Brad poured himself another cup of coffee. Like everything else in Velesta, the reporter was running late. He had expected it; he needed the time to lay out exactly what information to divulge anyway. He needed to be both careful and tactful. This was a dangerous place. He was well aware of the risks of his job, how anything outside red tape could jeopardize his career. The wrong move, and he’d find himself in a worse place than Velesta.
But he had to do something. Dilaver’s power was multiplying and the more girls he made money from, the more the kingpin could finance his other activities. Drugs and women were just a means to an end—weapons for the different factions in this war-torn country.
The UN knew this, of course. But their philosophy was horrifyingly simple. Better the devil they knew than some other factions that might mean a really major war on their hands. At least the KLA kept some semblance of order, they argued.
Order? Brad gulped down the bitterness along with the coffee. Order in chaos. How perfect for Velesta. And meanwhile, thousands of young girls suffered because of behind-the-scenes political wrangling between men with higher ambitions than he.
From day one, he had taken one look at these girls and knew he had to do something. How could anyone not? They were locked up and used like…animals. He shook off the images of the things he had seen in those kafenas he and his men had raided. The world needed to know.
But he wouldn’t tell them about some brave people who took it on themselves to do something about this crime. People like Amber Hutchens and Llallana Noretski. That would remain a secret because their lives would be put in danger if Dilaver or any other crime lord knew about them.
He had no doubt that Dilaver was looking for the culprits robbing his men of their trailers. The man was losing money out his ass, and especially while he was gone for that short period, Llallana and Amber had taken the opportunity to double the raids. Brad had given them all the information he could get his hands on to help them.
He heard Dilaver was injured while he was away, that he walked with a limp now. His sources told him that an American had saved his life and was maybe helping him now. A wave of disgust rose up from the pit of his stomach. If he ever saw that man in the kafena touching any of those girls, he would personally take care of the sicko, American or not. Then he would arrest him.
His cell started buzzing, interrupting his thoughts. “This is Bradford Sun,” he answered.
“This is Llallana.”
Brad settled back against the leather chair. “This is an unexpected pleasure,” he said. It must be something important. Lily wouldn’t be calling him just to say hi. “Is anything wrong?”
“No, but Dumbo is here.”
That was their code word for Dilaver. “At the restaurant?”
“Yes, he’s lunching with Amber and she wants you to know. Just in case you have time on your hands to go on a raid.”
Ah, they were back on familiar territory. “Sarcasm this early already? And how do you suppose I should go about telling my department to conduct a raid in the morning?”
“Morning, noon, night, what’s the difference?”
“The department isn’t put together that way, Lily,” Brad said. He understood her frustration, though. He shared it, too. “I’m in the process of changing it, so in time we’ll be able to do lightning raids any time of the day.”
He had discovered that his predecessor hadn’t been very vigilant in keeping the department clean. There were men on the take, and they called ahead of time so the kafenas were empty by the time they arrived.
There were also quite a few officials and peacekeeping units from different nations who resented the new head of the unit. They were the ones who refused to stop going to these sites on their off-hours when he demanded that they order their men not to do so. It was offensive to him to know that people under him were some of the abusers.
But things would change. He promised himself that. It would just take time, something the woman on the other end of the phone didn’t want to understand.
“So you’re telling me there’s nothing you can do except sit in your office drinking coffee?”
Brad looked at the cup in front of him. That woman was uncanny when it came to deflating his ego. “I’m actually waiting for someone that might help us,” he said. An idea flashed. “If you’ll give me access to some of the girls in your care, it’d be an even better interview.”
“Interview?” Llallana repeated cautiously.
“I’ve lined up one with a TV reporter. He’s international. I was going to give him facts and figures, and he was going to go to the kafenas on his own to check out what’s happening, but if we can get some of those girls to talk to him, Llallana, it’d be hearing the story straight from the source.”
“And what has that to do with your department?”
Brad looked at the coffee cup again. He was proud enough not to want to admit to Llallana that his department was part of the problem. After all, she was doing something, in spite of his disapproval of some of her illegal methods. He, on the other hand, couldn’t even get his own officers to uphold the international law.
“It’ll bring publicity.”
“To you?” Her voice turned cynical. “Always thinking ahead about the career, aren’t you?”
“To the problem. Lily, stop it. I’m not the enemy here.”
There was a pause. “How are you going to protect me and the locations where I have some of the girls?”
Brad seized at the opportunity. “Meet me for lunch. We’ll go over the logistics.”
“Be seen in public with me?” She laughed. “You’re getting brave, Bradford Sun.”
He couldn’t care less if he was seen with her. This was Velesta, after all. “Will you believe it if I tell you that it’s for your sake that we meet in private? The less you’re seen with someone like me, the less likely you’ll draw attention, right?” Sometimes he thought her baiting deliberate; at other times, like now, he wondered whether she really hated him so much she couldn’t think straight. He had seen her teasing with Amber when her guard was down, so he knew she had a sense of humor under that prickly façade she put on for him. It suddenly occurred to him that these two women were best friends sharing many qualities. That meant, like Amber, Llallana wouldn’t be able to resist a challenge. He tested the theory. “Do you want to help, or not? It’s going to be difficult, keeping identities and locations a secret, so if you’re afraid to do it, I’ll understand.”
“I’m not afraid.”
Brad smiled. “I don’t want to cause any problems for you or Amber. Especially you,” he said smoothly, “because you want to keep a low profile in this town. But you’re also very outspoken and if you get yourself into the interview, you might be seen on TV all over the place.”
“Are you saying I can’t shut up?”
“I think you’re very passionate about what you’re doing and won’t be able to resist making comments. Not that I don’t agree with your opinions. Just that I know you’ll say something really colorful and then the interviewer will want to know all about you and your background, and what it is exactly that you do to help these girls. See the risk? Maybe we shouldn’t even think of doing this. Too dangerous for you.”
He emphasized the last word. It would be dangerous for the escaped girls, too, but it was a risk that might bring some good. An exposé by an international television reporter, with real pictures and interviews, might make those who had voted against him yesterday change their minds about arresting Dilaver and those like him.
“Where do you want to meet to discuss this?”
Oh, he knew where would be the biggest challenge of all. “At my place. It’s secured, as you know. Unless you feel uncomfortable going there, of course.”
There was another pause. “I’ll be there.” He could visualize her clenched teeth as she said that. “Time?”
“In two hours? A late lunch.”
“Fine. And it’s still Llallana to you.” She abruptly rang off.
Brad made a call to the reporter, who was running late, asking to postpone the meeting. He promised to get back with the man later, with more than just an interview with him. After rearranging his schedule, he got up from his desk, picked up his cup, and drained the rest of the coffee.
He had finally gotten Llallana to meet with him alone again. Somehow, in spite of the heavy subject matter they were going to discuss, he felt very lighthearted.
The man was good. Amber hated to admit it, even privately. Throughout lunch, Hawk had shown just enough interest in her during the meal to amuse Dilaver, and not so much that it caused suspicion. She understood the plan behind it—he was going to ask her out while he was in town. She would bet money on it.
There was something in the way he looked at her that made her…She tried to put a finger on the feeling. It wasn’t comfortable at all, whatever it was. Something inside her jumped every time he caught her gaze. Even worse, whatever she was thinking would trail off, and she had to work extra hard to keep her focus on the conversation.
He seemed amused by it, too. Damn the man. He probably knew he had this effect on all women. He was too good-looking not to know.
She blinked at the sound of her name. Dilaver had asked something. Damn it. She hid her dismay as she pretended to take a drink from her mug. Now what? Damn, damn, damn.
“I’d like that. I heard there’s an opera not too far from town, even an art show. It’d be great if you can do it, Amber,” Hawk said, the glint in his eyes revealing that he’d known she hadn’t been paying attention to Dilaver. “I’d like to see more of Macedonian culture other than the inside of kafenas.”
Amber cocked her head. “A cultured American? I thought men like you just came here for business.”
“Actually, I’m sort of on vacation,” Hawk said. “Dilaver invited me for an extended stay.”
She had heard that it was Hawk who had saved Dilaver’s life. She wondered what the story was behind that. “Really?” Vacationing in Macedonia. She stopped herself from making a rude sound. “And what have you been doing for fun so far?”
“Nothing,” Hawk replied, to her surprise.
“I can second that,” Dilaver said. “The man’s been following me around and hasn’t had any time to really see our beautiful country, Amber. You should show him why you love it here, what made you choose to live here. You’ll be doing me a favor.”
The Slav appeared to want Hawk to stay here and was trying to convince him. Amber wondered how Hawk had become so close to the kingpin, and so suddenly, too. Dilaver wasn’t an accessible man at all. During her four years here, she had never been able to find someone close enough to the man to bribe.
She was getting more intrigued by the minute. Information like this would be worth something, and perhaps she could use it to secure her future. Away from the CIA. Away from Macedonia.
But she had a certain reputation, too. And, supposedly, a man of her own. “I’ll think about it,” she said. She looked at Dilaver meaningfully. “I don’t have much free time as it is.”
“Oh, I know you travel about with that new man of yours and go out of town to the art shows and whatnot. You have to keep everyone happy, yes? Including me. And it’s to my advantage that you enjoy a friendship with our new CIVPOL agent.” Dilaver leaned closer. “But sometimes you can make a man’s interest stronger by giving him some competition, my dear. He might get a bit more serious and you can get even more from him.”
“How…devious, Dragan,” Amber said dryly.
Dilaver laughed. “Aren’t I? Hawk, don’t you agree men like competition?”
“I think they like the chase,” Hawk said lazily.
“Is that what you like?” Amber asked. “The chase?”
His answering smile was slow and challenging. “Maybe.”
Amber perused his face slowly. He had the face of a cover model. Eyes the color of aged brandy, with that bold look in them that suggested intimacy. A straight nose. Strong sensual lips that would tempt a saint. She doubted the man had ever chased a woman in his life. She suspected it was easy for someone like Hawk McMillan to get any female he wanted. “I don’t believe you,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “I think a man like you gets chased a lot.”
“Yes, women attack him all the time,” Dilaver agreed. “He would be standing there and suddenly a woman would be next to him. And then they’re all over him. I’ve seen it.”
“Attack?” Amber locked eyes with Hawk.
“At the most unexpected times,” he said softly.
“Maybe they just want to test you.” She smiled. “Maybe they just want to see how tough you are…to get.”
He gave a low chuckle, his amusement sending an odd tingle down her spine. “One or two of them enjoy needling me.”
She blinked in surprise. Then laughed. A witty guy, too. “I’m sure most of them leave you a calling card,” she mocked.
“Some do it in the most original way,” he agreed, his eyes twinkling.
“Well, with all this female attention you get all the time, I suppose they have to do that to get yours.” She was enjoying this verbal duel too much. “What’s the most original thing a woman has ever done to get your attention, Hawk?”
“Now, that’d be telling,” he said. “Perhaps I’ll tell you when we meet again.”
“Oh, I see the ploy,” she mocked. “Keeping my interest going.”
“It’s part of the chase.”
“But who’s doing the chasing?”
“Depends on who’s got the hotter stuff.”
She almost choked on her beer. One thing was for sure. She’d have to be on her toes all the time if she were to work with Hawk. Dilaver was looking back and forth at them, a satisfied expression in his eyes. Obviously, he thought he was succeeding in engaging the interest of his American buddy.
“Is that how it all ends? The comparison of who’s got the hotter stuff?” Amber quipped, finishing her drink and pushing her chair back so she could get up. “Speaking of hot, Dragan, I really have to get back to the kitchen. I have the oven on.”
“You’ll get back to me with the information?” Dilaver asked.
“I’ll see what I can find out,” she coolly replied. “No one reports about those kind of highway robberies to the police department, you know.”
“Then you’ll get the word out that there’s a price for the information,” he insisted.
“Of course. That’s my business, Dragan. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” She nodded to Dilaver and then turned to Hawk. “Nice to meet you, Hawk. Come back anytime. I like feeding hungry men.”
Her heart skipped a beat again at the intense look he gave her. Was that the same one that Lily talked about this morning? It was the kind of look a man gave to a woman when he had something wicked in mind—heated and personal—leaving no doubt to his intentions.
She shook off the wobbly sensation in her tummy. For goodness’ sake, she hardly knew the man! And when had she grown into such an expert at analyzing masculine gazes? She was about to turn to leave the table when his hand reached out, offering her a business card.
“My number,” he told her, that easy deceptive smile hiding the fact that he knew she didn’t need it. “Thanks for the delicious meal.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, taking the card. Their fingertips touched and even that felt too personal. She stepped away and added, “I’ll be in touch, Dragan.”
As she slipped through the door back to her study, she heard Dragan snicker in a pseudo-whisper, “Ja miris jedan osvajanje. Now, do you like this one over my girls?”
“To je zena,” she heard Hawk reply.
She sniffed in self-disgust. So Dilaver had challenged him into thinking she was a conquest, was that it? No wonder he was giving her all those looks. She stuck her tongue out at Lily. “I don’t want to discuss it,” she declared quietly.
“To je zena, indeed,” Lily mocked. “I think he likes you, sweetie.”
“He’s responding to some challenge from Dilaver, didn’t you hear?” She waved a hand at the two-way mirror, mimicking Dilaver’s tone, “‘Do you like this one over my girls?’ Ugh. They’re comparing me to Dilaver’s women?”
“You’re such a silly goose. Girls, Dilaver said his girls.” Lily shook her head. “Hawk pointed out to him that’s a woman, meaning you’re all woman to him, dummy. He’s probably been in and out of those kafenas with that asshole and meant that there was a difference.”
Amber narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Why are you defending him and explaining him to me? What difference does it make what he meant?”
“Did you watch him eat that hamburger? He’s looking for something, that man.”
Amber sighed. “Someday I’ll understand your little side observations, girl, but I have a bunch of things to do today. Did you call Brad?” There was a rise in color in her friend’s face. “Quarreled again?”
“No.” Lily checked her fingernails. “As a matter of fact, I’m going out to meet him right now. He said he needed me to help him coordinate an interview with some international news agency.”
Amber raised her brows questioningly. “Really? What kind of interview?” She was surprised that Lily had agreed to anything to do with Brad. “About the girls?”
“Yes.”
“That isn’t a bad idea. You’ll have to be careful not to bring attention to us.”
Lily looked up sharply. “Hey, that’s what he accused me of! Am I that loose-lipped?”
Ooops. Looked like those two had quarreled. “No, just very noticeable, Lily.” Amber smiled. “You’re tall and beautiful and you get very passionate when it comes to a particular topic. I can just see you being the focus of some kind of article, that’s all.”
“Then maybe I shouldn’t agree to help out Brad, since I don’t know how to stay out of anyone’s way,” Lily flashed back.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” Amber poked Lily with a finger. “You’re an expert at being in the background. It’s just that there are fireworks whenever you’re near Brad and you don’t seem to hold yourself together like you always do.”
“Oh, look who’s talking about fireworks. What about you and Hawk out there?”
Amber frowned. “What about me and Hawk? I don’t even know him.”
“Exactly. And already there’s so many fireworks between you two, it smoked right through the two-way into this room.” Lily poked Amber back. “You, my friend, are in the same predicament, only worse.”
“How so?” And when did the conversation revert back to her? Amber looked at Hawk’s calling card still in her hand. He had written something on the back.
“Hello? Two prior meetings and each time one of you had to sedate the other? I think that’s a pretty serious chemical reaction, don’t you think?” Lily laughed. “What did he write?”
“Ha-ha, very funny.” Chemical reaction indeed. She had to smile at the way it sounded, though. She and Hawk had knocked each other off their feet. She pocketed the card. “Looks like I have a date tonight, too. Will you be out late?”
Lily shook her head. “I don’t think so. What do you want me to say to Brad?” She smiled mischievously. “I can make him jealous, tell him you have a new boyfriend.”
“Oh, stop. You know he isn’t interested in me.”
“Sometimes I wonder, Amber. He spends an awful lot of time with you, doesn’t he? Maybe he wants more than friendship.”
Amber gave Lily a long look. She had to answer carefully here. On the one hand, she and Brad always had a good time together, even though it was a platonic relationship. On the other hand, she didn’t want to make Lily jealous about the situation. It was complicated. The setup was necessary to establish that she and Brad were a couple; yet she also knew her friend had a thing for Brad, no matter how much she denied it.
“I think he wants more than friendship with you,” Amber finally said, not wanting to betray Brad’s confidence. Lily shrugged and turned away. “What he wants, I can’t give. I don’t have it in me.” She picked up her purse. “Got to go. You enjoy your date, okay? Just stop drugging each other. You’ll be fine. You can tell me all about it when you get back.”
“We’ll exchange girlie notes,” Amber said dryly as they went into the kitchen.
“Oh, I’m sure mine will be boring, boring, boring.” Lily headed to the back door. “Ta!”
You’re running out just a bit too fast, my friend. Amber smiled. Sometimes one had to let things play out to see where things were going. She doubted there would be any boring moments in a meeting between Brad and Lily.
Which brought her back to her plans for this evening. His handwriting was small and very neat. Meeting tonight. IM 0900 hours for instructions. Wear something hot.
Instructions. Bah. Who did he think he was? He needed her to help him, not the other way around. One thing was certain. She would have to lay some ground rules with Hawk McMillan.