Chapter 9
Before going to dinner, Harold and Lupita went for a romantic walk.
Quinn and Mack had no choice but to follow them into a park across the street from the restaurant. It was picturesque with fountains and statues.
If Quinn hadn’t been working, he might have even enjoyed himself. After being cooped up for so long, being outdoors was a blessing. They lingered next to a fountain, tossing coins in and making a wish.
Hmph. Harold would need all the help he could get, if Quinn had anything to say about it.
To make matters worse, he and Mack were on a pretend date, following their quarry. And the cherry on top of this pile of dog shit was Nox and Lucy listening to every word they said.
“Slow down,” Mack hissed, squeezing his hand. Her fingers felt reassuring in his own.
If only this was real.
Harold turned toward them.
Instinctively, Mackenzie pulled him down for a kiss. Her mouth was on his, and the world slipped away. She was gentle, but thorough, exploring every inch of his mouth. He felt it all the way down to his toes.
His body roared to life, heart beating faster, his cock swelling.
“I think they moved on,” she murmured against his lips.
“Thank God. Stop kissin’. I’m about to be sick,” Nox said over the comms.
Lucy snickered.
Quinn ignored them both.
When they pulled back, both of them were breathing heavy. It was a small consolation. Thank God, he’d worn a suit with a coat long enough to cover his reaction.
She was a natural at undercover work. Has she done this before? Let the men she worked with kiss her? The thought alone set his teeth on edge.
“That was close,” she muttered. “He could have made us.”
“Yeah, but he didn’t.” Quinn and Mackenzie merged into the crowd, walking at least twenty feet from them. “Come on, let’s follow them.”
“So, why did he come out here today?”
“I thought he might be meetin’ a contact from the cartel.”
“He hasn’t spoken with anyone.”
The couple appeared to be wrapped up in each other, pausing every now and then to take in the view, or whisper to one another. They couldn’t hear what Harold and his mistress were saying, but it appeared to be innocuous from the expressions on their faces.
“We should’ve bugged them.” Quinn was so close to catching Harold, he could practically taste it.
“There was no time.”
Eventually, they stopped on a park bench.
Quinn closed his eyes. “Fuck. We need a reason not to walk anymore.”
She bit her lower lip. “We could make out again.”
Nox groaned. “Please don’t.”
Fuckin’ Nox. Quinn adjusted his earpiece. Neither one of them could see the sniper, but they definitely felt his presence.
Mackenzie narrowed her eyes. “Sorry, but you don’t get a vote.”
Quinn leaned against a lamppost and pulled Mack toward him, wrapping her in his arms. As he held onto her, kissing Mackenzie’s neck, nuzzling her jawline, he tried to watch Harold.
But Mackenzie cupped his head, fingers trailing over the sensitive spot on the back of his neck. She threaded her fingertips through his hair.
God damn.
He grasped her hips and brought her body flush against his, his erection pushing between her thighs. It was all he could do to keep from sweeping her up in his arms and locking her legs around his waist.
“We shouldn’t,” she whispered into his ear.
“I know.”
“We’re in public.”
“Yup.”
And yet neither one of them stopped.
“Christ, y’all are gonna give me nightmares,” Nox drawled.
“I second that,” Lucy said. “Knock it off.” She was somewhere in the crowd as well, watching them from a distance.
When Harold and Lupita stood, Nox had a crushing sense of disappointment. He could’ve stayed there all day, pressed up against her.
Once they put themselves to rights, Quinn and Mackenzie followed their targets to the restaurant.
The show was about to begin.
***
When are they gonna say something useful?
Quinn was about ready to lose his shit. The restaurant was crowded, even for a Friday night.
Thankfully, they’d made a reservation two tables down from Harold and Lupita. All it had taken to get the spot was a generous tip. Storm had gone there for lunch earlier in the day, so he'd been able to plant a bug on the centerpiece.
They sat at their table, trying to look normal, and not draw attention to themselves. It was difficult. They both wore earbuds, so their targets’ conversation was a constant distraction. It was hard to concentrate with another person’s voice echoing in your ear.
Not to mention Mackenzie’s teammates as well. All of this crosstalk was giving Quinn a headache.
It was an authentic Greek place and the food was good, at least. The hummus and pita bread they’d brought to the table was fresh and homemade.
“She’s beautiful, huh?” Mackenzie commented.
They’d only gotten a driver’s license picture, and it had scarcely done the young woman justice.
Lupita had a slender hourglass figure, long dark hair which cascaded down her back in a riot of curls. Her skin was dusky brown. And she wore a black dress, which was cinched in tight around her waist.
“Yes, he likes a pretty face.”
Mackenzie was tense, and her back was ramrod straight. He could tell being in the same room with Harold was rattling her cage. Listening to someone and seeing them was an entirely different matter.
The waiter had brought Harold and Lupita a couple of shrimp kabobs. Thankfully, they stopped talking for a few minutes to eat.
“Are you two okay?” It was Nox again.
“Peachy,” Quinn said dryly. “Why don’t you shut the fuck up? We could do without the commentary”
“You know, I could take you out. You’re seated right by the window, so it’s a clean shot.”
“Stop it, Nox,” Mackenzie whispered.
“I’m just sayin’ is all.”
“Do you wanna order an entrée?” Quinn asked, ignoring the threat.
She took a sip of her wine. “No, I’m fine, but if you’re hungry go ahead.”
Evidently, she considered this evening a job.
Jesus H. Christ, you sound like an idiot. Any reason why it shouldn’t be?
So, Quinn went back to work. “Do you think she has any clue what he’s up to?”
“I doubt it. She’s probably a dupe, like I was.” She muttered the last bit.
“Where’s she from?”
“According to what Storm found, she’s from Mexico City.”
“So, what the hell is she doing with Harold? He’s old enough to be her father.”
Mackenzie rolled her eyes. “Easy. Daddy issues.”
“If she’s lookin’ for a good influence, Harold ain’t it. Not by a longshot.”
She chuckled. “Yeah, no kidding.”
They looked happy, sharing bites of food, laughing and talking, and they seemed oblivious to everyone around them. He missed the feeling, being so involved with someone, that nothing and no one else mattered.
With Mackenzie at your side, you could handle anything.
Stop it. It ain’t even an option.
Suddenly, Harold started talking again. Their eyes rounded when they heard what he said.
“They’re finally getting down to business,” Mackenzie whispered.
They were discussing a trip to Mexico in two weeks. No doubt, Harold would probably meet with his cartel handlers while he was there. Having a Mexican mistress was the perfect cover. He could enter the country with her, ostensibly to escort Lupita to her parents’ home, while he conducted a little business.
Mackenzie grinned. “Finally! A break in the case. We can follow him to Mexico City.”
“Yeah, we’ve almost got him.” Quinn closed his eyes. Once they had his connection, they could begin dismantling the operation.
He’d turn this evidence over to the FBI and they could focus on cleaning house and getting rid of dirty agents. He owed the organization that much.
And he’d put Harold into the ground for killing Karen.
It was nearly over. Quinn was afraid, it was too good to be true.
“I bet you’re ready to put this to bed,” Mackenzie said.
“You’ve no idea.” Quinn sighed.
Mack tapped his hand. “Pay attention, they’re leaving.”
“Then we should head out, too.” Quinn flagged down their waiter and paid for the meal in cash, so there’d be no record they’d ever been here. Lupita headed for the front of the restaurant, but Harold walked out the side entrance.
“What the fuck?” Nox growled. “I don’t have a visual. Repeat, tango is in the wind.”
“Let me see if I can find him.” Lucy headed off in his direction.
“I can help.” Mackenzie stood up.
“Nope, sit your sweet ass down,” Nox said before Quinn could comment.
“Are you kidding me?” Mack shook her head. “We can’t just sit here and wait.”
“Sure, we can.” For once, Quinn agreed with Nox. “We’re almost home free. Let’s not fuck this up while we’re ahead.”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “But I’m gonna go to the ladies’ room.”
***
What a mess.
Mack finished using the restroom and checked her appearance in the mirror. The glasses she wore, along with the wig, was an effective costume. She looked radically different.
But she froze when Lupita emerged from the stall behind her.
Crap. I should’ve been more careful. Evidently, Lupita had doubled back to use the facilities.
Lupita stalked to the mirror and withdrew a tube of crimson lipstick from her clutch. She painstakingly applied another coat to her lips.
Her first instinct was to run away, but Mack didn’t want to appear suspicious. And maybe she wanted to get a closer look at the woman. It was hard not to be intimidated by Lupita’s perfection.
Lupita glanced at her. “You look familiar. Do I know you?”
Fantastic work, Mack. You sat there studying your target in plain view
I suck at this. No wonder they never gave me any undercover assignments.
“Um, no, I don’t think so.” She headed for the door.
“What’s your name?”
“Um, Annie.” It just popped into her head.
“Nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Lupita.” She offered her hand and Mack was obliged to shake it. “I noticed the handsome man you were with, too.”
Shit. Thank God Lupita had never seen them before or their cover would’ve been blown.
“What the fuck?” Nox yelled into her earpiece. “Don’t engage the target.”
I don’t exactly have a choice here.
“Please tell me you aren’t talkin’ to Lupita,” Quinn said with a groan.
Dammit. She’d never hear the end of this.
“Yes, he is handsome. And you were here on a date, too?”
“Hmm, yes.” Lupita winked.” You are thinking he is too old for me, yes?” She spoke English with a very slight accent. It was charming.
“No, not at all.” But suddenly Mack felt terrible for Lupita.
She was young and innocent. And Lupita was about to be swept up into something awful. She didn’t deserve to be brought down by Harold.
Hadn’t he ruined enough women’s lives?
‘This is a bold question, but do you love him?”
Her lips curved. “No, but we have a beneficial arrangement.” At least her feelings wouldn’t be hurt in the process.
“This is just an off-the-cuff observation, but you’re young, beautiful, and smart. I’m sure you could do a lot better than Ha…the man you’re with. Maybe you should consider other options?”
“Hmm. Maybe.” Lupita seemed to think it over. “Well, I’d better be going. It was nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” Lupita headed down the hall, leaving Mack alone again.
And suddenly, as if her feet had minds of their own, Mack was near the side entrance. Surely, it wouldn’t hurt to go out there and have a look for Harold?
After all, Lucy was already on the scene. Maybe she could use some backup? Mind made up, Mack headed out the door.
Except she didn’t see Lucy anywhere.
Or Harold.
***
“Where the fuck is Mack?” Quinn asked Nox. “She isn’t answering me.”
“Yeah, I can’t get her on the line either. And I don’t know where she is, I’ve got a blind spot. The last time I saw her, she was walking by the restroom.”
“Look again.”
There was a scratchy, static sound on the line. “I have a bird’s eye view of this place, and I don’t see her.” Nox let out a groan. “Lucy, do you have the target yet?”
“No, I’m outside by the exit Harold used and he’s not here.”
“What the fuck?” Quinn fisted his hand on the table. “You guys lost him.”
“I believe it was a team effort,” Nox snapped. “Lucy, can you check the bathroom? I don’t have a visual on Mack.”
“Yeah, I’m on it.”
‘This is all your fault,” Quinn growled. “You should’ve been watching her.”
“Right back at you, asshole.”
“Just give me a reason to—”
“Oh my God,” Lucy screeched into the microphone, making Quinn wince. “Will you both shut the fuck up? Before I come over there and duct tape your mouths closed?”
“Do you see her, Lucy?” Quinn asked, trying to cool his temper.
“Negative.” Her voice was strained. “Guys, she’s gone.”
***
“Why are you following me?”
“I wasn’t,” Mack said quickly. “You were the one who grabbed me. Remember?”
Mack was reeling.
Harold had snuck up behind her on the street, caught her unaware. He patted her down, tossed her earpiece and cell phone, and the next thing she knew, Harold had shoved a gun into her back.
And then he marshaled her into the park.
“Don’t play games with me, girl, you won’t win.”
Harold was older but no less distinguished. He had more silver hair mixed in with the blond. His eyes were still a bright, fierce blue. And he was impeccably dressed in a black suit, which emphasized his lean body. He might be pushing fifty-six, but Harold was still a handsome man. He looked the part of a Senator, right out of central casting.
“First of all, I’m not a girl. And second? You sound paranoid.”
“He told you, didn’t he?”
The park was nearly empty, because the sun had set, and the temperature had cooled. She was chilly or maybe fear was making her shiver.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mack wasn’t stupid enough to admit what she knew.
“Yes, you do. How do you know Quinn?” He spun Mack around and pinned her against a statue. The marble felt like a sheet of ice against her back.
“Quinn who?”
“The man you were having dinner with.” His smile was nasty. “I spotted you, even in this ridiculous wig.” He snatched it off her head and tossed it in the grass.
“I’d think you’d be paying more attention to your mistress.”
Harold sneered. “Lupita’s lovely, isn’t she? And much younger than you.”
If Harold thought Mack was jealous, he was crazier than she thought.
She ignored the taunt. “I hear congratulations are in order. You’re running for Senator in Texas. That’s quite a step up from the FBI.”
Harold lifted his chin. “Yes, well I’ve always had an illustrious career.”
“And how’s your wife?” she snapped. “You know, the one you separated from.” Mack smirked. “No, wait, the one you’re in an open relationship with. I can’t keep all your lies straight.”
“Mack, I’m sorry how things turned out between us, but—”
“Don’t you dare insult me by apologizing.”
“How am I insulting you by saying I’m sorry?”
“Because we both know you’re not. And if you had the chance to do it all over again, you would make the same choice.”
Mack knew she should be worried, concerned he’d shoot her, but she was too overcome by anger. She’d been wanting to confront the bastard forever, and this was her only opportunity.
His eyes narrowed. “Would you have slept with me, if you knew I had no intention of leaving my wife?”
“Of course not.”
“Then I had to distort the facts.”
“Also known as lying. And here’s a novel thought. Why didn’t you keep your dick in your pants?”
“Keep your voice down.” He glanced around them. “Quinn used to be an agent of mine, but he’s paranoid. Delusional. I don’t know what he’s told you, but—”
“Shut up. I won’t believe anything you tell me.”
“Why, because he’s so reliable? He’s a thief, for God sake.”
“Quinn’s twice the man you are.” How could I have fallen for this shallow, spineless piece of trash?
His eyes rounded. “Oh, now, I see.”
“Am I supposed to know what you mean. See what…?”
“You’re falling for him. That’s your tragedy, Mack, you always love the wrong men.”
His words stung. What if Harold was right?
“You’re wrong.”
“About what?”
“I never loved you.”
He flinched, and Mack got the distinct impression she’d hurt his feelings.
“Yes, you did. Once.”
She studied him. “What have you gotten yourself into, Harold?”
His face sobered. “Like I said, Quinn snapped. He’s a fugitive.”
“And what about Alan?”
“I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do. After I showed up in DC, you had him send an agent after me. You want the DNA, don’t you?”
“You sound as crazy as he is.”
“You’re the one holding me at gunpoint.”
He smirked. “Come to think of it, we have a DC field agent who’s missing. Do you know anything about that?”
Mack swallowed, but didn’t show any fear. She continued on, as if he hadn’t spoken.
“So, the cartel doesn’t have you spring-cleaning before your senate run? I imagine they’d want what they paid for, a member of Congress with a squeaky-clean image they can use to further their agenda.”
“You sound as insane as him.”
But Harold wasn’t paying attention to her anymore. Instead, he was staring over her right shoulder. Suddenly, he grabbed her, flipping their positions, so her back was pressed against his chest, like a human shield. She could feel his gun pressing into her back.
Quinn stepped into the light and she held her breath. Behind him, Lucy stood, clutching a pistol.
Thank God, the cavalry has arrived.
“Hello there, Quinn. Long time, no see.”
A vein throbbed in Quinn’s forehead. “Let her go, Harold.”
“In case you missed it? I have the upper hand here.” He wrapped a hand around Mack’s throat.
A white line formed around Quinn’s mouth. “Nox, show Harold how wrong he is.”
There was a thwacking noise and Harold’s hat jumped right off his head, tumbling to the ground. Harold bent her over with him as he leaned down to snatch it up, only to find a gaping hole in the front.
Quinn smirked. “If you don’t let her go, Nox is gonna aim a couple inches lower next time.”
Harold crouched lower behind her. “Quinn escaped from prison. You could all be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive.”
Lucy tossed her hair back. “Yeah, and you just abducted a woman and held her at gunpoint.”
Harold and Quinn stared at one another. The tension was thick in the air. For a second, Mack wondered if they might have a go at one another, right here in public.
And she’d be smack dab in the center of a shootout.
“This isn’t over, Quinn.” Harold shoved her forward into Quinn’s arms and then ran off into the night.
“No, it isn’t!” Quinn called. “Not by a longshot.”