Page 34 of Wicked Intention

“And you asked Griffin when we were leaving because…?”

“You know why, captain. Until I reach Zo, she’s on her own against someone with enough clout to involve the Puerto Jardinese government. I want to get to San Isidro ASAP.”

The captain shifted in his chair. “That must mean you believe your arrest is tied to what’s going on with Zo.”

“It has to be. I don’t believe this is some fluke, sir.”

After a moment of silence, Captain Nguyen said casually, “You’ve spent time with some interesting people since you left the Army, especially when you’ve traveled to Puerto Jardin.”

Finn took a moment to orient himself for the trip through this minefield. “Zo and I work for the Paladin League. My job is to protect Zo. Part of her job is to meet with people who might have information about stolen artifacts. Most of those men are criminals.”

“Why does the Paladin League want to know about stolen artifacts?”

“If you can identify the pipeline, there might be a way to shut it down.” Two years away from undercover work, and lying still came easily. Finn didn’t feel an iota of guilt about it though he should—he liked and admired the captain—but protecting Zo came first, last, and always.

More silence, then Captain Nguyen asked, “What’s your plan?”

Part of Finn was relieved his story had been accepted, but part of him was annoyed everyone wanted to know what his strategy was. “Find Zo and get her home. The details are up in the air.”

The other man’s lips curved. “Once you locate her, I could arrange for her to return to LA.”

“And in exchange?” Finn asked the question although he knew what the hook was.

“In exchange, you reprise your role of Tom Finley.”

Bingo. “I already turned down the chance to freelance in Tampa.”

“That was when you were headed for Los Angeles. That was before you needed to get your woman out of Puerto Jardin. You know it will be easier if I make the arrangements for her trip home. Safer for Zofia, too.”

He shrugged. “I can get Zo out safely on my own.”

The captain changed tactics. “We could use the help. Like I said in the States, this assignment would go much more smoothly with you involved.”

Finn didn’t ask about the operation. No details had been provided when they’d met in Tampa, and unless he signed on, no intel would be passed on now either. He was about 99% certain they were going after Torres again. It’s why they were headed to Trujillo, and it’s why Captain Nguyen wanted Tom Finley back.

“I was discharged two years ago. Why hasn’t someone else moved in to fill this type of role?”

Captain Nguyen shrugged. “We haven’t found anyone with your ability to transform personality so easily, so believably. You’re not playing a role, you become that person, and as it turns out, that’s a rare skill.”

It was a talent he’d picked up bouncing around foster care, trying to fit in somewhere so he could stay in one house and not be moved to another. He’d wanted a place to belong. He hadn’t realized what he was doing at the time, but Finn had morphed himself into whoever his new foster family wanted him to be. It hadn’t worked. A few months, sometimes weeks, and he’d be shipped off to the next home.

“Not that rare,” Finn disagreed. “Hollywood has more men and women with this talent than they have jobs for.”

“And how many of them could pull it off without a script while surrounded by men who would kill them if they slipped up?” BD shook his head. “I stand by my statement. You have an unusual skill, and we could use it. We need you on this assignment.”

Finn felt a tug. He hadn’t missed the missions, but he missed the teamwork, the camaraderie, and matching wits with the bad guys. Once Zo was on her way home—

He cut the thought short.

“Sorry, sir. Zo is my priority, and I’m taking her back to LA. You’ll have to figure something else out.”

Chapter Thirteen

Trujillo, Puerto Jardin

27 Months Earlier

FOR ONCE, SILVA had given Finn advance notice for a meeting. Enough time for his teammates to get in position. Enough time to park the car, saunter toward the restaurant, and study the area around it. Enough time for him to arrive early and check out the café.