Page 116 of With this Ring

Before and after exiting the vehicle, Sasha and Gregorio both surveyed their surroundings.

Gregorio tapped her arm in silent signal.

Go. Now.

Out of the view of security cameras, they made their way over the iron fence protecting the neighborhood.

He dropped down first, landing silently and turned to offer his help. She wasn’t too proud to accept.

As they neared the Santos property, they paused, taking in the Hawkeye surveillance team.

Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, they scaled the same fence they’d climbed a few hours ago, landing in Brenda’s backyard.

Gregorio took the lead as they hugged the shadows, staying out of sight until they reached the door. As she entered the code to release the lock, he stood guard. Once they were inside, she disarmed the security system.

Using only flashlights, they crept through the home, toward Felix’s office.

Sasha’s pulse thumped in her ears.

Part of her had missed this adrenaline rush. But she preferred the pace of the life she lived now.

By silent accord, she moved to the desk where she’d found the ledger while Gregorio wasted no time striding back to the bookcase.

Within seconds, she realized the ledger was gone.

Disappointed, but not surprised, she exhaled.

Obviously that had been the reason Felix returned home.

Gregorio glanced over her shoulder and she shook her head. Since she’d hit a dead end, she joined him, moving books, and checking behind them.

A few seconds later, he pulled out his cell phone, unlocked it, and handed it to her. Quickly, she scrolled to the most recent message.

You’re a dead man.

And then an older one.

You fucked with the wrong people.

Gregorio stood and looked over her shoulder.

One last chance to prove your loyalty.

That one was received yesterday.

So the threats had been escalating over the last two days.

She zipped the device in her jacket, and Gregorio continued searching.

Just then, her cell phone vibrated. In case it was Mrs. Santos, she pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

Ashley.

She scowled.

What did her office manager want at almost two a.m.?

Dread chilling her, she answered with a whisper, “Ashley?”

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