“No, it’s okay.” He slides a second manila folder my way. “Shields was born and raised in Chicago. He’s a die-hard Chicago sports fan. He’s a regular in the VIP box for high rollers who contribute to the Chicago Blaze Foundation. He’s an acquaintance of Olivier Durand, the owner of the Blaze, but Durand doesn’t spend time with him outside of games and fundraisers.”
I nod and look up from the file at Logan. “You’ve done a lot of great work here.”
“None of it will matter if we don’t get these guys,” he says, sighing. “And that’s where my brother comes in.”
“Your brother?”
“Jonah West, he’s the goalie for the Chicago Blaze.”
My eyes widen at our luck. “Really?”
“Really. And he’s going to be your in. As his girlfriend, you’ll have access to all the VIP Blaze events.”
I draw back slightly. “As his what?”
“It’s the perfect cover,” Logan explains. “Jonah’s been single for three years now. He’s one of the highest paid players on the team and everyone loves him. Shields pays big money to hobnob with the players, and Jonah will help you get as close as you need.”
Now the wheels are turning in my mind, too. I have to admit, this is a really good plan.
“And Jonah’s okay with this?” I ask.
Logan’s expression turns sheepish. “He will be.”
“He doesn’t know yet?” My lips part with surprise.
“We figured we should clear this plan with you before bringing anyone else in,” Sgt. Jones says.
I sigh softly. “No, you’re right. I appreciate that.” I laugh. “I’ve done some crazy undercover shit, but I’ve gotta say, I never thought I’d be posing as the girlfriend of a pro hockey player. And a beauty writer at that. I hardly even wear makeup.”
“I’ve got you covered there, too,” Logan says. “You’ll be moving in with the son of one of our deputy chiefs, Kai St. James. Kai is a huge Instagram beauty influencer. He’s going to help you with all the beauty blogging stuff. He won’t know the details, but he does know you’re working undercover.”
I briefly consider all the aspects of this undercover role before asking, “And you’re sure your brother will go for this?”
“I mean, when he sees you…yeah.” Logan grins and shrugs.
“I’m not sleeping with him,” I say firmly.
“Hell no, I’d never ask you to do something like that. Jonah’s a good guy; I’d trust him with my life. He’ll do it when I explain the importance of this investigation to him. I was joking about him doing it just because of your looks and I’m sorry.”
“I don’t care, I’m used to it. I just need to know that he won’t talk to anyone. My life will be in danger if he does.”
“Don’t worry about that. When I tell Jonah about Shields, he’ll help in any way he can. I know him—he will.”
“And he won’t mind pretending to be my boyfriend?”
Logan shakes his head. “Jonah’s been… pretty committed to being single since his wife passed away three years ago. But that doesn’t stop women from trying. This will give him a way to avoid all that.”
“Okay,” I say. “I trust your judgment.”
Logan clears his throat. “I do need to ask you, though…I mean, part of this cover will be you and Jonah being openly affectionate with each other. Is that okay with you?”
I scoff. “I worked undercover as a stripper for three months once and had to give lap dances to some nasty-ass men. But we saved a number of girls in the end and every last second of stripping was worth it. I can handle your brother grabbing my ass and kissing me.”
Logan looks relieved. “I was told you’re the best there is at this.”
“It’s my life,” I admit. “And failure isn’t an option in this line of work.”
“You and I are gonna get along great,” Logan says, grinning.
“Thanks for all the research you’ve compiled for this case. I know all the stuff you’ve done so far isn’t the exciting part, but it’s essential.”
“I appreciate that,” he says.
“Logan’s the best detective we’ve got,” Sgt. Jones says. “And anything the two of you need for this case, it’s yours.”
“All we need now is to brief Jonah when he gets here and then I’ll send you to meet Kai,” Logan says. “I’ve had his place swept for bugs and I had a little soundproof area installed so the two of you have a place to talk about anything off script.”
I nod and smile. “Okay, then. Let’s take this fucker down.”Chapter FourJonah“Are you fucking serious?” I look at my brother, incredulous.
“I fucking am.”
“You want me to pretend to be in a relationship with a federal agent? Introduce her to all my teammates and Durand?”
“Yeah, that’s the how, but keep in mind the why, man—to put away a sex trafficker of children.”
I shift in my seat, across from my brother’s desk in his office. “Yeah, I get it, but…I’m a hockey player, man. I don’t know shit about undercover police work.”