you. I will introduce you to my wife.” He turned and walked further into the house, into the noise and laughter.
Owen tightened his hold on Gigi and walked across the threshold. The mission clock ticked in his head. Time to do the job, then get Gigi back to the jet. One way or the other, her part in this operation ended tonight.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Gigi walked into the gunrunner’s house with Owen, scanning each room they passed. Each room was more beautiful than the last.
People milled everywhere, laughing and talking above the music emanating from hidden speakers throughout the house. Waiters and waitresses wandered throughout the rooms, offering hors d’oeuvres to the guests. A mini-bar occupied corners of a few rooms with a full bar on the large patio.
Gonzalez led them to a group of women gathered at the edge of the patio. When he drew closer, all the women drifted away but one. The stunningly beautiful woman who had been in the midst of the others smiled at Gonzalez. “Maria, meet Owen and Gina Michaels. This is my wife, Maria.”
Owen shook Maria’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
Gonzalez’s wife beamed. “Oh, this one has manners, Salvatore. Your other business associates could take lessons from Owen.” She turned to Gigi. “I’m pleased to meet you, Gina. Come, let me introduce you to the other women. We’ll ignore the men. They’re all more interested in talking business than appreciating our personalities and exceptional taste in clothes. If you want, I’ll give you a tour of the house while the men discuss boring topics.”
“Gigi might be able to load Z’s program,” Brody murmured. “Give her the flash drive.”
When Owen tightened his hold on her, Gigi looked up. One look in his eyes told her Owen didn’t want to do as Brody ordered. If she was caught, the consequences would be deadly. She needed to do this for Owen and Toni. “I’d love to see the house, sugar,” she said with a smile. “I’m always looking for new decorating ideas.”
“Do it, Owen,” Brody said. “We need you out of there soon. The feds are getting restless. I don’t know how much longer they’ll wait.”
Gonzalez clapped Owen on the shoulder. “Come. Gina will enjoy the tour. While Maria is entertaining your wife, I’ll introduce you to men who will prove helpful in your war with the US government.”
Owen tilted Gigi’s chin up with one hand and kissed her. His other hand slid down to wrap around hers. When he released her, Gigi slid her hand into her pocket. “Don’t be long,” he murmured. “Come find me when your tour is finished.”
She allowed Maria to lead her away from Owen. Man, she hoped Zane’s program worked as fast as advertised. Otherwise, she’d be in serious trouble.
“Gigi, we need to know where you are,” Brody murmured. “Even if things get busy out here, one of us will monitor your movements at all times.”
Through the earpiece, Gigi heard Owen responding to a question by Gonzalez. She hated to be separated from him. Touring the house meant she couldn’t watch his back.
Throughout the tour, Gigi gave Owen and the others a running commentary of each room she entered. Once Maria led her to the second floor, the noise level dropped. “The second floor is so quiet.”
Maria laughed as she opened the door to another room and gestured for Gigi to walk inside first. “Salvatore entertains often. Business comes first with him. I always find an excuse to escape the noise for a time.”
Gigi’s heart skipped a beat. “An office. Look at that desk.” She moved closer. “It’s made of Dalbergia wood, isn’t it?”
Her hostess looked surprised. “Dalbergia is an exotic wood. Most people I’ve talked to have never heard of it.”
“My mother collects wooden bowls made of Dalbergia wood. She can’t afford to buy many since the wood is so expensive.”
Maria trailed her hand along the edge of the desk. “Salvatore saw this and couldn’t resist purchasing it. He loves this desk.”
“It’s a beauty.” So, this was Gonzalez’s office. Gigi eyed the computer sitting atop the expensive desk. “This is your husband’s office?”
The other woman nodded. “I have my own office in the other wing.”
Heavy footsteps approached the office. A moment later, a guard walked in. “The caterer is in the hall with a question.”
Maria frowned. “This can’t wait?”
A shrug. “He says not.”
She sighed. “Very well.” Maria looked at Gigi. “I’ll return in a moment, and we’ll finish the tour.”
“Do you mind if I browse the books?” Gigi