It was possible Star had been paid to take care of every victim. Even Michael.
What do you know about the wife? Blue asked.
Only that I want one of you to chat with her when we finish up here.
Ill do it, Solo said. Fear makes people talk, and females tend to fear me.
I think its safe to say Star is in the revenge-getting business. Michael drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. Considering we were looking at seventeen victims before the explosion, were now dealing with seventeen accomplices. Someone the victims knew must have contacted Star and paid him to do their dirty work.
I was just thinking the same thing, Evie said. Great minds and all that.
Patting yourself on the back again? Ugh.
All seventeen have managed to keep the dealings a secret, Solo pointed out. No ones bragged. Do you know how rare that is?
Yes, she mentally grumbled. But a little vanity wasnt such a terrible thingwhen it was deserved.
Probably out of terror, Blue replied. Theyve seen what Star can do and dont want the same fate to befall them.
Evie jumped in, saying, Plus they dont want to implicate themselves in a crime.
Blue smiled at her.
She smiled back.
Michael sucked in a breath, and they looked away from each other.
So, who wanted you dead? Blue asked her father. Who would pay big bucks to have you killed?
Michael didnt have to think it over. We know Monica Gains, my former assistant, worked with Star, and I can only guess its because she told me one of her kids was mine. I insisted on a DNA test. When she refused, I gave her the option of quitting or being fired. She quit.
Wait. How many people have you slept with? Evie asked. No, dont answer that. I dont want to barf up my smoothie. If she quit, she no longer had access to your home. How did she set the bomb?
She was a familiar face, and I made the mistake of telling no one about her lies. My new assistant would have let her in without thinking twice.
Everything was beginning to come together. A woman looking for fast cash whod once had access to the files Michael kept on the criminals he pursued. A woman who would have known just how to tempt a man like Gregory Star. A woman looking to hurt the man whod rejected her.
Well, Evie said. Whats our next move? Do we try to finesse information out of the Star children as planned?
Yes. But we take it to the next level. We inject them both with isotope trackers, Blue said. That way well know where they go, when they go. Maybe theyll lead us straight to John.
Okay. That was a seriously genius move. Embarrassed I didnt think of it myself. Why didnt we do this sooner? The answer hit her in an instant. It wasnt standard procedure, and it was highly illegal.
But they werent playing by the rules, were they.
Never mind, she muttered.
Once in the bloodstream, the isotope would send out a traceable signal for the next six months. All that was needed was a computer and the right code.
Michael wanted to inject Evie when she first came to work for him, but she refused. Criminals could hack into the tracking stream and find her at any time. No, thanks.
Itll take me a few hours to get the vials, Michael said.
The party starts in a few hours, Evie reminded him. Can you do better?
You dont rush quality tracers, princess. Besides, I dont mind being fashionably late, Blue said, his gaze once again locked on her, making her shiver. After all, the party wont really start until I get there. Im the belle of the ball.
I guess that makes me Prince Charming.
Twenty
EVIE STOOD AT THE entrance to the Star Light Hotel roof, greeting guests as they arrived for the party. Behind her, the moon was high and golden, a million stars twinkling from a sea of black velvet. There was no wind, the temperature warm and perfect.
Mother Nature hadnt wanted to ruin Blues big night, she supposed.
Also behind her, past a half wall of mirrors, was a summer oasis. A large swimming pool in the shape of the number eight consumed half the space. Palm trees stretched toward the sky. A buffet table piled high with rare delicacies drew the biggest crowd.
Evie wore a glittery silver sundress with a black bathing suit underneath. Five-inch hooker heels took her from maybe-Ill-take-a-dip to Im-already-soaking. Most of the invited guests had already arrived. The team, their families and friends. Season ticket holders.
Blue wasnt here. Did he have the tracers?
Tyson and Tiffany Star hadnt arrived, either.
The elevator dinged, signaling the arrival of another guest. She held her breath, hopeful. The doors slid open and she sighed with disappointment. And dread.
Evie Black. Dallas Gutierrez stepped forward and grinned a seducers grin. You look stunning.
I know. But thanks. He wore a perfectly tailored suit in the traditional black and white, his dark hair slicked back, his blue eyes bright. A party crasher so soon. No wonder you didnt know the dress code.
Like the ladies could really handle me in my swimmies. Leaning forward, as if sharing a secret, he said, Did you notice? No man boobs.
She tried not to smile. Failed.
By the way, youre welcome.
For what? she asked, arching a brow.
My presence.
She rolled her eyes.
Dont let him fool you. Hes not a crasher, hes one of my plus twos. An elegant woman stepped up beside him. She had honey-colored hair and a beautiful face usually only seen in magazines. She wore a short red dress that displayed a belly rounded by her pregnancy.
Noelle Tremain, Evie acknowledged.
None other.
Blue spent a year of his life with this exquisite, elegant woman. But he never shared his true self with her, and Evie suddenly wondered why. Congratulations on your recent marriage.
Thank you. I felt really strongly that it was time I took a step up.
Meaning her husband was better than Blue?
Evie masked a scowl. Whos the lucky guy?
Me, a gruff voice replied. A man with dark hair, green eyes, and the rough features of someone who knew his way around a bloody battlefield wrapped a gloved arm around Noelles waist.
Why gloves?
Hector Dean, meet Evangeline Black. To Evie, she said, Dallas tells me we have a mutual frenemy.
Evie glared at Dallas. Yes, hed had permission to spill the gory details about Blue, but he shouldnt have acted on it.
Whoa. Cool down now, Miss Black, and keep your hands out of your wizard bag. I dont want to know if youve got another magic compact in there. Blue wanted her to know, he said, palms up.
If thats so, Noelle interjected, why did you tell me Blue was going to kill you for being the messenger, and I needed to protect you?
Dallas threw his arms up. Because thats also true. Hector, control your woman before she gets me killed.
Dont think I will, Hector said.
Noelle beamed at him. Anyway. She took Evies hand, squeezed. If you ever want to compare notes, Ill make myself available.
The trio sailed past her without another word. Good thing, too. Another ding sounded, and out stepped Blue. As usual, Evies breath snagged in her throat. He looked edibleand it had been too long since shed had a taste, feeding her addiction.
He sported a simple white tee that hugged his heavy biceps and rippled chest, and a pair of swim trunks that could have doubled as golf shorts. Casual and ready to play, but also ready for business.
His gaze swept over her and heated. Then his power followed the same trail, and it was as though his hands caressed her, causing her nipples to harden and her belly to quiver.
Tonight, after he returned from Tiffanys and she returned from Tysonsfingers crossedshe would sneak into his room. If he didnt sneak into hers.
Evangeline, wow . . . Another full-body once-over, his eyes lingering on all the places he liked to touch. He clasped her hand and kissed her knuckles, and she could only gasp at the heady sense of pleasure that flooded her. You look gorge.
Cant laugh. Thank you, she said with a regal nod. If I didnt know you were abbreviating the word gorgeous, I would think you were telling me I look like a ravine.
Gorge and smart. His voice lowered. The things I want to do to you . . .
Cant fall into his arms. Oh, yeah?
He noddedand then he snatched her purse and dug inside. A wad of Chinese money. A handful of zip ties. Taco Bell sauce packets. An Immortals After Dark friendship bracelet. Six safety pins. A mini-Taze. And now a pen. He held a plain-looking ink pen in the light and pressed the end.
It wasnt a pen, she realized. A needle emerged rather than a ballpoint. In the belly was the isotope tracker.
Perfect for my collection, she said.
Lavender eyes narrowed with determination, surprising her. I thought youd like it. He took her hand, much as hed done the first time theyd met, and kissed her knuckles. Forgive me, but . . .
A sharp sting in her palm.
She frowned and jerked away from him. A tiny bead of blood welled just beneath her index fingera needle puncture?
His expression was hard and intractable.
She lowered her gaze, saw last years NOFL Super Bowl ring glinting from his hand. Hed never worn it before.
What did you do? she demanded quietly.
What I had to do to keep you safe. Youre welcome.
Blue
The elevator dinged, saving her from having to form a replyit would have been a death threat, no question. Because if she had to guess, shed say hed just used the isotope tracker on her.
He handed her the bag, expression cleared of all emotion. Aaannnd, out stepped
Tyson and Tiffany Star.
Game face on.
Evie cloaked her rising anger with a blank mask.
Blue gave a megawatt smile to Tiffany, and Evie marveled that hed ever been able to fool anyone with his acting talents. He did not look besotted, but determined. I was just asking Miss Black if youd arrived, he said to the girl. And here you are, like a wish come true.
Tyson stiffened, but Tiffany offered a shy smile in return.
Evie felt no stirring of jealousy. And, strangely enough, even her anger drained. Blue was doing his best to find his friend, and he knew how badly a distraction could screw him up. Worrying about his womana woman being stalked by the enemyhad to be the biggest distraction there was.
So youre his woman now?
Well, yes. For the moment.
You are all my sister has been talking about, Mr. Blue, Tyson said, with zero emotion in his tone. However, his eyes gave him away. Flames crackled in their navy-blue depths.
Tiffany cast him a nervous glance.
Evie wondered if the guy had ever gotten violent with her.
If so, well, she might just kick him while he was down. And he was going down, somehow. Like Blue, shed brought a pharmacy in her rings. One held the truth serum, one a sedative, one an aphrodisiac, and one a big dose of mental-patient cray-cray. Shed use them all if necessary.
Please. Just Blue. He took Tiffanys hand. Ive thought about you a lot since that day at the coffee shop, wondered if you were doing okay, and if Id get to see you again.
The girl blushed, and honestly, it was kind of . . . sweet.
Almost feel sorry for her. Almost.
A thousand times Ive asked my father to meet you, Tiffany said. Im not allowed to date anyone that hasnt met him. But hes refused. Im sorry.
Well find a way. No probs.
The phrase was a caress to Evies ears.
Tyson ran his tongue over his teeth, reminding her of her job.
I know this comes a little late, but welcome, she said to him. Im Evangeline Black, tonights hostess.
The Star heir stepped forward and nodded in greeting. Tyson Star.
Ah. The illustrious owner of this amazing paradise. She swept her hand out to indicate the pool. I was hoping Id get a chance to speak with you.
And I you. He hooked her fingers over his and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
She pretended to be charmed. He was a handsome man. Tall, like his sister, and leanly built. He was not in casual wear. Like Dallas, he wore a suit. He wasnt the type to relax, she would bet.
I can help him with that.
Your staff has done a wonderful job, she said.
We only hire the best.
How special for you. Well, it certainly shows.
Blue and Tiffany wandered past the mirrored wall, whispering to each other, obviously flirting and, to any outside observer, seemingly lost in each other. Tyson watched, his shoulders squaring more with every step the pair took. A warrior preparing for battle.
Evie smiled at him, hoping to distract him. It seems youre in need of a companion, Mr. Star. Come, and Ill introduce you to the rest of the team.
* * *
Blue was having trouble concentrating. Chatter and laughter rang through the night. Every so often someone would jump in the pool and warm water would splash everyone nearby, eliciting startled cries.
One of those cries came from Evie. She used the water as an excuse to escort Tyson to the edge of the roof, a secluded spot overlooking the lights of the city. The two stayed there for half an hour, talking. Tysons gaze continually strayed to Tiffany. At one point he even tried to walk away from Evie, but she somehow convinced him to remain at her side.
Blue had never before watched the woman he was sleeping with flirt with another man. But then, Evie might be done with him. She suspected hed injected her with the tracker.
Too bad, princess. Were together, and thats final.
How many women had watched him over the years, wondering about his affections? How many women had he left twisted up, angry, and frustrated?
Too many. He was done living that way.
Hello. My name is Blue and Im a reformed bad boy.
He couldnt blame his current mood on jealousy. He knew what tonights flirtation games were about. He knew Evie felt nothing but contempt for Tyson Star, and that she wouldnt do anything sexual. He knew she was doing this for John. For Blue. And he knew she could protect herself.
He blamed yearning. He and Evie couldnt be open about their relationship. They had to hide their affection for one another. Blue couldnt stand beside her and look at lights. Blue couldnt put his arm around her or kiss her in the moonlight.
He also couldnt leave the party with Tiffany until Evie convinced Tyson to take her somewhere else. Anywhere else. Otherwise, Big Brother would definitely try to stop Blue from leaving with Little Sister, and that would put unnecessary kinks in the plan.
At least Blue didnt have to entertain Tiffany while he waited. A few of her friends were guests, and they had swept her away to gossip about himif he had to take a guess. Hed claimed a seat at an empty table to watch her . . . and all right, yes, to watch Evie. He was dividing his attention between the two.
Tyson ran his knuckles down the length of Evies arm.
Blue stiffened. When John is safe, Ill be removing those knuckles with a butter knife.
All alone? a female said. What a shame.
He recognized the voice and closed his eyes to pray for patience.
Noelle Tremain slid into the chair next to him. Light from the tiki torches bathed her, illuminating a pretty face hed once wanted so badly to love.
In greeting, he nodded at her. Youre looking well.
Dont be modest. Im looking magnificent. She smiled coldly and waved at someone across the room. Are you going to congratulate me on my nuptials and pregnancy or continue to glower at the owner of your team?
Shed noticed. Damn. Others might have noticed, too. Congrats, he said, facing her fully. Im happy for you.
Are you? Really?
This was long overdue, wasnt it? Yes, I really am. Im sorry for the way I treated you, Noelle. I never wanted to hurt you.
The coldness remained. Well, you did. You were a crappy boyfriend. Like, I could have shoved a dagger in your gut and no woman in the world would have convicted me of a crime. You were always trying to change me, and there at the end you even tried to forbid me from seeing Ava.
Ava. Her best friend. The two were practically joined at the hip. Where is she tonight?
Out hunting with her vampire husband.
Thats right. I heard she tamed a feral vamp capable of stopping time.
Evie laughed, the sound dazzling, drawing Blues notice. She was talking to Tyson, motioning to the elevators, but he was shaking his head no.
Only an idiot would refuse the raven-haired beauty.
There was a slight hardening of her shoulders, but she recovered quickly and reached up to toy with the ends of the mans hair. Any resentment Blue might have felt about the action evaporated as her emerald ring glinted in the moonlight.
Thats my girl.
Wouldnt be too much longer now.
Blue, Noelle snapped.
Noelle. Right. He forced his gaze on her. Look, you were a job, meant to introduce me to the right people. I enjoyed your antics, I really did, but you were getting me in trouble. Im sorry I tried to change you, I really am. Youre wonderful just the way you are. You always deserved better, and I knew it, and thats why I incited you into breaking things off with me by telling you not to see Ava. My boss couldnt force me to date a woman who wanted nothing to do with me.
She surprised him with a smile. Small, short-lived, but undeniable. I know I was a job, Blue. Now. Dallas told me what he learned about you, and everything fell into place. Youre lucky I didnt find you that night, or you would have woken up with your balls stuffed in your mouth. Youre also lucky I know how to extract promises from my darling husband. He would have done much, much worse to you. Hes quite savage, you know.
If he wants a go at me, hell just have to get in line.
Rubbing her hands over her swollen stomach, she said, When it comes to the women in your life, have you learned your lesson?
I like to think so, yes. He watched as Evie linked her fingers with Tysons and pulled him toward the elevators. This time he offered no resistance.
When they disappeared around the mirrored wall, Blue pushed to his feet. Its been nice chatting with you, Noelle, and if theres ever anything I can help you with, please let me know. But right now I have to go. He didnt wait for her reply but zeroed in on Tiffany.
Twenty-one
BLUE COMPELLED TIFFANY TO go to his car, then to sit quietly during the fifteen-minute drive to her house. She didnt even protest when he jabbed a needle in her thigh and injected her with the isotope, even though he might have used more force than necessary. Hate this girl.
One task checked off his to-do list.
He parked at the curb, studying the row of town-homes. They were tall, well-manicured, and semi-attached brownstones. Tiffanys was easy to spot, because there were two armed guards at the door.
You will tell them you want me inside, that I will be spending the night, and they arent to disturb us.
Yes, she said, eyes glassy and voice monotone.
Couldnt be helped. He stepped outside, walked around, and opened her door. From this angle the moon wasnt as bright and the stars werent as sparkly. Even better, the sidewalks were abandoned.
He threw an arm around her shoulders and walked her to her door. The guards watched him warily.
I want him inside, Tiffany said. He will be spending the night, and you arent to disturb us.
If they noticed the lack of inflection in her voice, they made no comment.
She swept inside and Blue moved in behind her, closing and locking the door.
He tugged her into the living room, just in case the guards were listening through the metal. Do you have any servants?
No. Were alone.
What about your brother and your father? Will they be paying you a visit?
No.
Too bad. Tiffany, you are tired. You will go to sleep now, and when you wake up, you will believe we had amazing sex. That way, if he needed to see her again, she would be more likely to agree.
Tired, she said, then yawned. Sleep. Sex. Her eyes closed and her knees buckled, but Blue caught her before she hit the ground. He found the master bedroom upstairs, a big, messy space with clothes strewn all over the engineered hardwood floor.
He set her on the bed, stripped her, and messed up the sheets to support whatever sexual tale her mind wove.
As he searched the entire home, he planted bugs in each of the rooms. He looked over the few pictures she had, those of her with her father and brother. Judging by the way Star senior smiled at Tiffany, he adored herinformation that could maybe be used against him.
Michael didnt think Star was the type to cave to demands, but it might be worth a shot.
The townhome didnt seem to have any secret passages. What it did have was stacks and stacks of clothing, different rolls of fabrics, and device after device loaded with digital sketches.
He looked over a few of the sketches, searching for anything having to do with the Golden Sunrise lineand finding plenty. He fought for control as he read her notations in the margins.
Save discarded cutouts from shoulders and use for decorative edging on skirt.
Cinch the pelt here to accentuate waistline.
Possible to blend the Rakan with silk for softer feel?
Suddenly the front door crashed open. Multiple pairs of footsteps sounded.
Blue dropped the device and reached for his pyre-gun. Three guards turned the corner just as he aimed. He could have fired on the one in the center and taken out the other two a split second later. But there were more guards filing in behind the original trio. He could release an energy ring, shocking everyone in the vicinity, but then he would be drained.
Why risk that if he could talk his way out?
When the first three pointed pyre-guns at him, he held his hands up, all innocence.
Mr. Star would like to speak with you, said the one in the middle. The condition we find the girl in will determine the condition you leave in.
Well, well. Good thing hed opted not to go with group electric shock therapy. What a surprise, he said with a smile devoid of humor. Id like to speak with Mr. Star, too.
Footsteps echoed from the staircase. Then a man called out, Shes fine. Just sleeping.
Blue allowed the men to lead him out of the townhome and into a dark SUV. He hoped Tiffany would be left at home, alone; with his hand at his side, he quickly texted Solo, telling him to go and get her . . . but to be careful. Still, Blue doubted things would be that easy. Most likely, Star would have her moved to a new and private location, kept under a more vigilant watch.
One man slid into the front seat as two sandwiched Blue in back, weapons trained on him.
Are you afraid? asked Front. You should be afraid.
Im hungry. Tiffany was a little wildcat, and I worked up an appetite. You got any snacks?
Front glared at him.
The guy at his left watched him reverently. Would you, I dont know, sign my shirt or something, Mr. Blue? Ive been a big fan ever since
A look from Front shut him up. We allowed you to keep your weapons per Mr. Stars orders. But that also means we have the right to defend ourselves if you act up. He stroked the hilt of his gun. Please act up.
Blue smiled. Another time, perhaps.
The rest of the drive passed in silence. When the car stopped in Stars driveway, he saw the entire area was illuminated by massive lampposts. Two other guards were waiting and opened the door for Blue to emerge. He did so without hesitation. Was John somewhere inside, and Blue missed him the last time he was here?
He scanned the foyer, taking note of every detail, things he might have missed in his haste. The floor was marble and veined in gold. The walls were white and flecked with gold. Overhead, the chandelier looked like vines of golden ivy, with thousands of tiny sapphires and rubies blooming from the emerald leaves.
Clearly, Star had an obsession with gold.
Calm. Steady.
A frowning Gregory Star opened a pair of double doors leading inside his office. He was a little taller than Tyson, with salt-and-pepper hair, a slim build, and the features of a man whod seen the worst the world had to offerand caused a lot of it.
Welcome, Mr. Blue. Welcome. He waved Blue over. Come inside. Lets talk in private. Then he turned his back to Blue, as if he had no fear of what Blue might do.
Blue followed, without reaching for one of his weapons. Something to marvel over. But Johns welfare came before rage and revenge.
The office was very much like Michaels. Dark leathers, massive desk, plush rugs, and hologram pictures of his children displayed on the walls.
Star settled behind the desk, and Blue plopped into a chair across from him.
I dont like that you went after my daughter, Star said, hands forming a steeple in front of his face. Shes innocent in all of this, and doesnt deserve to be hurt.
Blue tsked. Now, we both know shes far from innocent, and frankly Im insulted that youd try to convince me otherwise.
So were not going to pretend ignorance of the situation, Star said, nodding. I approve.
Im so glad, Blue replied drily.
A fleeting smile, devoid of humor. It took me a while to figure out that you are more than a football star, for which Im deeply ashamed. Im not usually so slow. But now, at least, I know youre part of a government-run black ops team.
What gave me away?
My son sent men after Miss Black, hoping to force her father out of hiding. Those men turned up dead. And you, Mr. Blue, were spotted sneaking into her home soon after. So I asked myself, why would a playboy like you keep such a relationship secret? You wouldnt be intimidated by the thought of bad press. You dont care what people think of you. So I had to assume you werent there for sex but for protection. How am I doing so far?
Quite well, actually. His reputation had finally served him well. Star had no idea Blue and Evie were romantically involved, or that Evie was an agent.
Then, of course, there was the fact that you ran into my daughter, and bugs were found in my home. Yes. We found and destroyed them. And dont think to try again. As of a few hours ago I added an audible pulse to the inside of my walls. I dont know all the technical aspects, just that it will scramble any audio signals.
Thanks for the warning.
Star nodded as if he was serious. Then there was the fact that my daughter became obsessed with you. And when you two were next together, she acted like a robot. My men called me, concerned. You compelled her, Im guessing?
Blue shrugged.
You know, you otherworlders might have your supernatural abilities, but we humans have our counters. There are drugs we can take to make us immune to Arcadian compulsion, though the side effects are terrible. Id never thought it worth it. Until now. Also, Ive seen you play. Seen the things youve done on the field, the power youve wielded. Ive taken precautions against that as well. Try to expend your energy, I dare you.
He was careful to keep his expression neutral. His weapons were being stripped away, one by one. Hurrah for you, doing what you can to protect yourself. But there are other ways to get to you.