Chapter Twenty

 

She led Agent Jansen past the elevators, down a long champagne corridor. “Why’ve you fixated on me? The tape you say you have can’t exist since I never left any messages for Pamela.”

You admit you spoke to her the night she died?”

Yes. She wanted me to give her money to pay some drug dealer back with.”

What was his name?”

She called him Trigger but when I pressed for more information, she clammed up,” Sabrina told him and pushed the door of the conference room open. “She said she was selling for him and she’d skimmed five thousand and he was going to kill her.”

Why didn’t you tell me this before?” he demanded when she faced him inside the spacious cream and chocolate room.

Sabrina shrugged. “I thought you’d do your job and you’d realize I wasn’t involved—” The muffled ring of her cell phone from its case attached to her belt cut her off. She sighed. “I guess I was wrong. You want justice for the dead agents. I understand.” She frowned at the number on the display. The same one from last night. “What do you want?” she demanded.

I told you what I wanted last night. Give me the information you took, and I’ll leave you and your girlfriend alone.”

Fear was an icy hand around her heart, squeezing so tight her breath died in her chest. Her hand shook and she headed to the window where the shades were pulled down against the early rays of golden light.

I don’t know who you’re talking about,” she said.

Why the fat Miss Price of course. You don’t seem like the type to go in for a fatty. You look like you take such good care of yourself. Hard body a man could fuck for days and never get tired of.”

Try putting a finger on me, you worthless prick,” she snarled. “If you were a real man you’d be hear making your petty little demands in person.”

He laughed in that mechanical voice. “You’re in no position to talk. Someone saw you go into Pamela’s apartment. That witness will come forward and if that doesn’t sway you, your woman will suffer a broken leg and then a broken arm. After that, I’ll just kill her.”

Her grip tightened on the phone and Sabrina knew it was more than simple anger sending the heat of rage burning down her back. She was enraged at the very idea of anyone harming Veda.

Damn it!

She was already falling for her.

This was one of the reasons she didn’t get involved. She didn’t like having a weakness an enemy could exploit.

What no witty comeback?” he asked mockingly and then laughed manically.

You are aware that the FBI is involved?” she asked. “They’re searching my office even now and they will find the evidence. I won’t have it all if any to give.”

You didn’t make copies?”

Why would I?” she asked. “I’ve been more deliciously engaged. I don’t even have a clue what’s on the card.”

There’s only one?”

Two and one will be falling into Agents Jansen and Crow’s hands any minute now because you’ve got me on the phone playing kid’s games.”

Damn it!”

Sabrina shook her head. “Say goodbye, Sabrina. I’ll call you later,” she commanded.

I will be in touch.”

She exhaled roughly and quickly typed in a message to Ace. Veda needed protection now.

What are they blackmailing you for?” Agent Jansen asked.

She faced him. “Pamela and Westmore had something on someone. I don’t know who. I haven’t had a chance to look at the SD card yet.”

How’d you get it?” he asked, his tone soft, almost lulling her into a false sense of security.

I went to see her the day she was killed to take her money. I told her she had to go to her brother for the rest, but she didn’t want to get him involved I guess because we argued.”

You really did kill her father didn’t you?” he asked softly, his tone incredulous. “She had proof and she was blackmailing you for the money she needed.”

Find the body, get a witness, get some proof, and then ask me,” she told him coldly. “In the meantime, I’m sticking with what I’ve already told you.”

So you were there, and she turned the card over to you, why?”

She asked me to keep the card until tomorrow when I gave her the money. I left, but she was alive and preparing to meet someone. I guess she told her killer she gave me the cards.”

I want them,” he said.

I don’t have them on me,” Sabrina told him. She looked at her phone when it chirped in her hand and Sabrina glanced at the screen and read the message. “I’m engaging a professional to protect Miss Price.”

They’re going to kill her. The Hatter never takes any prisoners.”

Somebody should have told Pamela and Westmore that,” she said.

We’ll protect her and you,” he promised.

She snorted. “You couldn’t keep an apple pie in a steel pie cover safe. I’ve engaged the best, and Veda will walk away from this even if I don’t.”

A gasp drew her attention to the door. Veda stood there hand on the barely open door.

She gave him a look and his brown eyes held a hint of smugness. She shook her head.

I wanted her to know what she’d gotten herself into,” he murmured. “What kind of woman she was dealing with.”

Veda’s growing affections for her would wither as soon as she knew how much blood stained her hands. She’d been an innocent girl, turned into a sex toy by a killer, a woman who’s heart wasn’t easily touched by romantic love.

I could deal with you wanting to destroy me,” she whispered. “But trying to taint her life with the danger from mine is unforgiveable, Agent Jansen.”

Just give me the cards,” he told her. “We’ll handle the rest.”

She walked away. Veda was still standing outside the door looking in like a lurking shadow. Sabrina pulled the door open. “Hi.”

I needed to see you,” Veda whispered. Her gaze was soft, and her bottom lip trembled.

Did I catch you at a bad time?”