Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,69
were, sharing simple joys. Of course, the thought was ridiculous on every level, but the city itself was beautiful, perfect to share an adventure.
And a love story.
I settled my gaze on the lovely doctor, taking a deep breath. There was such a light inside of Lindsey, her eyes dancing as we passed by several local stores, the atmosphere within some almost garish.
“Is it too much to ask if I can go inside?” she finally asked, looking directly into my eyes.
“Go ahead,” Diego said quietly.
She held out her hand like a small child would when being allowed into a candy store. “Can I have a small amount of cash?”
Diego looked at me and what the hell was I supposed to say? “Just remember money is tight.”
“I understand.” While she accepted the few bills that Diego offered, I could see a heightened level of consternation on her face.
After she walked inside, Diego leaned against the side of the building. “This is getting stupid, Jack. I think we need to break the silence and risk the odds.”
“I don’t disagree. We’ll wait until in the morning then I’ll contact Dante.”
“Agreed.” He turned to face me, his eyes burning with anger. “What are you going to do when we safely get her to DC?”
“You mean if.”
He huffed. “Fine. Have it your way. I really wonder what happened to you during your time in the Marines. There’s something missing from your record. I don’t know what that is, but I can tell it’s what shaped the man you are today, not that girl you mentioned.”
I laughed as I glanced into the store. Even the store owner was engaged by her, laughing at whatever Lindsey was saying. “You mean other than being in prison?”
“Behind enemy lines?”
I snorted, shaking my head. “I wish it was that simple, Diego.”
He opened his eyes wide. “Wait a minute. Were you incarcerated by the military?”
“Something like that. I’d just leave the subject alone.”
“Shit,” he half whispered. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Nothing to say. I trusted someone that I shouldn’t have. I paid the price. I lived through it and moved on.”
“The Specialists found you. Didn’t they?”
There was no reason to lie. “Yep. Rotting away. They had some pull and got me out of there on the condition I come to work for them.”
“I guess they’re into picking up lost souls. No wonder we’re all loyal like dogs.” Diego sighed as he studied the street. “I’m not sure I want to spend the rest of my life pretending to be one person or another. The job I did down here was shit. While I was able to find a missing and very precious work of art, it took five months of living in basic squalor. Shot at a thousand times. Chased by the police and the bad guys. Finally wound up in the hospital with a bullet wound. And I thought the gigs were going to be glamorous.” He chuckled, even shooting me a sly grin.
I shrugged, breathing a sigh of relief as she walked in our direction. In her hand was a small bag. “Yeah, well, some of them are, but that doesn’t mean they are any less difficult. Just on another level. If you would do something else, what would it be?”
“You know? Given what I learned on two missions, an art dealer. I’d have a little place on the beach, highlighting local artists. I have enough money saved. Just need to make the decision to do it.”
I couldn’t help but give him a smile. “That actually sounds nice.”
“And you?”
“Killing people is all I know.”
Diego chuckled as he leaned in closer. “That’s bullshit and you know it. I might even like that guy. Course, that’s if we were going to be friends, which we aren’t.”
As she came closer, a smile on her face, I could tell she was holding a secret, as if she’d managed to do something to break the rules in her own way. How could anyone be so gentle and caring?
“Is it time for dinner yet?” she asked.
“Whatcha got in your bag, sweetheart?” Diego teased.
“None of your business, but if you’re both very good, I might share with you later. Much later.”
I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms, if for no other reason than to keep her close and safe. My instincts were kicking into overdrive and while there was no logical explanation for it, they’d never been wrong.
Music seemed to be coming from everywhere, the sounds of Spanish guitar creating a festive