watching him shift gears with a protective scowl. And was still glowering as he approached.
“All clear, Daddy?”
Daddy. Max grinned wide. “So, it would seem, little Mama. But even New Orleans’ finest patrolling the streets doesn’t make them safe enough for the cargo you’re carrying.”
She sniffed at that. “Stop smothering me, Savoie, or I’ll show you just how helpless this little mama really is. You’re here as a condition, not a necessity.”
“Understood.” His tone might be firm, but his gaze softened with concern. “Be careful. Something’s not quite right here.”
“Must be your pregnancy hormones working overtime,” she grumbled, trying to push him out of the way. He held firm then just held her, as close as she’d allow in broad daylight. Her strong body melted slightly but didn’t completely thaw as he whispered, “I adore you, sha. Is that a crime?”
“Not in my book.” She gave his ass a quick squeeze then shoved him away. “Stay put. I’ll let you know if I need backup. I’m wired for sound, so you can relax.”
“I am relaxed.”
“Liar.”
After she did a mic test, he couldn’t resist planting a kiss on those tightly pressed lips, pulling back before they softened. She made a firm stay put gesture and was off to work.
Leaning a hip against the screaming orange car, Max enjoyed the view as she lumbered in her disguise across the busy street. A sneak peek of four months from now? No. Charlotte Caissie would never look ungainly even if she got what she disparagingly called big as a Mardi Gras float. She disappeared around the corner, putting him instantly on point, not relaxing even when she relayed via earbud, “Looks clear. Couple of the city’s finest loitering around, so you’re off the hook.”
Not quite. She was his job, not theirs. He wouldn’t relax until she was sharing the bucket seats with him on their way back to River Road.
– – –
Cee Cee couldn’t see him, but the feel of her mate close by was as reassuring as a bullet-proof vest. She’d never asked for special protection on the job, not for herself, but baby-on-board changed everything except her determination to bring closure if not comfort to those mothers and babies who’d died. Or worse. This was her chance. A hurried call from Dr. Jones advised that an unexpected visitor was arriving to talk with her about funding her programs. No particulars. All her cop instincts vibrated. Someone was snapping up the bait Leo Pomerelli had planted with his life.
In her raggedy guise as Sondra Thomas, she entered Bright Haven for Women for her ‘appointment.’ Kinesha Jones was talking in back with an unknown man. Staying out of sight, she spoke his description quietly into the wire that reached out and touched her small team of Joey Boucher and Junior Hammond, as well as Max Savoie.
“White male business-type, approximately thirty-five, five-ten, one eighty, black over blue. Left-handed, Ivy League ring. Mole under left eye. Not previously known to doctor.”
In a louder voice, she called out while advancing into the clinic, “Dr. Jones? It’s Sondra. I be here for my 11:00,” drawing their attention. The doctor offered a careful smile.
“Miss Thomas, we were just talking about you.”
The hair under Cee Cee’s wig prickled at her nape. The affable doctor always called her clients by their first names. Smiling as if nothing was amiss, she pretended excitement. “About adopting my baby?”
The slickly handsome man came around the desk to offer his hand, smile wide and pretty. Blue eyes gleamed like soulless gems. “Miss Thomas, my name is Jeffrey Maitlin. I operate a clinic in Chicago, like this one only on a much larger scale. One of our clients has been searching for someone like you.”
“Like me?” Cee Cee pretended delight while thoughts scrambled. Chicago. Pretty damned confident to act so bold on her back steps.
“Just like you. We need to do some very specific tests. Just to make sure. Would that be all right? A little blood draw to get started if you don’t mind.” He took hold of her elbow, leading her toward the back of the office. At the same time, his smile ebbed and those ice chip eyes went glacial. That cold stare lifted to focus behind her as he tapped his ear.
Blue shirted uniforms sporting the Star and Crescent patch appeared beside her at either shoulder. Street cops?
As Cee Cee took an offensive step forward, strong hands gripped her arms, and her mic was stripped away. Maitlin’s smile never faltered. Another shadowed figure