Wicked Shadows (Steele Security Book 5) Page 6

  “There is another undercover agent who has embedded himself with the group. Maybe he can help you get inducted on a fast track. He may not agree to it, though. He’s spent two years undercover, working his way up the chain, gathering intel. It could look too suspicious for him to bring you in now.”

  “Who is he?”

  “Nick Tucker. DEA.”

  “I know him. Get a hold of his handler and get word to him that I’m coming in. You’ll have to show me as an ex-con, recently paroled, and coming back home to California from a federal penitentiary. Don’t leave anything out, Steadman, or you’ll get us both killed.”

  “Have I ever gotten you killed before?” Steadman asked, taken aback at Shadow’s lack of confidence in his abilities.

  “Maybe you should transfer me to another analyst to handle my background cover.”

  “Come on, Shadow. You know I’m joking. It’ll be flawless. Trust me.”

  “I’m CIA, Steadman, I don’t trust anyone. But you can trust me when I say it better be the best backstory and fake identification you’ve ever created, or it’ll be the last one you ever create.”

  “It’ll be so good, even other analysts and operatives won’t know it’s fake. Guaranteed.”

  “Always a pleasure working with you, Steadman.”

  While he waited for his new identity and criminal record to be created, he called Jeff, knowing he couldn’t share any information, but he had to warn Jeff and the rest of the family off the case. They couldn’t actively search for her while Shadow was undercover, especially against the forces he’d be facing.

  “Devon, have you already heard the news?” Jeff asked as soon as he answered the phone.

  “What news?”

  “Mark said a local news channel reported Elle and Jax eloped and took off on a secret honeymoon. They sent messages through their agents saying they’re sorry for any concern they created for their well-being, but they’re just so happy and so in love, they couldn’t wait one more day.

  “Devon, that is the biggest pile of horseshit I’ve ever heard. Elle can’t stand Jax Hart. She sure as shit wouldn’t run off and marry him. I’m looking for a privately chartered flight to get me out to California immediately.”

  “Jeff. Stop.” Shadow’s stern tone and terse words stopped Jeff’s concerned tirade.

  “What? Your turn to tell me,” Jeff replied.

  “You have to follow my instructions to the letter. You can’t allow your feelings to overrule anything I’m about to tell you, regardless of how dire the situation seems. This is life or death, Jeff.”

  “I’ve always been amazed by your ability to find out things no one else could. That only became greater once you left the Army. So, I won’t question you, Devon. I called you for a reason. Tell me what to do.”

  “You, Mark, Danny, and Tanya need to go to LA. Stay at her apartment and keep the media pressure up. Get in front of every camera you can and claim that story is a lie. Ask why the sheriff’s department isn’t taking you seriously. Whatever you have to do to keep her picture front and center in the news.

  “Look for her in every trendy place a movie star would want to be seen. But Jeff, do not mention me. Do not look for me. Do not attempt to contact me in any way. You have to trust me on this. There’s no other way. If you have any doubts, I need to know now.”

  “No doubts at all.”

  “You won’t hear from me for long stretches of time. You, your parents, your brother—none of you can go getting all antsy on me. Let me do my job.”

  “I got it, Devon. I’ll make sure Mom, Dad, and Mark get the message, too.”

  “You say that now. But when you’re worried about her and don’t hear from me, your mind will play tricks on you. You can’t fall into that trap. When you start feeling despondent, remember this conversation.”

  “Thanks, Devon. I appreciate it more than you know. I trust you—no matter how bad the circumstances appear.”

  “If I send word instructing you to leave town, do not waste time. Leave immediately. No packing, no questions, just get to your parents’ house and wait for me.”

  “Got it. Even though you’re scaring the shit out of me. I know you won’t tell me anything more.”

  “No, I won’t. But for your own safety. Have a good flight. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”

  The next call he needed to make was to Noah. A commercial flight wouldn’t get him to LA fast enough from Miami. From what Steadman told him, time was definitely of the essence. Even telling Jeff what he’d told him was taking a huge risk, but keeping Elle’s face and family in the news would hopefully buy more time. He only hoped his plan didn’t backfire on him.

  “Steele,” Noah answered.

  “Reaper, I need a favor—and I need it right now.”

  “Of course. Whatever you need. Name it.”

  “I need the private jet for a ride to LA.”

  “No problem. You need the team to go with you for backup or anything?”

  “Not this time. I have to go this one alone.”

  “Understood. If anything changes, you know we’re more than willing to jump into the fire with you,” Noah replied, recognizing the code phrase they’d already established to identify Shadow’s CIA missions.

  “I know, Noah. If I don’t make it back from this one, I want you and the guys to know how much I’ve relied on and valued your friendship.”

  “You know we feel the same way, Shadow. But I have to tell you, I’m more than a little worried about you, talking like this. You’ve never been hesitant to walk into a mission before.”

  “This one is different, Reap. This is a high-stakes poker round, and the dealer holds all the best cards. I’m going in on a long-shot gamble that I can pull it off successfully. But I can’t and won’t take you, Bull, and Rebel down with me if and when this mission goes wrong.”

  “We’ll be in LA as soon as the plane returns and can take us out there. At least we’ll be close if you need to pull us in.”

  “Actually, it would be helpful to have you there to cover a few people for me. They’ll be making waves and could unknowingly draw the wrong attention to themselves. I’d feel better knowing you’re there to watch their backs.”

  “Done. Fill me in on what they’re doing.”

  Shadow packed while he recounted his conversations with Jeff and what he’d instructed Elle’s family to do. After the time they’d spent together and all the missions they’d completed, Noah understood perfectly what Shadow hoped to achieve. With Noah’s experience on highly classified operations, Shadow had no doubt he’d already deduced what the mission entailed, at least partially.

  But the devil was in the details.

  6

  CHAPTER SIX

  Eight Years Earlier

  “I’m so glad you’re here with me.” Elle wrapped her arm around Beth’s shoulders and squeezed as they walked along the shore, the water lapping at their feet.

  Elle’s parents, Danny and Tanya, moved her and Mark from their small town in Georgia to sunny Southern California a few years after Jeff and Devon went off to college. A modeling agency signed Elle at twelve years old after her mother submitted headshots in a competition Elle had read about in a fashion magazine. As thrilled as she’d been with the possibility of having her dream career, she knew what she’d miss most about Georgia were Devon and Beth. But her parents had concluded the once-in-a-lifetime chance was too good of an opportunity for their natural beauty to pass up.

  Elle’s thick, long blond hair was naturally wavy, and it perfectly framed her big hazel eyes, high cheekbones, and symmetrical facial features. Her teen years had ticked by with Elle gaining more and more popularity. Requests for magazine covers, cameo spots on established television sitcoms, and contracts to be the face of major name-brand designers poured in from her agent. By the time she’d turned twenty, her name was instantly recognized across the entertainment industry.

  “What do you want now?” Beth asked, arching her eye
brow with a sideways glance at Elle. “I’ve been here with you for two years.”

  “I just found out I have to go to Miami for three weeks,” Elle began explaining.

  “Yes, I can see how that would be a hardship on you. Such a difficult and terrible life you live. Three weeks in Miami Beach. Photoshoots, bikinis, sun, sand, and salt water. Yes, I feel your pain.”

  “You’re about to feel pain, all right,” Elle laughed. “You’re such a smartass. Before you so rudely interrupted me, I was going to ask if you can go with me. Now, I’m just not sure I want such negativity to taint my trip.”

  “Believe me, if I could get away to South Beach for three weeks, I would definitely taint your trip. I would taint the shit out of it. But the agency just contacted me about a small production that begins next week. You are looking at the newest member of the hair and makeup specialist team!”

  “Congratulations, Beth! I’m so happy for you. Not that I ever had a doubt. I just know how hard it is to get in.”

  “Well, doing your hair and makeup and using those pictures in my portfolio didn’t hurt my chances. With you being a hotshot supermodel and all.”

  “Supermodel. That’s so funny, like I wear a mask and cape, parading around the city to fight crime. Maybe they’ll create a comic book character based on me,” Elle joked.

  “I’m so glad fame never went to your head,” Beth replied, her tone rife with sincerity. “You’ve never adopted the diva mentality no matter how much success you’ve achieved.”

  “You’ve never let me. You always remind me where I came from, and that you’d kick my ass all the way back to that small town in Georgia if my head got too big,” Elle laughed.

  “So, you could say I’m your brain trust. Your driving power behind the scenes.”

  “Let’s not get carried away, Beth.”

  “Seriously, I wish I could go with you. What’s the trip for and why will you be there so long?”

  “I’ve just been selected as the new face of Kylie Rae Romano. Her new clothing line will be revealed soon, and they want me there for it. So over the next three weeks, they’ll fit me, shoot me, and use me to help promote it. All while they use her status to promote me.”

  “Sounds like a lot of work.” Beth scrunched up her nose in disagreement. “All work and no play.”

  “Beth…” Elle hesitated, capturing Beth’s undivided attention. “Devon is in Miami. Jeff mentioned to Mom he’d talked to Devon the other day. I’m going to call him while I’m there.”

  “Elle, you’ve always had a crush on him. You know I’m all for having a good time, and hell if you don’t need to let your hair down and have fun for once. You’ve worked since you got that first contract when you were twelve. But I know you. A fling with Devon wouldn’t just be a fling to you.”

  “You’re getting a few miles too far ahead of yourself, aren’t you? How does seeing him again after all these years mean I’ll have a fling with him?”

  Beth stopped walking and turned to face her friend. Concern masked her face and burned in her eyes. “You didn’t have the typical high school experience, Elle. You were homeschooled while you shuffled from one photoshoot to another. From LA to New York and everywhere else in between. Your parents sheltered you, as they should have in this industry. You’re twenty, riding high on your modeling career, but you’ve never really dated and had that whole experience of heartbreak, letdowns, and the occasional orgasm that makes up for it all.”

  Elle’s cheeks flared red. After years of being on one set or another, with everyone looking at her with a critical eye, very few things embarrassed her at that point in her life. Her sex life, or lack of one, was one of those things that mortified her more than anything.

  “I just haven’t seen him in a long time, and this is the first chance I’ve had. He’s been in the Army or something—and stationed all over the world. How can I not see him when we’re finally in the same city?” Elle argued her point.

  Beth smiled sadly, knowing she couldn’t dissuade Elle from her course. “Just be careful. You’re my best friend, Elle. I know you—I just don’t want to see you hurt. So, when do you leave?”

  “Saturday—three days away. Kylie Rae is a huge name in fashion. This will open so many doors for me—even small parts in more television shows and movies.”

  Elle’s excitement was contagious, and soon, dreams of the movie parts were in both their eyes. “That would be so amazing, Elle. To see you on the silver screen and announce to the world, ‘That’s my best friend!’ I wish I could be in Miami with you when this new era of your career kicks off. You can bet your ass I’ll be on the set with you when you do your first major show—TV or movie.”

  The pair continued their trek along the shore, watching the waves and enjoying the warmth of the sunny day. They chatted about the upcoming possibilities and how life could drastically change in the very near future. But Elle’s thoughts kept returning to her imminent trip to Miami—and the potential of seeing Devon again.

  Perhaps it was the schoolgirl crush she’d had on him since the day she’d met him driving her need to contact him. Maybe Beth was right in her assessment, especially since Elle didn’t have anyone else to compare to him. She still believed the impression she’d formed as a child.

  No one compared to Devon Kane.

  By the time the wheels touched down in Miami, her excitement couldn’t be contained. As much as she couldn’t wait to start a new venture in modeling, her thoughts were tied to Devon. The first second she had alone, she planned to call him. She’d managed to wrangle his cell number from Jeff, despite his protests and questions.

  “Okay, ladies. You have today to rest and hydrate before we start shooting the swimsuit shots tomorrow morning. Call me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you bright and early.” Leslie, the photographer, and his crew left the dozen models assigned to the shoot to find their own way to the hotel.

  Elle grabbed her suitcase off the conveyor belt and hit send on her phone before she changed her mind or lost her nerve. After two rings, the sexiest masculine voice answered.

  “Kane.”

  “Hi, Devon. This is Elle Sin— Elle Moore. How have you been?”

  “Is this the Elle Sinclair, model extraordinaire, calling me?” Devon teased, though his tone revealed he was thrilled to hear her voice. “I must’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  “Knock it off,” she laughed. “I’m in Miami for the next few weeks. I just landed, actually. Jeff mentioned you’re in town too. It’s been a long time, but I’d hoped we could have dinner one night and catch up.”

  “I’d love to. I can’t wait to see you. Do you have to work today?”

  “No, there’s nothing planned for today at all.”

  “I’m coming to pick you up right now, then. You need to get out and have some fun while you’re here. Where are you staying?”

  She gave him the name of her hotel, with the caveat to give her enough time to get out of the airport first. With his signature laugh, he agreed to wait a couple of hours before meeting her in the lobby. With the time set, she kept reminding herself to stop thinking of it as a date. They were simply two old friends who had a chance to become reacquainted as adults.

  Of course, that didn’t stop her from rushing to her room, showering, and dressing as if she had a date. It didn’t stop the butterflies that danced in her stomach or her heart from racing with excitement. It didn’t calm her jittery nerves from wondering what he looked like after all these years apart, or if she’d even recognize him when she went down to the lobby.

  When she stepped out of the elevator, she saw heads turn and heard whispers as people recognized her. But his eyes were the only ones she felt. His stare was the only one she couldn’t tear her eyes away from. His face was the only one that registered out of all the people milling about. Any concern of not knowing him faded into nothing when his dark blue eyes connected with hers.

  The years apart had done nothing to diminish her feelin
gs for Devon. Seeing him again after all the years made her heart turn flips in her chest. He'd always been an athletic, muscular young man, but the fully-grown man in front of her was even more impressive. Cut, defined muscles bulged under his shirt. From his wide, thick shoulders down to his tapered waist, the man was a specimen to behold. His jeans sat low on his hips. The snug-fitting denim gave a tantalizing hint at the muscular legs underneath.

  “Elle, you’re even more beautiful in person than on all those magazine covers,” Devon said when he pulled her into his arms.

  She slid her arms around his neck and returned his embrace. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Devon. It’s so good to see you again.”

  He kissed her cheek and flashed his dazzling smile. “I’ll be the envy of every man in the world today. I get you all to myself. Are you ready for a day away from all the bright lights of the camera flashes?”

  “You have no idea. In fact, you can even get us completely lost for a while, and you won’t hear a single complaint from me.”

  “No chance of getting lost, but you’ll feel like you’re in another world. Let’s blow this joint.”

  Devon extended his arm, and Elle wrapped her hand around it. The young, handsome boy she remembered had grown into a head-turning, gorgeous man with rippling muscles everywhere. He could give any male model a run for his money. The strength he naturally projected made her feel protected and safe. Even at her model height, he still stood taller than her. Their conversation flowed with a natural ease while they waited for the valet to bring his car around.

  When a shiny red convertible Corvette stopped in front of them, Elle cut her eyes to him. “This is how you’re whisking me away to anonymity? In a convertible Corvette that screams ‘Look at me’?”

  “Yep,” he confirmed. “They can’t snap pictures of you if you’re flying by them in a blur.”

  Devon opened the passenger door and helped her into the car before his confident swagger carried him to the driver’s side. On the interstate heading south with the top down, she felt carefree for the first time in what seemed like forever.