Page 50 of Lethal Vengeance

He swivels the computer around to show me the list on the screen. “Armando owns property throughout the city. All but two are residential. I can’t tell which one is his. I bet the captain would know.”

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out of my pocket. Thiago. “Is everything okay?” I don’t waste time with preliminaries when it comes to him. A billionaire CEO, Thiago has little patience for small talk.

“We got Henley’s stalker. A few days ago. Dead,” he informs me, the hard edge of satisfaction apparent in his voice. “Diego killed him.”

A dead man killed her stalker. I snort. “That’s convenient. Your idea?”

He chuckles. “Thomas’ actually. Surprised me.”

I’m not. “Thomas is even keeled until you kill his men, then all bets are off. How’s Henley?”

Thiago’s silent for a second. “Good, very good. She sends her love to everyone, but don’t tell them. I don’t want them to get any ideas. She’s very, very happy with us, and we intend to keep her that way.”

The possessive tone in his voice makes me chuckle. Marcos would be ecstatic. “Good. I’m glad. Although things have changed a bit around here, so I don’t think you need to worry on that account.”

“Good. How is everything?”

“Complicated,” I reply with a heavy sigh. Signaling to the others, I let them know I’m stepping outside. Once I’m away from prying ears, I bring Thiago up to speed on everything that’s happened over the last couple of weeks. “If we succeed, we’ll need a place to bring these people. Can you set something up? We’ll also need Henley’s assistance to create proper documentation and IDs.”

There’s some rustling in the background. “I’ll get it done. I’m going to send Thomas to you, too. He could use a few days away, and you could use his expertise.”

I could use another commander to lead the second attack. “Good idea.”

“Done,” Thiago confirms. “I’ll text you when they’re on their way. Henley and I will get everything set up for the rescues. Call if you need anything.” He hangs up.

With a flick of my wrist, I slide the phone back into my pocket. It’s amazing how much of an impact Henley has had on Thiago. Mateo and Grayson, too. I wasn’t sure they’d ever let anyone else into their family. Instead of Marcos, she’s the center of their universe now, bringing them all together.

I thought Quinn was pulling us in opposite directions, but maybe it’s been me all along. If we all make it through, could she be the one for all of us?

24

QUINN

The facility is eerily silent. Grasping the brim, I tug the guard’s hat lower until I can barely see under it. Dawn should be breaking soon. Based on our earlier surveillance, there should only be four guards patrolling the hall at this hour. I try to channel Cruz’ stealth, but when a squeak emits from my boot hitting the linoleum, I realize it’s never going to happen.

It feels like forever, but I finally reach the annex. This is where it becomes tricky. Will the two guards be in the same spot they were the last time? When I enter the area, it’s empty, allowing me to slide up to the cells and peer inside. I breathe a sigh of relief. He’s here.

I tap lightly on the bar with my nail, and the man on the cot shifts in my direction. Raider’s light blue eyes meet mine, and his usual cold stare evaporates.

He moves to sit beside the bars. “Mon petit oiseau. What are you doing up so early?”

I scan him for any bruises, but don’t see any.

“Before I removed my comms, I heard them grab you. What does mon petit oiseau mean?”

His eyes crinkle at the corners, but he says nothing.

I’ll have to look it up later. “Your accent is slight, but it’s not French. South American, maybe. Where did you grow up?”

Ice-blue eyes study me intently. “Brazil.”

“Was it just you and Camila, or do you have other brothers and sisters?” I ask, curious about the man who can so easily blend in with the world.

A lazy smile stretches across his face. “In my house, it was just my mother and me. In my father’s house, it was him, his wife, and son.”

A mistress? “Was your father powerful?”

He sighs. “He thought so. But he thought wrong.” His strong hand reaches through the bars to grasp mine. “Did you really get up early to ask me about my family?”