Flash Burned (Burned 2)

I cringed.

Dane scowled. “Yes, I can see that’s your plan. But I feel much better with the current arrangements, thank you.”

Kyle shrugged. “I think she’s safe with me.”

“That’s highly debatable,” Dane shot back. “The switchbacks in my car? You could have killed—”

“Boys,” I said, exasperation in my tone. “It’s a little late in the day to be fighting over me. And no need to fight amongst ourselves.” I gave them my best pointed look. Then asked, “So, why can’t the FBI send someone for your laptop?”

Dane simmered a little but told me, “I don’t want it directly in their possession. I can’t risk them deconstructing the evidence I’ve gathered. I need it as-is for trial purposes.”

I tamped down the argh welling in my throat. “Why does this have to be so damn difficult?”

“Because we’re not simply talking about tax evasion the IRS can invariably prove. This is potential economic disaster of epic proportions. Billions of dollars, many empires, countless lives at risk. The stakes are too high, Ari.”

“So Batman’s got to save the day,” Kyle said to me, making me smile. For all his angst and the fact he still poached on Dane’s territory, it was quite evident Kyle had reluctant respect for my husband.

“Batman, hmm?” Dane mused.

“I kinda like it.” I grinned up at him. “With the exception of the danger, of course. And the long absences.”

“Which we shouldn’t have to suffer through much longer,” Dane assured me. “This is so close to being over, now that Vale is dead. Horton will crack under the pressure and the lack of protection. We’ll get my data and then … everyone goes down.”

I squeezed him tight. “Those are exactly the words I want to hear.”

I yawned, now that the adrenaline had drained from my system.

Dane said, “You need to rest.” He swept me up in his arms. Kyle rolled his eyes.

With a soft laugh, I told my friend, “A Glock is definitely out of the question.”

chapter 19

Dane spent the weekend. I hadn’t been so perfectly content since our wedding night. Though I knew not to get used to the feeling of normalcy, of us being a couple who filled their days with each other’s company and spent their evenings together.

It was temporary.

For now.

That latter sentiment was what made it possible to lose myself in the time I had with him. I didn’t let the word temporary penetrate my euphoria.

He made love to me on Saturday morning, and I cooked him breakfast. We ate on the west patio by the pool and waterfall. Kyle and Amano made themselves scarce, which I thought was sweet. Except for the fact that Amano had mentioned something about taking Kyle to the shooting range in Phoenix to see if he could aim straight. Given his quarterback’s arm and training in hitting his target, I suspected he’d do just fine.

Which would have worried me all the more, had I not been thoroughly distracted.

Dane suggested a leisurely day of swimming and lounging. I didn’t doubt relaxing was something he currently cherished, since he’d been on the move since December. We settled into the square, elevated alcove where two chaise longue chairs with thick cushions sat in shallow water.

Dane did

n’t really want to talk about the FBI and the case they were building, but I grilled him anyway, my curiosity running rampant.

“If the members of the society claim they had no involvement with the bombing—that Vale acted strictly on his own—how will it be proven otherwise, so that they’re held accountable?” I asked.

“That’s where Horton will come in handy. And honestly, Ari, with all the tabs Amano has kept on him lately, it’s just a matter of days, hours perhaps, before the FBI picks him up. Once they’ve dealt with the aftermath of Vale’s death, he’ll be at the top of their list.”

“I hate to say this because it’s so evil, but I’m glad he’s dead.”

“Not more than me.”