Page 13 of Unbridled Fire
Chapter 6
Leo
Iheaded into my two o’clock meeting with Daniel, which I looked forward to about as much as my last root canal. When I passed Sarah’s desk, she arched an eyebrow.
“Play nice, Leo,” she warned.
“I’m always nice,” I droned. “Just call me sunshine.”
Laughing, she waved me in. “He’s ready for you.”
I entered and closed the door behind me. Daniel looked up, his face expressionless under his salt-and-pepper hair and brown eyes.
“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. I slid into one and softened my mouth when I realized it had immediately settled into a frown.
Daniel threw his pen on the desk and rubbed his eyes. “What a day. My wife’s already pissed I moved her to New York from California, so I’m hoping you and I can get along and spare each other any dramatics.”
“I’m not a fan of drama,” I said, lifting a shoulder, “so, I’m on board.”
Sighing, Daniel gazed out the window. “People see things in our line of work, Leo, and I’ve heard all about you. Seems that you were real cozy with Victor Rossi, and you frequent Michael Caruso’s strip clubs.” Facing me, his gaze bore into me. “You want to tell me anything?”
“Nope.” I shook my head. “What a man does in his spare time is off-limits. There’s nothing wrong with a man who likes to watch pretty ladies dance.”
“Except I hear you only have eyes for the ladies in Caruso’s club. Why is that?” His eyes narrowed. “Want to tell me why you were having coffee with the woman who manages the Gilded Cage this morning?”
Anger flared deep within and a muscle ticked in my jaw. “You surveilling me? That’s about as far fromdrama-freeas you can get.”
“I asked Johnson to see where you were. He was out in the field and traced the location on your work phone. Said she was gorgeous and that it looked innocent enough.”
I remained silent, my heart pounding at the knowledge that working for this strait-laced agent was going to be a huge fucking headache.
“Date whoever you want,” Daniel continued, “but don’t get implicated in any of Caruso’s dealings. Are we clear?”
My eyes narrowed to angry slits. “We’re clear.”
Daniel expelled a long breath and shook his head. “I know you’re a good agent, Leo. Your record is impeccable. Many times, good agents blur the lines because they think it helps the common good.” Leaning forward, he rested his forearms on his desk. “But in the end, it can hurt the agent, and they can end up losing their job or going to jail. I know we’re not getting off on the best foot here, but I assure you, I don’t want to see that happen.”
I gave a curt nod.
“I’ve also heard you’re surly and difficult, but that you have a keen eye for surveillance and cracking leads in investigations. Keep solving cases, stay out of trouble, and we’ll do fine.”
“I can do that,sir,” I said, emphasizing the word so he understood I really meantasshole.
Rising, Daniel extended his hand. “I know you won’t believe this, but I look forward to working with you, Leo.”
I shook his hand, refusing to say the same. “Thanks for your time. If you want to know where I am, you can just ask next time. Don’t tail me again.”
The corner of Daniel’s lips curved, and admiration entered his gaze. “You’ve got grit, I’ll give you that. Good luck on the Schneider case. I know you’re getting close on that one.”
With a final nod, I returned to my desk. Debbie Schneider was a sixteen-year-old girl whose body had been found washed up on a Brooklyn beach. I’d been working the case for a few weeks with the local NYPD cops, and we were close to cracking it. Michael had actually shared some surveillance video with me that had helped in the investigation, and this was why I realized the value in working with him.
I worked for a few more hours, Katia on my mind as I completed the case notes on my most recent drug bust. I could still smell her scent somehow, and I wondered if her perfume had stayed on my skin after she’d clutched my hand.
Something about the determination in her eyes nagged at me. She wouldn’t try and investigate on her own, would she? I was serious when I offered to help her during my off hours. As soon as Alexis found the hacker’s location, I could dedicate some time to finding and questioning him.
Still, Katia had seemed so resolute. As I finished up for the day, the worry turned to fear. Unable to shake it, I shut down my computer, slung on my jacket and headed to my car.
I knew where Katia lived because I’d sometimes waited outside the Gilded Cage after our meetings and surreptitiously followed her home to ensure she was safe. Was I proud of my slight obsession with her? Definitely not. But I also didn’t like the idea of her walking home late at night, even if her apartment was two blocks from the club. Michael had recently assignedDamien to walk her home, but I still liked to confirm for myself when I was in the area.
