Page 42 of The Collector

Ames, still quiet, shifted slightly, her eyes never leaving Raven's. "Then help us narrow it down."

Raven let out a slow breath, the tension in the room thickening, the exchange edging into dangerous territory.

"I don't believe in making assumptions about my people." He kept his tone neutral, but just enough steel was beneath it to send a message.

"But let's be honest—you already have a suspect in mind, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."

The game had begun.

"I think we have all we need for today, Mr. Cordoba. If we need any further information, we'll be in touch," Ames said, standing and placing her card on his desk.

"I have my card for the tape if you wouldn't mind." She headed for the door. Blackwell stood and looked at Raven one last time before they both exited the office.

Raven exhaled slowly, brushing fingers over the edge of the card Ames had left on his desk. It was a simple piece of paper, yet it carried weight he didn't want to bear.

The FBI wasn't done with him—not by a long shot. They had walked in with intent, pressed just enough to rattle him, and now? They'd wait. Watch. See what he did next.

A slow smirk pulled at his lips, though it lacked absolute amusement. They thought they had something. Thought they could unsettle him.

They'd soon learn that the Kings dealt with their problems in-house. And if a serial killer was amongst his ranks, bringing heat to the organization, he would be handled with Cartel style far away from FBI jurisdiction.

He slid the card into his desk drawer and turned toward his screen. Time to prepare for whatever comes next. He wasn't looking forward to the witch hunt he was about to have to lead to flush this bastard out. But it's what his father would demand anyway— might as well get in front of the eight ball now. So, when he dropped the information in his lap, he could tell him he was already on top of the situation.

Chapter 12

Mynx

"You almost ready to go?" Destiny asked, peeking her head into Mynx's room.

Mynx tucked the last of her clothes into the small overnight bag she'd borrowed earlier.

"Just about. I wish I knew why Raven wants me to go away with him. It makes me nervous."

"Well, you said you two hooked up. Maybe Raven wants to know you better. Not everything's a setup, Mynx. Good things do happen. I'm excited for you."

Mynx zipped the bag and sat on the edge of the bed.

"We did hook up—and the sex was out of this world. But you told me Raven never gets serious with performers. So why would I think I'm different?"

"What if—and I'm just thinking out loud here—you are different? If you want out of your contract faster, Raven's the one to bag. Use every advantage you've got. Make the bullshit worth it. That's why we're both here, right? To get out alive—and better off than we came."

Mynx considered that. But the way Raven walked away the other night didn't feel like interest—it felt like retreat. Like sex was the end, not the beginning. Destiny was trying to soothe her, help her feel better about something she couldn't control. Hope was dangerous in a place like this. And Raven? He was even more so.

Destiny crossed the room and dropped onto the bed beside her.

"My feet are killing me. These Jimmy Choo's might make my legs look amazing, but I swear they're trying to murder me."

Mynx laughed. And for the first time in a long time, she felt better. Like, there might be a light at the end of the fucked-up tunnel life was leading her through. She was glad she and Destiny were becoming friends; glad she'd taken a chance with her.

"Look, Mynx. Please do yourself a favor and don't start the night questioning his motives. Enjoy yourself. Live in the moment. Have you ever been to Cabo?"

Mynx laughed. "I've never been out of Culver City."

"Then go. Drink too much on the beach. Go skinny dipping. Fuck like a rockstar. I'm jealous—if that means anything to you. Raven is hot as hell, and I'd probably kill someone without blinking to be in your shoes tonight."

"Should I be worried you're gonna take me out and steal my seat on that plane?"

"Nah, I'll let you make it this time. Just don't forget me when you're the head bitch in charge."