“Wait, I thought some guy named Eduardo DeLacruz was the leader and the one who killed Michael?”
“He was. This is part of an intricate operation. We believe that Manchenso’s company has been the main resource for DeLacruz’s operation. DeLacruz is so devious and smart, that he has remained unidentifiable for all this time. We have no idea whom he is, just that these other individuals have dealt with him and continue to supply DeLacruz’s organization with the weapons they need to commit terrorist acts,” Morris told her.
“Holy crap. I don’t believe this. So Manchenso and Armando are culprits in this?”
“Yes. And the reason why we’ve spoken to you about this situation is because we understand that Manchenso and Secca have offered you a position in this firm. We have not been able to get anyone on the inside at all. They hire from within, and Secca and Manchenso handpick their employees,” the agent named Clinton added.
“How can I be of assistance? I’m not a trained agent. They will kill me in a heartbeat if they find out I was there to get information,” she said, and she immediately thought about her attraction to Armando. How stupid and naive she had been to fall for his charms. Maybe he just wanted to sleep with her.
“We aren’t asking you to actually do anything. We just want you to be the eyes and ears we have been unable to place. Secca has a thing for you. You can use that to remain by his side and Manchenso’s wherever they go,” Clinton stated.
“I haven’t decided about taking the job. The requirements haven’t been explained exactly. If it involves being involved with financing, how do I not incriminate myself or get involved with something criminal? What if they want me to handle the financial aspect of these illegal deals, then what?”
“You won’t be charged. If you agree to assist us, then you’re considered an informant,” Clinton stated.
“Wonderful. Just put a bull’s eye on my forehead.”
“Your part in this is minimal, really. Just the eyes and ears. We’ll need you to remain by Secca’s side and Manchenso’s side, especially when they have the meeting next week. There are individuals coming there that we might not be aware of as being part of this,” Morris told her.
“Can I get that in writing? The part about not being charged?” she asked with an attitude.
“Believe me. Charging you when you’re our only hope of getting some legitimate lead isn’t going to happen,” the agent replied to her statement.
She couldn’t believe that this was happening. How the hell did she wind up in the middle of this investigation? She’d met Armando and Manchenso through Gustavo. Could they be involved with this, too, or was he just trying to impress her to get her to bed as well? She felt so confused. But she also thought of Michael. These people had been responsible for his murder and the murder of other undercover agents trying to stop terrorists. If she could help, in a minimal way, of course, then so be it.
Randy reached out and covered her hand with his own.
“Mariah, you have to be part of that meeting next week. Important people are supposed to be there.”
“You mentioned that already,” she said, staring at Randy. He seemed so unreadable. Was it because he was currently working? He seemed so on edge, and like he was holding back.
“I didn’t mention whom. Eduardo DeLacruz. The man responsible for killing Michael and the others. He is going to be attending that meeting. You can identify him for us.”
Her eyes widened and inside she felt all her emotions boil up into one great pit of anger.
She looked at the agents.
“What do you need me to do?”
Chapter 9
“Sandman, are you fucking serious?” L.T. asked as he and his team arrived at the private party. The masquerade had doubled in size over the last year, and they had just made it to secure a room at one of the hotels nearby. If all went as planned, they would be here to identify Eduardo DeLacruz, and the men responsible for Michael’s murder. Although not officially part of the investigation, their commander had pulled some strings for them to be part of the security detail. He needed his team to remain focused instead of pondering over Mariah, and what they all thought they wanted. He had to admit, he missed her since she’d left a few days ago. She hadn’t called to say where she was going or whom she was with, but Jeb knew. So she was safe.
He listened to what L.T. was saying. When the call was complete, he gathered his team in one of the private hallways.
“What’s going on?” Axel asked. The four of them were dressed identically. All black tuxedoes, black shirts, black ties, black masks that covered most of their faces so no one would recognize them. Everyone had to wear a mask before even entering the long roadway that led up to the estate.
Deacon and Quentin joined them.
“We have a major fucking situation on our hands. It seems that Mariah interviewed for a financial position at Armor Con. That’s the company Jax and Jameson mentioned was up and coming, and that Sandman said the Feds were investigating.”
“What? Why would she go there?” Axel asked.
“It must have been one of the interviews her friends from Italy set up for her,” Deacon whispered.
“We need to find out more about them, but there’s more. Sandman went out on a limb and investigated Mariah.”
“Mariah? Why? What for?” Quentin asked.