Page 75 of Wicked Ambition

“Don’t play dumb with me, Archer. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

He had a fair idea, but as there was more than one piece of information he hadn’t given to Francesca, he wasn’t about to make any assumptions. “I’m afraid I don’t. What has you angry with me?”

Her huff of annoyance came across loud and clear. “You could have alerted me that you sent another person to Puerto Jardin and that she disappeared. How do you expect me to keep Ellis safe if you don’t warn me there’s a potential threat?”

“You’ve spoken with your fiancé.”

“No, but one of his men dropped by to ask me a few questions. He wanted more information about the treasure.”

Archer’s brows raised. Nguyen was well aware of most of the intel surrounding the treasure. If one of his Special Forces sergeants was talking to Francesca, that meant the captain hadn’t passed those details along to his men. Or was it someone pretending to be one of his men? It seemed odd that Nguyen wouldn’t share the intel with his team.

“Are you certain it was one of his men? I would have thought that your captain would have briefed his team on the treasure.”

Francesca’s irritation increased. He could tell by her voice. “Yes, I’m certain. I met him when I was at their house. I don’t know why Deck didn’t fill him in. All I know is thatyoudidn’t fillmein on a vital piece of knowledge.”

Archer closed the folder on his desk and leaned back in his desk chair. “If I believed you or Ellis were at risk, I would have called you.”

“Would you? Forgive my skepticism, but I’m seeing a pattern with you. Your definition of need to know is more ridiculous than Deck’s, and that’s saying something.”

“I sent Iona Desmond to Puerto Jardin to look for a person named Fuentes, not the treasure.”

“But this Fuentesislooking for the treasure. You know how naïve Ellis is. For heaven’s sake, Archer, you need to tell me these things so I can keep her out of trouble.”

“Forgive me,” he said, keeping his tone smooth and easy. “Your fiancé believed Iona might have accidentally become enmeshed in something related to why he and his men are in Trujillo. His assessment is why I didn’t believe this would affect you or Ellis and I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily. Going forward, I won’t rely on his judgment.”

There was silence and Archer allowed his lips to curve. It was difficult to leave Francesca speechless, but it was clear she didn’t know what to say. It took a moment before she spoke. “Don’t keep any more secrets from me.”

“If I learn anything that could impact the safety of you or Ellis, I will immediately notify you. Does that satisfy you?”

“Yes. I guess. I don’t know. Somehow, I think you gave yourself a loophole in that promise.”

Of course, he had, but Archer wasn’t about to admit to it. “Do you have any questions about Iona’s disappearance? I’m afraid I have little information, but your captain has men looking for her.”

“No, the guy I talked to gave me what he knows,” Francesca said grudgingly. “Unless you have details you didn’t bother to tell Deck?”

“I do not have additional information. Word of honor.”

Her distrust came across in her silence.

“I promise you, Francesca, that I did not withhold intelligence from your fiancé. Iona has been missing for a full week, and I fear for her life. You can accuse me of a lot of things, but not being cavalier with the wellbeing of my employees.”

“That’s true. Let me know if you learn anything, and I do meananything, even if there’s a minuscule chance that it would involve Ellis or me.”

“I will. I promise.”

It took a few more assurances to end the call, and with a sigh, Archer swiveled the desk chair, stood, and walked over to the chessboard. Spending thousands of dollars for a hand-carved wooden set was an indulgence. The dark pieces were made from ebony, the light from maple. Even the board itself was crafted by hand with meticulous care. He reached for the dark king and ran his thumb around the base.

He was in the middle of a match with someone at least as expert as he was. Perhaps even more skilled since Fuentes remained invisible except for a name. Thus far, the man had outmaneuvered him at every turn.

Archer didn’t like it.

Returning the king to the board, he considered the game. Pawns. Fuentes wasn’t operating alone, so who were his men?

That could be the key to identifying his opponent. Fuentes might be a master, but what were the chances his employees were as clever as he was? Slim. Archer walked back to his desk and resumed his seat. Perhaps he should travel to Puerto Jardin and personally handle this matter.

Fuentes paidattention to the smallest detail. A car stopping in front of the house for a protracted period was not a minute thing. It took but a moment to adjust the nearest security camera and zoom in on the occupants.

Both appeared familiar.

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