Becoming Rain (Burying Water 2)

“It’s a big risk,” I emphasize.

“And we need a big break in this case.”

I nod slowly. “What’s your take on the thick, mean Bond accent? Russian?”

“Sounds like it but it doesn’t make sense. Why would 24’s associates steal his nephew’s car?”

I shake my head, wondering the same thing. “Luke did say that the Russians he was working with were assholes. Maybe he did something to piss them off? Or . . . do you think they were fishing to see if Luke has a tail on him?”

“If so, then we need to be extra careful.”

“Yeah. That means no more face-to-face visits, big brother. Not even pop-ins to my condo. It’s too dangerous. There’s nothing stopping someone from tailing me. And you, too.”

I feel Warner’s eyes on my face but I keep my eyes on Stanley. “Yeah, you’re right.” I don’t miss the disappointment in his sigh.

Chapter 41

LUKE

“Dinner was magnificent. Please tell the chef,” Aref announces as the waitress sets our drinks down in front of us. She’s the same one that served us last time. What a difference between the two nights, for both her and me.

She smiles. “He’ll be happy to hear that.” Her eyes drift over both Rust and me as she collects the last of our dishes.

“What can I say, Rust, except that I’m very pleased,” Aref offers.

“So am I,” I throw in, the burn of the scotch not nearly enough to quell the relief I feel. Maybe working with a guy like Aref will help erase the hint of distaste and guilt I feel being involved in this racket.

“I’m glad Luke connected us for this. I have my network onboard for one order, to start. And . . .” Rust pauses to place his napkin on the dishes that the server carries, on her way past. “. . . I think Luke’s already made it clear that this does not involve our other partners. That shipment will go through as planned. If all goes well here, it’ll be the last one.”

Aref waves away any concerns. “You know I prefer business with you. And I already have a buyer who will make it well worth our while. He needs delivery in two weeks.”

Rust begins chuckling, but I see the tension in his jaw. “Sorry, Aref, but that’s not doable. It’s too risky, especially with what we’re looking for.”

“I’m afraid he’ll go to another buyer if I don’t produce.”

“They all say that. Buy us five weeks and we can deliver. That I will guarantee.”

Aref’s lips purse tightly, but then he seems to relent with a nod and a smile. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Chapter 42

CLARA

“They took the bait.” I can almost see Warner’s big, goofy smile through the phone as I pace around the island in my kitchen. “It’s sitting in a commercial warehouse right now. The bugs picked up a couple of names that mean nothing so far, but we’re working on it. Also, our C.I. at Corleone’s just confirmed that 12, 24, and 36 were at dinner two nights ago.”

36. New code name for Aref.

“I’m working on a warrant for the restaurant’s surveillance videos, but her descriptions of the three of them match. She recognized 12 from the last time they were there.”

I’ll bet she did, my jealous streak snarls. “Did she overhear anything valuable?”

“That both 36 and 12 are very pleased about something.”

I used to like getting calls from Warner. Now I dread them. Maybe because I see the walls closing in on Luke. And fast. “Hey, I was thinking of swinging by and dropping lunch off for him. When’s the next surveillance detail?”

“Ah, shit. I just pulled Bill and Franky off him. My agent has a huge rip planned in NoPo that I need all the guys on. Two kilos’ worth of coke.”

“Okay. I need to touch base with him at some point soon though.”

“I’m sure he’s busy setting up cars to steal.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, probably.”

“Did Sinclair call you again?”

“No.” Thank God, Sinclair’s eased off me a bit, letting the proper channels work. “Why?”

“Just . . . if he does, just say yes to whatever he tells you to do and then ignore him and keep doing what you’re doing, at your own pace. No one can expect 12 to spill his guts after a few meets.”

Alarm bells go off inside my head. “Is he talking about pulling me off this case again?”

“Don’t worry about that. You’re in too deep for him to pull you out.”

You have no idea.

“How about I put the guys on you tomorrow. Does that work?”

I lick a gob of tomato sauce off my thumb. “Yeah, I guess. I’ll just go . . . kill time somewhere.”

“Don’t you have pictures to take and homeless to feed?”

“I suppose.”

“It’s a rough life you lead, Bertelli.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I set my phone down and go about wrapping some sandwiches in foil, then packing them into my oversized purse, along with my camera.

Stanley paces at the door, like he knows who I’m going to see. “Sorry, not this time.”

Luke’s eyes light up the second I step into the office, and my insides tighten. I knew this would be the right move.

“Can we help you, miss?” Miller asks gruffly.

“You can’t.” Luke is on his feet, coming around his desk within seconds to plant a kiss on my lips. “This is a nice surprise. You want to go and grab lunch?”