Undercover Marriage (11 page)

An expensive-looking wooden crib dominated one corner of the room. Lying in the middle of the crib, feet up in the air and hands waving, nine-month-old Baby Kay gurgled happily.

Eve picked her up and hugged her tight. “Hey, sweet girl. How’s my baby?”

Serena’s heart pounded as tenderness flooded her system, stirring up a longing she’d been ignoring. At twenty-seven she hadn’t thought she was ready for motherhood, but she couldn’t deny how much the idea appealed to her now. Must have been the whole charade of wanting to adopt a baby that had these urges roaring to life.

After Eve changed the baby’s diaper and put a fresh outfit on her, they went downstairs where Josh, Linda and Lonnie waited in the living room.

Lonnie gasped as they entered the room. “She’s gotten so big.”

Serena’s heart lurched as Eve went directly to the younger woman. “I’m Eve.”

Lonnie’s gave her a shy smile but made no move to take the baby from Eve’s arms. “I’m Lonnie, Kay’s—” She swallowed. “I named her Kay after my grandma.”

Tears streamed down Eve’s face. “Kay’s a pretty name. I named her Crystal.”

Wiping at the tears filling her eyes, Lonnie sniffed. “That’s pretty, too.”

Linda slipped an arm around Lonnie. “Why don’t we all sit down and get to know one another?”

Serena sent Linda a grateful smile. The older woman knew how to take charge of the strained situation. The two women were in good hands.

Lonnie and Eve, holding the little brown-eyed, brown-haired baby, sat on the couch.

Josh cupped Serena’s elbow and gestured with his head for her to follow him outside. With one last look at the women and the baby, Serena followed.

“I’ll guarantee the judge was Simon Simms,” Josh said.

She nodded. “Dylan McIntyre said the judge signed off on all the adoption paperwork. But we don’t know if he’s culpable or was duped into believing the Munderses were on the up-and-up.”

“True. We need that meeting with Fred Munders,” Josh stated. “I’m calling him.”

Serena gripped the thick envelope with a mix of apprehension and anticipation.

Josh took out his cell phone and dialed. When he was connected to Fred Munders, he put the call on speakerphone.

A deep, gravelly voice came on the line. “This is Fred Munders. What can I do for you, Mr. Andrews?”

“We’ve been in the process of adopting through your wife’s agency,” Josh stated. “But I’ve yet to see the contract.”

“I will make sure Matilda has it in hand shortly.”

Josh frowned. “I’d rather deal with you on this.”

“The agency is my wife’s company, Mr. Andrews. Everything goes through her.”

Serena rolled her eyes. Somehow she doubted that old Fred didn’t have his hands on the reins of the agency. Matilda might be good at dealing with prospective parents, but Serena doubted she had the mental faculties to run the business end, as well.

“I heard you’re the one I need to speak with. That you’d be able to get my wife a baby on the fast track.”

Serena worried that Josh was pushing too hard.

“Really? Now where would you have heard something like that?”

“Judge Simms mentioned it.”

Mouth gaping, Serena shook her head, certain that would send up a red flag to the lawyer.

“He was mistaken,” Fred finally said.

“I’m willing to pay a finder’s fee,” Josh stated. “Top dollar. In the seven-figure range if you can put a child in my wife’s arms by the end of the month.”

Serena pinched the bridge of her nose. He’d blown it for sure now.

There was a moment of silence. “A sizable deposit is required for all transactions.”

Josh’s triumphant grin had Serena shaking her head.

“That won’t be a problem,” Josh said. “Can I bring the money to your office?”

“No. We’ll meet at the Park Avenue Coffee Shop near Lafayette Square. Tomorrow at ten in the morning.”

Giving Serena a thumbs-up, Josh gushed, “Wonderful. Will you take a cashier’s check?”

“That would be acceptable. Have it made out to Perfect Family Adoption Agency.”

“I can do that,” Josh said with a smug smile. “Until then, Mr. Munders.”

The line clicked off.

A bad feeling settled in the pit of Serena’s stomach. “Josh, I don’t know about this. What if you’re being set up?”

What if she lost him, too? Her heart contracted painfully in her chest. She couldn’t stand the thought of him getting hurt. Or worse.

“It will be fine,” Josh assured her as he tucked his phone back into his pocket.

“But you don’t know that.” Serena fisted her hands. “I’m sure Daniel thought whatever he was doing would turn out all right, too. And it didn’t.”

Hurt flashed in Josh’s eyes. “I’ll have you as backup.”

“Too many dead bodies have been turning up connected to this case,” she insisted. “Fred’s expecting you alone. What if I can’t get to you in time? What if something awful happens to you?”

He cupped her cheek. “Serena, what is this? You can’t let your nerves get the better of you now.”

“It’s not nerves. It’s caution.”

But she knew the riot going on inside of her was more than paranoia. Call it the feeling of dread, intuition, a hunch or just plain old fear; she had a strong sense that something horrible was going to happen when Josh met with Fred Munders.

She would have to make sure she was there to guard him with her life, because she couldn’t lose him. Not like she’d lost Daniel.

She was certain she wouldn’t survive that.

ELEVEN

J
osh followed Serena back inside Eve Cardinalli’s home. He wasn’t sure what to make of Serena’s upset. She’d seemed genuinely worried about his well-being. After last night, he was so confused about Serena and her feelings for him. He didn’t know whether to be annoyed, worried or encouraged.

The fact Serena was concerned for his welfare certainly marked a turning point in their relationship. Could she care for him? Hope built inside his heart, but he pushed it away. He couldn’t let emotions distract either of them from their goal—to get the evidence they needed to bring down the Munderses and break up the illegal adoption ring.

But it was hard to stay on task with Daniel’s murder hanging around his neck like an albatross, reminding him constantly of his failure. Looking at Serena, being with her, only added weight to his guilt. And last night had tightened the noose, making each breath he took harder and harder, until there were times he thought he’d welcome oblivion.

Especially when she’d insisted on listening to her brother’s message.

As he’d predicted, it had been painful for her to hear Daniel’s voice.

Seething rage clouded his vision for a moment, blocking out the women in the living room. Whoever killed Daniel would pay dearly. He’d see to it. For Daniel, for himself and most especially for Serena.

If only they knew what Daniel had been working on.

His gaze went to Serena. Admiration flooded him. She was such a smart woman. He’d completely missed that Daniel had interrupted the message he’d been leaving to talk with someone else. But Serena had caught it. Her idea to take the phone to forensics was brilliant. They’d dropped the phone off at the St. Louis crime lab on their way out of downtown. The techs had promised to work on it as soon as possible and report directly to them.

Tuning in to the women’s conversation, Josh heard Eve say, “We’ve been talking, making some plans.” She smiled at Lonnie and handed her the child. “We decided that Crystal’s full name will be Crystal Kay.”

“That’s lovely,” Serena said.

“Eve has invited me to stay here with her and Crystal Kay,” Lonnie said, her big eyes alight with joy as she bounced the little girl on her hip.

Serena’s slight wince matched the trepidation marching through Josh. He wasn’t sure that was a good idea. He was afraid both of the women would get hurt. He met Linda’s gaze and raised an eyebrow in question.

“I know what you’re both thinking,” Linda said. “But Eve and Lonnie both understand that custody of Crystal will need to be determined by the courts. But this way they can get to know each other.”

Serena turned to Lonnie. “And you’re okay with this?”

“Yes.” Lonnie nodded her head emphatically. “I can’t take Crystal Kay from Eve. I can tell how much they love each other.” Her big eyes filled with tears. “Besides, what can I offer her? Certainly not a life like this.”

Tucking an arm around Lonnie’s shoulders, Eve said, “I want to give both of them a home. Lonnie’s home life isn’t good.” Smiling despite the tears running down her face, she said, “And I don’t want to be alone. If I can have two daughters to care for, that would be wonderful.” Eve tucked a curl behind Crystal’s ear. The child turned toward her and held out her chubby arms. Lonnie easily relinquished her hold, and Crystal went into Eve’s embrace.

Serena hugged Lonnie. “You know there’s someone else who’d like to know that Baby Kay, Crystal Kay, has been found and is safe.”

“Emma,” Lonnie said.

“Yes. We’ll call the Minneapolis police and let Detective Jones know. He’ll contact Emma.”

“Thank you. I’d like to see Emma and thank her for trying to protect Crystal Kay.”

“We can pass on Eve’s phone number,” Josh interjected. “If that’s all right with you, Eve?”

“Yes, please,” Eve said, her tears drying. “Lonnie told me what happened. It’s just appalling.”

“Yes, it is. But we’re doing everything we can to put a stop to the criminals.”

They were close. Josh could feel it. Tomorrow’s meeting with Fred Munders would produce results. Results that would put Fred Munders and everyone else connected to the illegal adoption ring behind bars.

* * *

Later that night, Serena couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind a jumble of worry over what would happen tomorrow when Josh met with Fred Munders. The lawyer was smart. He hadn’t said anything that could be construed as illegal, and he was having Josh meet him away from his office.

At least in the coffee shop nothing bad could happen to Josh. Too many witnesses. But then again, a sniper’s bullet could easily find its mark.

She was being ridiculous. There was no reason to think Munders suspected Jack Andrews was anything other than what he appeared to be. They’d covered all their bases. There was an office downtown with Jack’s name on it. The fact that Josh was hardly there didn’t matter. The receptionist for the bank had forwarded the one call that had come in from the adoption agency to Josh’s cell phone.

There was no reason to be so twisted up inside. Josh would be fine. He would get Munders to incriminate himself and then they could move in to arrest him.

Her mind then jumped to the cell phone. The forensics team hadn’t called yet. It could be days before the techs had time to work on the voice message. She sent up a prayer that they would be able to isolate another voice so they could hear who Daniel was talking to. And hopefully, identify him or her. That person had a lot to answer for.

Finally giving up on sleep, she decided to go downstairs to retrieve the book she’d been reading, which she’d left on the coffee table in the living room. The thriller would at least keep her mind occupied until she grew drowsy enough to rest.

After donning a pair of slippers, she made her way down the dimly lit hall past Josh’s room. There was no light beneath his door. She envied him the ability to fall asleep.

Downstairs she went, first to the kitchen for a glass of water and then into the living room. The second she stepped into the room, she froze. Awareness prickled her skin. She wasn’t alone.

Her gaze searched the dark room. Was that a person sitting by the window?

She groped for the light switch. Found it and flipped it up. The overhead light flared bright, revealing Josh. He’d pulled one of the armchairs to the window. He blinked at her owlishly. He had on basketball shorts and a T-shirt, making him look young and carefree. His feet were bare and his hair mussed in a cute way that had her pulse jumping.

After her heart left her throat so she could speak, she asked softly, “Couldn’t sleep, either?” She stood rooted to the spot, feeling self-conscious in her oversize tee and silk capri pants.

Fortunately, he didn’t seem impressed. He turned back to the window. “I thought I heard something.”

Caution tripped down her spine. She flipped the light off. Using the excuse of picking up her book lying on the side table, she moved to stand beside him and stared out the front window. All appeared peaceful in the neighborhood. The houses dark with people tucked safely in for the night. “Anything out there?”

“Not that I can detect. I walked the perimeter twice and secured all the locks on the doors and windows.”

There was an undertone of attentiveness in his voice that tightened her chest. “But you still feel uneasy.”

Now that her eyes had adjusted to the shadows again, she watched him scrub the back of his neck with his hand.

“Yes. There’s no reason for it,” Josh said, his voice low. “We’re safe. I’m probably keyed up about tomorrow.”

Tucking her book under the arm that held her glass of water, she laid her free hand on his shoulder. “Don’t discount your gut feeling. Sometimes that’s how God talks to us.”

He covered her hand with his, the pressure warm and thrilling. “Thanks. I’ll remember that. I talked to the chief. He and Agent Bishop looked at the adoption papers Eve gave us. Fred Munders’s signature is on them.”

A spurt of triumph had Serena squeezing his shoulder. “That’s terrific. Then you don’t need to meet with Munders tomorrow. Between Fred’s signature on the paperwork and testimony from Dylan and Eve, the attorney general should have no problem indicting Fred and Matilda Munders.”

“I asked the chief to tell the AG to hold off doing anything until after my meeting with Fred tomorrow. If I can get him to say something incriminating, then the case would be a slam dunk.”

A ripple of anxiety skittered over her. “But why take the unnecessary risk?”

“Because I want to do it right. Make the case airtight.” Linking his fingers through hers, he stood, signaling an end to the discussion. “I suggest we both go to bed and get some sleep.”

Her stomach tied up in knots, Serena allowed him to lead her upstairs. Josh walked her to the door of her room. He released her hand. “Good night, Serena.”

“Josh,” she said, stopping him before he could walk away. The dimly lit hallway threw shadows over Josh’s face, hiding his eyes. The words bubbled up and spilled out. “I don’t blame you for Daniel’s murder. Do I wish you’d picked up the phone that day? Yes, of course. But I was wrong to put the fault on you. You couldn’t have known what would happen.” She wished she could make him see the truth that had taken her so long to see. “You need to give yourself a break.”

“That will never happen.”

The hardness of his voice hurt her heart. “At some point you’ll have to forgive yourself. Or you’ll always be burdened by unnecessary guilt. You can regret not picking up the phone, but you don’t get to feel guilty for his death.”

He reached past her to open her door. “Go to bed, Serena. We have a big day tomorrow.”

Then he was striding down the hall and disappearing into his own room. With a sigh, she stepped inside and closed the door. Once settled back in bed with the bedside lamp on and her book open, she couldn’t focus on the words on the page.

She hurt for Josh. She winced thinking of all the ways in which she’d been mean to him, unjustly condemning him for Daniel’s death. And he’d taken her punishment without a word.

Setting the book aside, she turned off the light and lay back, praying for Josh until sleep claimed her.

* * *

A crash jolted Serena awake. Her heart pounded in large beats as the echo of the noise reverberated through her head. She threw aside the covers, grabbed her gun from the holster hanging on the nearby chair and raced out of the room.

She met Josh in the hall. Light spilled from his room, illuminating the tension on his face. He held his weapon at his side.

“You okay?” he whispered.

“Yes.” She glanced toward the stairs descending into darkness. “The noise came from downstairs.”

They hurried to the lower floor. The entryway light came on, and Linda met them at the bottom of the stairs. Belting her blue terry robe tighter, she said, “I heard a window breaking. Sounded like it came from the den.”

“You two go upstairs. I’ve got this,” Josh whispered in an urgent tone.

She drew back as indignation flooded her. “Excuse me? I’ve got your back.”

Linda reached her hand inside the pocket of her robe to withdraw her weapon. “And I’ve got
your
back.”

Josh pressed his lips together. “Fine.” Holding his weapon in a two-handed grip, he moved quietly toward the closed den door. He reached for the door as the lights in the house winked out, throwing the world into a pitch-black void.

Serena’s heart pounded in her throat. The darkness disoriented her. She pressed her back against the wall and reached with her free hand to grab a handful of Josh’s T-shirt.

Another loud crash sounded. This time it came from the kitchen. Serena jerked, her nerves jumping.

Linda touched Serena’s shoulder. “Do either of you have a phone on you?”

Wincing, Serena shook her head. Then realizing neither could see her, she whispered back, “It’s on my bedside table.”

“Mine, too,” Linda said. “Josh?”

“Upstairs. You two go up. Use Serena’s phone to call for backup.”

Serena tightened her hold on his shirt, with the need to defend him, protect him, filling her. “I’m not leaving you.”

“I’ll go up,” Linda stated. “You two don’t get yourselves killed.”

Serena sensed Linda move away. Serena sent up a prayer of protection for Linda and her and Josh. “Den or kitchen?”

“Den. On three we go in. You peel right and stay low. I’ll go left.”

Swallowing back the trepidation closing off her breathing, Serena sought calm. She’d trained for situations like this. But the reality was tough, harder on the senses because the stakes were so high. A wrong move, and one or both of them could end up dead.

“One.”

She released her hold on Josh.

“Two.”

Steeling her nerves, she prepared herself to breach the den.

The scuff of a shoe behind her sent her senses on alert. She whipped around, aiming her gun into the oppressive blackness. Someone was there, inching their way toward them. Her mind scrambled with possibilities. The person could be wearing night-vision goggles. They were easy targets. She needed to protect her partner.

Josh’s hand, on her shoulder, tugged her toward the front door. Stepping backward, she moved with Josh past the closed den door on her left.

Gunfire exploded, the barrage assaulting her senses and hurting her ears.

Josh shouted, shoving her to her defensive squat position. “Down!”

Muzzle flash put the shooter at the end of the staircase. Her pulse tripped. The guy was close. Too close.

Bullets slammed into the front door.

More hit the walls.

Thud, thud, thud.

The sound echoed inside Serena’s head.

Josh fired over her right shoulder. She aimed for the spot where she’d seen the flash of light from the attacker’s gun.

The den door opened. The faint glow of the moon illuminated the hallway.

A second man’s silhouette filled the door frame; he held a large-caliber weapon.

Surprise jolted Serena.

He aimed in their direction.

Serena aimed at the man in the doorway and pulled the trigger. He staggered back with a yelp of agony.

The other assailant fled, the sounds of his feet pounding on the wood floor barely discernible over the echo of noise battering at Serena’s eardrums, making her head pulse with pain.