Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,89

computer Diego had provided, allowing me to put some of the information we’d already gathered together. The remaining pieces of the puzzle would be identified within hours.

Especially since I’d checked myself out of the hospital, Diego arriving with clothes after securing the funds and temporary identities that Dante had provided.

“You know that Lindsey will be pissed that you checked yourself out,” Diego stated in a challenging tone.

“And you are well aware that we need to finish this.” I stared out at the busy street, the sight of so many people enjoying lunch on a beautiful afternoon having an entirely different effect than it normally would.

I was jealous.

I wanted nothing more than to be freed of living a double life, of catching bullets and being cut with dirty blades in back alleys of various cities and countries. I longed to stroll along the beach, allowing water to lap at my feet while I held the hand of the woman I loved.

Huffing, I turned my face toward the passenger window, trying to rein in the ridiculous notion. While I remembered little of the plane flight after being shot, I would never forget spouting off that I loved her.

And what I’d told her about Teresa.

“You’re certain she’s secured?” I heard the demanding tone in my voice, caustic on every level, but neither one of us had time to play nice. We were only two-thirds finished with our mission and my instinct told me that we were about to face another round of retaliation.

“I took all necessary precautions and Lindsey is well aware of the rules. She’s safely secured at the hotel with explicit instructions to keep the door locked.”

“As if rules contained her before.”

Diego chuckled before pulling into an underground garage, the building one that was owned by the Specialists. Given neither one of us had ever been invited to the very secure location, I had the distinct feeling this might be the end of at least my illustrious career.

Not before I made certain several people paid for what they did to Lindsey.

I wanted this to be over, but only with an outcome that was favorable to her. She deserved a chance at a life.

The one thing that Teresa had told me all those years ago was that you only got one chance at living your life the way you wanted. The second that you allowed anyone to chain you to your destiny, you’d never be free. There was no key, no power that could alter the decisions that were made.

I’d laughed at her, boasting that I’d finally taken control of my life and I was relishing every decision that I made. Now I understood exactly what she was telling me.

“Whatever the outcome is today, we are going to have a chat with Silas Walters. Then we’re going to make certain that Michael Mancini never threatens her again. Whether or not it goes against the rules.” Diego’s voice was gruff, his demeanor entirely different than before.

I slowly turned my head, studying my friend. Of all the people in the world, I knew I could trust him with my life as well as my secrets, although I realized I actually had few left to tell. I’d overheard him telling Lindsey about my time spent in the Black Ops. While I’d obviously been effective at hiding a portion of what had occurred, he knew enough.

And in some sick and twisted way, I was glad he was the one to tell her.

The rest? Well, that wouldn’t be necessary.

“Agreed,” I answered as we both walked into the cold steel box, a moment of claustrophobia settling in immediately. Diego had been much more aware of her surroundings than she’d understood, paying attention to every action she’d taken. She’d remained terrified, jumpy and unable to sleep or eat.

Michael would pay for what he’d done to her.

I’d known how organized and polished that the Specialist organization could be, especially given the amount of money I’d been told they had. However, I certainly hadn’t expected such a modern set of offices, complete with engaging works of art. The surprise gave both of us a smile. Evidently business was damn good.

“Mr. Rivers. Mr. Sanchez. I appreciate your ability to change the location of our meeting. I felt this was more private than a hotel bar.”

As always, Dante’s voice was rich in tone, his Italian accent screaming of expensive schools and fine living. He stood in a crisp linen suit, his arms folded behind him, a genuine smile on his face.

“We really didn’t