancier libraries he'd been in overseas when he'd been active duty.

“Hey, you belong here.”

Murray snapped his attention to Thomas and AJ. The girl appeared so lost. The one thing he noticed about her since they left Jaqueline's house was the fact she never let go of the backpack in her hand. He'd figured out after noticing the writing on the bag, it was Scotty's. She must have carried it with her since the minute Scotty disappeared.Burden’s carried...In the first few weeks after his sister’s disappearance, he’d done the same. He supposed he still did when it came to Hannah. Hell, he had ten years of birthday cards and Christmas presents waiting for his sister at the base. He even went to so far as to sell his parents’ house. Without Hannah there, it was too big and too cold for him.

"Do I? Look at me," AJ murmured.

“Missions sometimes aren’t as easy as what you think they will be,” Thomas replied. “Stuff happens and you have to adjust. If you can’t, you risk not only your safety but the safety of your teammates.”

“Are you saying I am a liability now?” She looked up at Thomas.

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