Jonah (Chicago Blaze #7) - Brenda Rothert Page 0,6

make Logan’s case. I’m guessing helping him get one is where I come in.

“Not yet,” he says. “This case is bigger than it even looks.”

“Looks pretty fucking huge to me,” I say.

“There are some very big fish going in and out of that compound. We’ve kept the details of this case locked down, limited to only those who need to know. That numbnuts rookie who brought you in here knows nothing about this case, only that you’re a federal agent here to assist on a case.”

I put up a hand. “If you’re trying to tell me not to divulge anything to anyone, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

“I know you do, and I mean no disrespect,” Logan says. “It’s just that I’ve been working this case hard for a long time now, and the shit just seems to go deeper and deeper. I want this guy. I want all of them, honestly. Every filthy fucker who’s ever set foot on that hellhole of a compound.”

“Good. I do, too. And I’m at your disposal. However long you need me, whatever you need me to do. I’ll be working undercover, right?”

Logan nods, and I see the wheels in his mind start turning. He walks over to a manila folder on the conference table and slides it toward me.

“You’ll be working as Renee Carlisle, a freelance writer who does articles for beauty and fashion magazines. Figured your friends could call you Rey with that name. I’ve already generated some articles under the name Renee Carlisle with time stamps going back a little over two years.”

I arch a brow and smile. “So you know your beauty products, Detective West?”

The first sign of a smile from him plays on his lips. “Not at all. I had help. More on that later.”

I pinch my brows together, thinking out loud. “So do you want me to try to form a personal relationship with Shields?”

“Yes, but you’ll have help.”

I look over at him. “Sorry, I’ll let you finish before I ask questions.”

“No, it’s okay.” He slides a second manila folder my way. “Shields was born and raised in Chicago. He’s a die-hard Chicago sports fan. He’s a regular in the VIP box for high rollers who contribute to the Chicago Blaze Foundation. He’s an acquaintance of Olivier Durand, the owner of the Blaze, but Durand doesn’t spend time with him outside of games and fundraisers.”

I nod and look up from the file at Logan. “You’ve done a lot of great work here.”

“None of it will matter if we don’t get these guys,” he says, sighing. “And that’s where my brother comes in.”

“Your brother?”

“Jonah West, he’s the goalie for the Chicago Blaze.”

My eyes widen at our luck. “Really?”

“Really. And he’s going to be your in. As his girlfriend, you’ll have access to all the VIP Blaze events.”

I draw back slightly. “As his what?”

“It’s the perfect cover,” Logan explains. “Jonah’s been single for three years now. He’s one of the highest paid players on the team and everyone loves him. Shields pays big money to hobnob with the players, and Jonah will help you get as close as you need.”

Now the wheels are turning in my mind, too. I have to admit, this is a really good plan.

“And Jonah’s okay with this?” I ask.

Logan’s expression turns sheepish. “He will be.”

“He doesn’t know yet?” My lips part with surprise.

“We figured we should clear this plan with you before bringing anyone else in,” Sgt. Jones says.

I sigh softly. “No, you’re right. I appreciate that.” I laugh. “I’ve done some crazy undercover shit, but I’ve gotta say, I never thought I’d be posing as the girlfriend of a pro hockey player. And a beauty writer at that. I hardly even wear makeup.”

“I’ve got you covered there, too,” Logan says. “You’ll be moving in with the son of one of our deputy chiefs, Kai St. James. Kai is a huge Instagram beauty influencer. He’s going to help you with all the beauty blogging stuff. He won’t know the details, but he does know you’re working undercover.”

I briefly consider all the aspects of this undercover role before asking, “And you’re sure your brother will go for this?”

“I mean, when he sees you…yeah.” Logan grins and shrugs.

“I’m not sleeping with him,” I say firmly.

“Hell no, I’d never ask you to do something like that. Jonah’s a good guy; I’d trust him with my life. He’ll do it when I explain the importance of this investigation to him. I was joking about him doing it just