Page 69 of The Grave Artist

He thought of Tandy’s comment about the two of them being together.

And his hedging response that he’d never thought about it.

Lying . . .

But did he truly want to? Given their history, and their partnership at I-squared, and their personalities ... Did he want things to progress further?

His urge to proceed and his urge to stand down were in perfect balance.

Of course, relying on these circumstances wasn’t playing fair with the decision. They were acting. A kiss, however passionate on the surface, would be no more than stage direction between two actors.

Wouldn’t it?

Yes.

No.

Then he told himself impatiently: Stop generating! Just do it.

He reached out slowly, giving her plenty of time to object or turn away, and brushed his hand against the silken strands that framed her face. When she made no move, he traced a fingertip along her jaw and under her chin, lifting it slightly as he leaned toward her.

Her lips parted in invitation, and he lowered his hand from her shoulder to the small of her back and pulled her closer. For a long time, he’d wondered what it would be like to kiss her.

He knew Grange and the tac team had them under observation, making sure HK didn’t sneak up on them from an unexpected route.

But it was dark here. The operators couldn’t see much, other than two silhouettes getting close to each other.

Besides, Jake didn’t care.

Their lips had nearly touched when she sighed. And tapped her earbud.

Then grew alert. “Copy.”

Jake felt the moment slip away.

She continued to speak to Liam Grange. “Where is he?”

He followed her gaze as she looked out over the water and noted a small outboard heading their way. A utility boat, like they’d anticipated HK might use.

“Copy that. We’re going defensive.”

Sanchez was instantly in motion. He barely registered what was going on before she grabbed him by the elbow and yanked him to the ground with considerable force.

His knee collided with the table beside the bench, bringing out a curse.

He glanced up and saw the HSI motorboat, Liam Grange at the wheel, speed up to the smaller craft. There was a brief exchange and the person in the utility vessel was hauled aboard the HSI boat, which spun around and accelerated toward the dock behind the resort proper.

She cocked her head, listening once more. “K,” she replied. Then to Jake: “One in custody.” She smiled. “Official for: We fucking got him.”

Chapter 34

Carmen’s sense of unease increased as she sat across from the man plucked from the boat cruising toward the honeymoon suite. The resort’s manager had directed her and Heron to a private meeting room to conduct an initial interview.

During which it became clear the evening had not turned out as they’d hoped.

Got him?

No.