She shook her head. “Just the names. No phone numbers, either, since these are all letter puzzles.”
He shrugged. “The money is something we might never find. Unless things unravel well at the end. My guess is the men in those books contacted someone at Charmed!, not vice versa. Too risky the other way. Your uncle probably took the calls.”
“My uncle?” A grin edged the corners of her luscious mouth. “That means you believe me—Aunt Charlene was being used or threatened.”
“Like I said, anything is possible, sweetheart. But the lists are extensive. At the very least, she knew what was going on.” He hated like hell to remind her, but he didn’t want her hurt more in the end because she hadn’t considered the possibility.
She folded her arms across her chest. “That doesn’t mean she was a willing participant. I think she had no choice.”
Kane didn’t know what to believe other than the fact that Kayla trusted in her aunt. Hell, he d
idn’t blame her. If he’d had even one person to rely on in his life, he wouldn’t want to give up hope, either.
He glanced at Kayla. He wanted to believe in her. But his job required proof. They didn’t know what the change from pencil to pen meant. Maybe they never would.
But she wasn’t ready to count the older woman out. Kane groaned, wishing for her benefit she wasn’t so naive. And yet that was what he loved about her…
Kane coughed.
“Are you okay?”
He forced a nod and mentally changed topics. “Whoever these clients contacted, they probably paid cash; your uncle supplied the women, took his share, and cut his partner in on the rest.”
“The man we want.”
“Or woman,” Kane reminded her. “Remember the Mayflower Madam from years ago? Similar situation.”
“Our guy also wants these books.” She lifted one in her hand.
“Your uncle’s leverage,” Kane said. “With these in his possession, he was guaranteed his take.”
She glanced at her watch. “It’s been hours since the last call.”
“It’s a waiting game. The more time that goes by, the more nervous you’ll get. They hope.”
“Well, they’re right. I’m more than nervous. Just the thought of what could have happened terrifies me.”
“You’ve realized how dangerous it would be to get even more involved.” Fear released its hold. He exhaled a rush of air, the first easy breath since she’d announced her plans in the captain’s office hours earlier. “Don’t worry. Reid won’t mind,” he went on. “We can work around it, use a decoy. Just remember, when he calls, keep him talking. Maybe we can trace it. Agree to a drop, not a face-to-face meeting and—”
“I haven’t changed my mind.” She interrupted his instructions in a soft but determined voice.
“But you just said…”
“I admitted I’m afraid. I’m human. So sue me. But I haven’t changed my mind.”
“If you’re shaky, it’ll show. Things could get messy. Go with your gut.”
“I am, and my gut tells me I have to do this.”
“Dammit, why?” He slammed his hand against the end table beside his chair until it rocked on unsteady legs. He’d roared.
She didn’t flinch. Not a sign he was even close to convincing her to opt out.
“Look.” He braced his hands on his thighs and leaned forward in his seat. “There are experienced people to do this for you. No risk. Why not take advantage?”
She ran a hand through her hair. The soft strands fell back around her face, creating a vulnerability he knew was part real, part illusion. This woman was tougher than the softness on the outside revealed. It was just a part of why he was drawn to her.
“It’s my life that’s been turned upside down, and I want to be the one to get it back.” She met his gaze. “Like you, I’ve been taking care of myself longer than I can remember. It’s not in me to give up the job to someone else, even when it gets tough.”