7

 

Jamie paced around Enrique’s hotel room as he set up his netbook. They’d moved to a better hotel. A part of her had wanted to argue with him, but he was right.

“Almost ready to rock and roll. Make sure you turn your back so you don’t see my password.” Enrique’s smile was seductive.

“Very funny.”

“I’m just saying. You can’t be too security-conscious these days. You may not know it, but there are lots of bad guys out there.”

Refusing to flirt back, she simply stared hoping he’d take the hint. Why had she ever agreed to work with him? Of course, it didn’t look as if she had much choice. He would follow her around whether she liked it or not. Still, the less she had to do with him the better. And she wished he’d stop being so charming. Or so handsome. “Just get on with it, Ricky.”

“Yes, ma’am. Let’s see what we can find out about Ryan Mattson.” After a mock salute, he typed the name into the criminal database. A list popped up on the screen.

She scooted the spare chair over to the desk for a better look.

Enrique’s breath warmed her ear as he whispered. “I knew you couldn’t resist me.”

“Think again.” Moving her chair an inch away, she pointed at the screen. “So which one is our Ryan Mattson?”

Their Ryan was the fourth one on the list.

Enrique moved the cursor to a name. “That must be him. It says his birth place is Columbus, Ohio.”

“And he attended the same high school as Michael Zinkleman. Must be our man. So what did he do?”

“Mmm. This is not a nice man. He’s been busted for possession with intent, several assaults, and a few robberies.”

“Quite the hodge-podge.” Jamie stood and stretched, fighting to cover a yawn. “He can’t seem to decide what specialty he wants.”

“Maybe not. But it seems as if the charges are escalating in seriousness with each of them. Not a nice guy. “

“Where’s he at now?” Jamie attempted to stifle another yawn.

Enrique hit another key and a new screen popped up. “According to his probation report he still lives here in Columbus and works in some bar. We can check it out tomorrow. You look exhausted.”

“I am.” She headed to the door. “I’m too tired to think right now. Tomorrow I’ll come up with a plan to find out what Ryan Mattson knows about the whereabouts of Michael Zinkleman, but tonight I’ll be sleeping in comfort in a clean bed. Feel free to check out the bar where he works and report back to me in the morning. If you’re not too tired.”

“Aye, aye, captain.” He gave a mock salute.

She ignored his flirting. “See you in the morning.” She walked out the door. Safe and sound in her own room Jamie fought the tears trickling down her cheeks. Working with Enrique would be harder than she thought. She’d assumed the only feeling she had left for him was anger. Now she wasn’t so sure.

One thing was definite. This was the last time she’d go undercover. Her brush with death the past summer had made her realize the days of going undercover were finished—well, almost.

When she’d heard Zink’s story God had spoken to her heart. But after she found Andrew, she would be done with undercover work. Definitely.

That Enrique would become a part of her life again because of this case hurt her heart. And now that he seemed to have matured, it was even more difficult. Even back then, he seemed to be a man a woman could count on. A man who could make her feel safe—and loved.

She squeezed her eyes closed trying to shut out the memories and the feelings. There was no future for her and Enrique.

That ship had sailed.