Dangerous Law (Suit Romance Series): A Rogue Operative Romance Read online

  Dangerous Law

  Marianne Morea

  Coventry Press Ltd.

  Coventry Press Ltd.

  Somers, New York

  http://www.coventrypressltd.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2017 Marianne Morea

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions of thereof in any form whatsoever without written permission.

  ASIN:

  First Edition: Coventry Press Ltd. 2017

  Printed in the USA

  For the thrill lover in all of us

  Chapter One

  CIA Headquarters,

  Langley, Virginia

  “You asked to see us, sir?” Devlin Law stood at attention waiting for the chief to look up from his desk. Ted Meade stood opposite him in the doorway.

  Frank Lauder looked up from the thick folder on his desk and pointed toward the conference chair to the front of the shined mahogany. “Have a seat, both of you.”

  As instructed, Devlin sat with his eyes on the file in the chief’s hand, his gaze then traveling to the frown it clearly generated.

  “What’cha got for us, Chief?” Ted asked, head angled in curiosity.

  “Do you know what’s in this folder?” The question was rhetorical, even as Lauder tapped the top of the manila. “This is a complete dossier on Ivan Solokovich.”

  The chief’s frown deepened, and he pushed the file forward. “File reads like a goddamned Clancy novel, except the bad guys and bullets are for real.”

  “Sir,” Devlin acknowledged with a snort. “We’re well acquainted with Solokovich and his bullets.”

  Meade nodded. “Up close and personal.”

  “I’m well aware, gentlemen, which is why I requested this meeting,” Lauder replied. “Operation Exodus hasn’t been as fruitful as we hoped. For the past two years, undercover field agents have infiltrated the trafficking ring, but they’ve only identified low-level captains.”

  “Capos?” Ted questioned. “You make this ring sound like it’s Mafioso.”

  Lauder looked at him. “For lack of a better term, it is, or at least, it’s run in the same manner. Captains handle the lower-end transit and distribution, you know, more localized. No sooner do we close one route, before they circumvent us and open two more. It’s worse in the countries that peddle in sex tourism.”

  The chief lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair. “We’ve been up against unyielding pressure to nail these bastards, especially since the last three sting operations have turned up children as young as two years old. Sold to the highest bidder.”

  “Jesus,” Law exhaled, keeping his eyes on his chief. “And you think Solokovich is at the top of the food chain in this?”

  The chief blew a stream of smoke between his lips and shook his head. “No. He’s not the head, but he knows who is.”

  “If our guys haven’t uncovered the top mutt in this dirty business, then how did we nail Solokovich to the wall?” Meade asked.

  Lauder tapped the file again. “We haven’t. Not yet. He’s the comfy accountant who knows too much and we intend to squeeze him.”

  “So, you’re saying we don’t have a list of names, then.” Law angled his head, trying to follow the chief’s rationale.

  The chief looked at them both. “Solokovich not only knows his own superiors, but more importantly, he knows who is fielding their routes and protecting their investors here in the U.S. and in the major cities across Europe.”

  Lauder crooked his fingers in quotes at the word investor. “This octopus is huge with sticky tentacles in politicians’ pockets across the globe.”

  Meade exchanged a look with Devlin before nodding. “So, you want us to use our contacts to put pressure on this piece of shit?”

  Inhaling, Lauder chewed on the edge of his lip, considering. “You two are the best wet work assets I have. They don’t call you the ghost and his shadow for no reason.”

  “Now you’re talking our language.” Meade shrugged. “You want the soft little bastard taken out. No problem. Like you said, Dev and I are the best.”

  Leaning back farther, Lauder grinned, pointing his cigarette at them. “Easy there, killer. We want those names first, and Lady Luck has finally smiled on us.”

  Devlin and Meade exchanged a look before turning back to the chief.

  “We’ve had a break, gentlemen. Solokovich has fallen out of favor with his cartel and with rumors of Russian collusion swirling around Washington, the media feeding frenzy has everyone calling for investigations left and right, and crooked politicians with ties to this dirty business have got to be squirming. Solokovich is feeling the heat. Based on the latest chatter, he’s to be the sacrificial lamb if things reach a boiling point.”

  “So, bring him in, then. Offer him asylum.” Meade shrugged. “Isn’t that protocol for high-level informants?”

  Lauder shook his head. “He won’t come. Like I said, this shit reaches deep into the political arena, not just abroad, but here, as well—or at least that’s what Ivan implied. You have to remember, this isn’t drugs or even money laundering. When it has to do with children, there is no sanctuary.”

  “What is Solokovich looking for then, especially if there’s no place for him to hide? Are you even sure he’s got the goods?” Meade pointed out.

  Taking another drag, Lauder then gestured to both men. “He’s got them all right. He’s ready to go all Snowden with a paper trail so long and deep, the media would sell their souls to get their hot little hands on the documents, but he wants us. Better to be incarcerated as a repentant whistleblower than dead accessory.”

  “If all you want is a snitch, then why do you need me and Ted?” Devlin posed. “We’re assets, not undercover field agents.”

  Lauder looked at him, his cigarette dangling from two fingers. His expression said it all.

  “Solokovich won’t come to us, so you want me and Teddy to play pony express and collect this paper trail, deliver it back in a nice neat package, and if things go south, you want any trace of him and our deal eliminated, right?” Law smirked.

  A grin spread across Lauder’s face as he stubbed out his butt. “That’s why you’re perfect for this job. I don’t have to sweat the details with either of you.”

  He paused with his hand still over his ashtray. “I want this done legit, boys. Any hint we’ve stepped out of line and Solokovich’s paper trail might as well be written in crayon for all it’ll be worth. Those involved will find any excuse to delegitimize what we uncover. Understood?”

  “Of course, boss, by the book,” Meade replied.

  Lauder nodded. “Good. That’s why I know neither of you will complain about me bringing in Jessica Banning.”

  “Banning?” Teddy balked. “She’s an analyst and a British national. Plus, she’s not trained in field work.”

  The chief’s eyes fixed on Meade. “Do you think I’d pick a random analyst for something this important? This mission has international reach, and as such, our team cannot be just U.S. operatives.

  “Banning did her training, both in the field and in front of a jury, plus she’s a linguist fluent in Russian, among other languages. She’s done her due diligence with Army Legal Services in Britain and MI5, and since then, has been a legal liaison with our own Judge Advocate General’s office for years. She’s an Op
erations Law expert who can quote international governance chapter and verse.”

  “Solokovich requested a non-operative,” the chief continued. “He doesn’t want this hand-off to be with the agency. He requested a neutral, and he insisted the neutral be female. Banning is so far off the radar, no one will know who or what she is, but us. She will meet with Solokovich and collect the evidence and you two will provide cover and clean up, if it comes to that.”

  Lauder’s gaze moved between his men, but Devlin noted the chief’s eyes flicked in a quick upward glance to the left. Years of training taught him not to overlook the slightest micro-expression.

  A quick glance up and left was analytical, calculating and usually pointed to a deception, while a glance up and right pointed to recall, memory. For assets, the slight nuance often meant the difference between life and death.

  The chief wasn’t telling them everything.

  Lauder pressed a button on his desk phone.

  “Yes, sir?” a voice replied.

  “Send in Jessica Banning.”

  ***

  The door to the chief’s office opened and closed and Jessica stood inside the entry with her hands folded. Her eyes took in the three men. The chief, obviously, and two agents, one she knew only by name, Ted Meade—but the other she knew by sight. Every inch of gorgeous sight.

  Devlin Law.

  She clasped her hands tighter. The man was sex incarnate. Sensual elegance in his trademark athletic cut suit. Her gaze took in his polished look, from his chiseled features to his impeccable manner. James Bond had nothing on Devlin Law.

  Everything about the man screamed danger and elegance, as if he was as much at home holding a glass of champagne as he was slitting your throat.

  With a quick inhale, she forced herself to focus on the chief. She had no idea why she’d been summoned to the chief’s office, and with Devlin Law close enough to smell his cologne, she needed to keep it together.

  Law had already caught her staring one too many times, and her cheeks flamed thinking about the last time. Frappuccino in hand, she toyed with the straw in her mouth, watching him from afar as he stood talking with someone on the grounds not far from the courtyard.

  He’d just come back from a run and hadn’t hit the showers yet. She licked her lips at the way his damp T-shirt clung to his chest and shoulders, at his long muscular legs and the way his nylon shorts molded his lower body, leaving nothing to the imagination.

  As his friend left, Law turned in her direction, and she jerked from her X-rated musing nearly swallowing her tongue when she realized he jogged her way.

  Self-conscious, she lowered her cup, giving her lower lip a quick swipe with the tip of her tongue for any stray whipped cream, not sure where to look or what to do.

  A sexy smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he approached, and when he stopped in front of her bench, her heart skipped a beat.

  “You missed a spot, Ace.” A full-on gorgeous grin spread across his face and he winked, reaching to wipe a smudge of cream from the side of her lip with his knuckle.

  Before she could unscramble her brains to speak, he turned on his heel and jogged away. She’d avoided him ever since, but that didn’t stop that singularly sexy moment from blooming into nightly sex dreams, complete with her bent over that same bench, spread wide for him.

  “Ms. Banning?” the chief said again, clearing his throat.

  She shook herself from her daydream and blinked.

  Pull it together, Banning. You’re an expert analyst, not a sex starved loser. “Yes, sir,” she answered quickly. “I…I…didn’t expect to be in such distinguished company, especially since no one explained why I was asked to join you.”

  “Then let me bring you up to speed…”

  Chapter Two

  Jessica looked from Lauder to the others in the room. “You want me to take the train from Germany into Kyiv to retrieve documents from a foreign criminal element?” Skeptical, she blinked at the chief. “You do realize I’m not a field agent. I’m a legal analyst and governmental policy strategist.”

  “We’re well aware of your credentials, Jessica,” Lauder replied.

  Something about the way the man used the word credentials pinged Law’s warning bells. As if on cue, Jessica glanced toward Devlin and caught the subtle frown between his eyes. He heard the untoward subtext as well.

  “Won’t there be a problem if we’re stopped?” she continued with the chief. “I speak fluent Russian, but what about—” she gestured to Law and Meade. “Shouldn’t we wait at the Geilenkirchen Air Base until I’m up to speed, and then catch a military jump flight to Kyiv?”

  The chief rose to sit on the edge of his desk, a manila envelope in his hand. “Time is everything in this, and a luxury we don’t have. We’re trying to keep our involvement as low-key as possible. That’s why you three are flying commercial. You will not land at the NATO Air Base.”

  He gestured with the beige packet. “These are your papers, passports, necessary documentation, etc.”

  She sat in a chair opposite the chief, but didn’t reply, not until a sharp exhale from Ted Meade grabbed her attention.

  “If you have something to say, Teddy, don’t grumble like a teenager. Spit it out.” Lauder frowned.

  Meade met the chief’s waiting gaze and then shrugged. “Look, no offense, sir. Banning seems like a smart cookie, but if she can’t play the game, then maybe she should go home.” Ted turned to her, lifting a noncommittal hand. “Sorry, honey, but I’m not convinced you’re the right choice for this job, and your constant questioning doesn’t paint you as a team player.”

  “Ted—”

  He lifted a hand at Lauder’s attempt. “No, Chief. This is a sticky situation, and if Banning can’t think on her feet, she’ll end up being a liability.”

  Devlin looked at Meade before switching his gaze to Jessica. Her face was pale, but her eyes were narrowed, weighing the accusation. Beautiful and unyielding. Those were the words he’d use to describe her, even as the wheels spun behind intelligent depths.

  “That’s enough.” The chief smacked the envelope on the side of his desk. “Jessica asked a valid question. She can pass for a native speaker while you two will screw the pooch the minute you open your mouths.”

  He handed them each their passports and pertinent documentation. “Since the occupation, Russian presence is thick in the Ukraine, especially in Kyiv. The place considers itself a cosmopolitan center, but it’s a ticking time bomb in a tug-of-war between insurgents and the Russian machine.”

  “The chief’s right, Teddy.” Devlin nodded, gesturing toward Jessica. “Banning knows what’s required or she wouldn’t be here. The whole mission rests on her efficacy, and you’re not helping matters by being you.”

  “Hey! Being me is what pulled your arse of the fire plenty.” Meade grinned, winking at Jessica. “In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the boy was helpless without me, so if you want a shoulder or any other part for comfort, I’m your go-to guy.”

  “My go-to guy, huh? Well, I know where you can go, Meade, and I suggest you pack light. Like me, it’ll roast your balls alive,” she shot back.

  Law stuffed his fake passport into the breast pocket of his tailored suit. His eyes moved to her as she sat white-knuckled with her documents.

  Was Banning nervous or just quelling the urge to punch Meade in the face? Devlin stifled a smirk. Roast Teddy’s balls alive. He’d pay good money to see that.

  Ted stuffed his documentation into his pocket as well, not bothering to look at the details inside. He gestured to the chief. “I hope you’re right about her, or this is going to be the shortest shit show ever.”

  Jessica didn’t take the bait, but her eyes found Devlin. He gave her a small nod, but then looked to the chief as the man pushed himself from his desk and walked toward the office door.

  “If there are no further questions, I suggest you all get some rest,” Lauder said. “The last piece of the plan is in the work
s. We fly out sometime in the next twenty-four hours. I won’t know the exact departure time until an hour or so beforehand, so be ready to roll.”

  “We?” Jessica asked. “You’re coming with us, sir?”

  He nodded. “I’ll be your point person in Germany until the job is completed,” Lauder continued, and then pointed to Jessica. “Devlin and Meade know the drill, but I’m telling you now. Study your assigned identity. Memorize it. There’s no makeup test if things go south because you didn’t do your homework.”

  She looked from the chief to both men waiting by the door. “Yes, sir. I understand.”

  “Good.” He nodded. “Wait for the call. After that, it’s game on.”

  The three left the chief’s office together and walked toward the elevator. “I’m going to grab a shower and then head out for a thick, juicy steak and the biggest pair of tits I can fit in my hand.” Ted grinned, purposefully motioning curved fingers at Jessica. “Care to tag along?”

  Rolling her eyes, she pressed the elevator call button. “Wow, Meade. How is it a catch like you is still single? I’ll tell you this, though, you’d better have a thick wad of cash with you or your dick will be the only thing in your hand tonight.”

  “Ouch!” Devlin burst out laughing as the elevator slid open. “The famous Ted Meade scorched good by a girl.”

  Even Teddy cracked a smile, his lips pushing to a side smirk. “Very good, princess. I guess you can think on your feet.”

  “That’s Lieutenant Commander Princess to you, Meade,” she shot back stepping into the elevator. “Gentlemen,” she said, inclining her head. “I bid you a pleasant evening.”

  Law laughed even louder, flashing Jessica a wide grin as the elevator doors slid shut. He shoved Teddy’s shoulder. “Smart cookie, eh?”

  He shrugged in reply. “So, she’s quick on the uptake. At least she didn’t lose it like some feminazi.”

  “Feminazi? Do you ever listen to what comes out of your mouth, Teddy? Jessica didn’t blink or miss a beat. If she can hold it together like that when it’s go time, we might be okay.”