Chapter Twenty
“We need to talk to Rodriguez.”
Vick nearly choked on a mouthful of coffee.
They’d just gotten up and were sitting at Jasper’s table having breakfast. She’d barely calmed down from last night’s shooting, and then he’d gone and made her jumpy again.
And after she’d had such a nice morning, too.
Waking up next to Jasper had been delightful. They were snuggled together, as though they’d slept side by side for years. If it weren’t for a stalker and a gunman/kidnapper being hot on her tail, she would’ve reveled in it.
“Are you crazy? The last time one of us met with a cartel, they sent our coworker back in pieces. By the way? Worst. Delivery. Ever.”
“Yeah, but he’s the key to this thing. Simon can’t be reasoned with, right?”
Okay, so he had a point. “Simon’s got one too many cobwebs in the attic.”
“And Rodriguez must’ve hooked Simon up with Mark.”
Darn it.
“Yeah. If we could somehow talk to Rodriguez, and get him to agree with us, Simon might be forced to back off.”
“Or face the cartel’s wrath, right?”
“Yeah, but Rodriguez is called ‘Angel’ because he sends people upstairs. What makes you think he’d help us?”
“Been watchin’ the news lately?” Jasper asked.
“No, I’ve been busy havin’ a royal freak-out.”
“Well, the case has taken a turn in the past couple of days.” Jasper tossed the morning newspaper to her.
Vick glanced through the article. Upon cross-examination, two of the expert witnesses for the defense had fallen apart on the stand. According to the reporter, Simon’s alternate theory of the crime appeared far-fetched. Things didn’t look so hot for Rodriguez.
Probably because he’s guilty.
“My guess is Simon’s been distracted, not doin’ his best work. So, I think Rodriguez might be willin’ to hear us out.”
It made sense. “It’d be in his own self-interest. Simon could concentrate on the case if he wasn’t preoccupied with me.” If Rodriguez had something to gain, they might stand a chance.
“It’s a long shot, though. If it fails, we’ll have to go with plan B.”
“Which is?” Vick held her breath, fearing she wouldn’t like the answer.
“I could eliminate Simon. Problem solved. It’d be a quick and clean solution, provided the cartel don’t find out who killed him. Frankly, I’d prefer to handle it that way, but I know you don’t.”
Her stomach twisted. She didn’t want Simon dead, just out of the picture, even after all the havoc, he’d wreaked in her life. Vick owed him a debt of gratitude. Without his, er, offer of employment, college would’ve been more difficult, and he’d helped her bail out Jack, too.
“You’re right. I want everyone to get out of this alive.”
“Vick, if it comes down to Simon or you, my priorities are clear.” Jasper laid a hand on her arm.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “It won’t come to that.”
“Let’s hope so, but we got another roadblock to get past first.”
“We need to get to Rodriguez?”
“Yup, and that’s gonna be a bitch.”
“Where do you think he is?”
“Hmm.” Jasper took a sip of coffee, evidently gathering his thoughts. “The feds probably have him in solitary. The cartel’s got too many enemies.”
The Lone Star Mafia had associates on the inside, but none of them could send a message to Rodriguez if he was under tight security measures. Besides, if they involved any of those contacts, Dix and Byron might find out what they were up to, and then there’d be hell to pay.
“Thank you again for doin’ this, I know it could land us both in hot water.”
Jasper flashed a smile. “Anytime, Vixen.”
“Since the trial’s underway, they’ve probably taken extra precautions.”
“Yeah, more than likely he’s on lockdown.”
“What about Jane? Think she’d be able to get a meetin’ with him?” Jane still had a lot of contacts in high places.
Jasper shook his head. “She doesn’t work with a law firm anymore.”
“Wait a second. Rodriguez will be at the courthouse, right?”
“Yeah.”
“We know exactly when his trial’s scheduled. So, we can approach him there, with the help of a diversion, of course.”
He snapped his fingers. “At some point, Rodriguez will use the facilities. That’s our best bet.”
Rodriguez would have minimal security with him in the restroom. Plus, there’d be no cameras in there to record a conversation.
“It might just work.”
She wanted to get this over and done with before Byron or Dix caught wind of it. And even God himself wouldn’t even be able to help them if Tucker found out. She and Jasper would both be six feet under.
“Can you get us some info?”
“Yup, we need some schematics.” She cracked her knuckles, preparing for a marathon hacking session. “Government databases are tricky, but not impossible. I’ll need my laptop though.”
“Not a problem. I’ll fetch it for you, along with some clothes.” He winked. “Damn, you’re good.”
Vick flushed. She was still wearing his shirt. Vick was loathe to give it up, but running around half-dressed wasn’t practical.
“No, we’re good.”
“I agree.” Jasper leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. It was quick, but it left her quivering. “And we haven’t even started yet.”
She sucked in a breath. “So, we’re kissin’ again?”
“Yes, ma’am, and when this is all over, we’ll sit down and have ourselves a real long talk.”
“About what?”
“Us, where we go from here, and how that kiss wasn’t a mistake after all. You game?”
Her mouth went dry. “Lookin’ forward to it.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna get your things.” Jasper placed one of his guns on the kitchen table. “Keep this with you until I get back. I won’t be long.” He swaggered out the front door.
Vick couldn’t believe it. Everything she’d wanted was in her grasp. She could close the book on her past and move forward with her new life with Jasper at her side.
As long as he didn’t discover the true nature of her relationship with Simon.
***
While Vixen hacked her way into the courthouse database, he walked around the outside of his townhouse looking for vulnerabilities. Come nightfall, Simon’s goon would probably try another abduction. The bushes by the front porch were a might high—a good place to hide and watch. He’d have to get hedge clippers and take care of it.
As Jasper walked around the corner, he found a man, standing a few feet away, peering into Jasper’s living room window watching Vick. He seemed mesmerized, unable to look anywhere else.
It chilled Jasper to the bone. He had to be the stalker. The man was older than Jasper imagined.
Hmm. Maybe I don’t need to involve Rodriguez at all.
Jasper decided to poke the bear. “Why are you sneakin’ around in the bushes? That ain't polite.”
Startled, the stalker turned to face Jasper. His eyes turned cold.
“You some kinda pervert? Lookin’ into windows, tryin’ to catch women in their unmentionables?”
“I’ve seen her in a lot less than that.”
Jasper clenched his fists. “Get on outta here, before I call the cops, Simon.” Or shoot you between the eyes.
Simon’s brows raised. “Don’t act like you’ve got some kind of claim on her.”
Not yet anyway. “She sure as shit ain't yours.”
“And you’re only her friend, Jasper.”
He knows me? And I just heard of him yesterday.
Then Jasper noted Simon had a bouquet of roses in his hand. Did he come here to woo Vick? To apologize for the gunshot wound?
“Your boy, Mark, almost killed her.”
A muscle clenched in his jaw. “It won’t happen again.”
“You’re damn right it won’t. Now get your ass off my property.” Jasper tapped the gun on his hip.
“You’ll have to make me.”
“My pleasure. In fact, I could make this situation go away real quick.”
It was an empty threat. He couldn’t shoot anyone in broad daylight without causing all kinds of unwanted attention. Jasper wouldn’t call the police in a million years either.
“But you won’t.”
“You’ve got some nerve comin’ here.”
“Yeah, I do. Victoria is mine.”
“Her name’s Vick, and I’m pretty sure, she belongs to herself.” Or me, but definitely not you.
“You want her for yourself? Forget about it, son. She’ll never be yours. Tell Victoria this can end, as soon as she comes to her senses and accepts my offer.”
And then Vick skidded to a halt beside him. Jasper hadn’t been aware she’d walked outside.
“Jasper, I got this.”
“Go back inside. Now.”
“No. Let me handle it.”
“If you think I’m leavin’ you alone with this nutcase, you’re outta your mind.” Was she insane?
“Please let me talk to Simon. Alone.”
Simon scrutinized the wound on her shoulder. The bulky bandage beneath her shirt was hard to miss.
“I’m sorry, Victoria. Mark told me you might’ve gotten injured. He was supposed to persuade you to see things my way, not hurt you.”
“Apology not accepted.” Vick grasped his arm. “Please go.”
Why does she want me outta here so damn bad?
“I ain’t goin’ anywhere.”
Vick’s shoulders sagged, and her chin trembled.
“Wait a second. He doesn’t have a clue about us, does he?” And then Simon laughed, as though they shared some private joke.
“What’s he talkin’ about Vixen?”
She swallowed.
Jasper had reached his limit. “Vick?” He wouldn’t be put off this time. “What haven’t you told me?”
“Victoria’s an escort.” Simon had beaten her to the punch.
“What?” Jasper stared at Vick. “Tell me he’s lyin’.”
“Was an escort,” she corrected. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Jasper felt like someone had socked him in the gut. No, it can’t be true.
Vick reached for him, and Jasper backed away. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard, couldn’t even process it.
Simon laughed. “Well, I think my work here is done.”
“Shut up, Simon.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Jasper’s head was spinning, and he felt sick to his stomach.
Now it all made sense—the way Vick had defended the girl at the massage parlor, how she’d gotten the money to pay for Jack’s treatment. This had to be the big secret she’d kept from him.
“He doesn’t want you anymore. Surely, you can see that, but I still do, Victoria. In fact, I’ve leased an apartment for you. It’s on the top floor with a terrific view. The place is ready for you to move in.”
“Leave, Simon. Now.”
Jasper couldn’t concentrate on the conversation. His mind was assaulted by visions of Vick with other men—being fondled, fucked by them. Being used.
His fists clenched.
“Call me, Victoria.” Simon offered the flowers to her, and she tossed the bouquet on the ground, before stomping on it. “Always the little spitfire.” Simon strolled down the street to a silver sports car and took off.
Jasper knew he should chase after the man, take care of this once and for all, but he couldn’t make his legs work. Nothing seemed real right now.
“Let’s sit down and talk about this, Jasper. I can explain.”
Jasper nodded curtly and followed her into the kitchen.