Into the Whirlwind by Kat Martin Read Free Book Online Page B

“maybe we could find Charlie.”
    Dirk’s head snapped up. “Christ, yes. Maybe we damned well could.”
    * * *
    Dirk turned away from Meg and strode over to where Luke stood next to the computer. “Dammit, I should have done this as soon as you got back.” Would have if he had kept his head on straight and wasn’t worrying about Meg.
    As he slid into the chair in front of the laptop, he looked over his shoulder at Luke, whose raised eyebrows said he was thinking the same thing. He needed to forget about Meg and do the job. He and Luke weren’t brothers by blood, but they were just as close. Every time Luke glanced between him and Meg, his friend worried Dirk would let her back into his life, let her fuck with his head again.
    She moved up beside him and his groin tightened as he recognized the faint floral scent of her perfume.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she asked.
    He forced himself to concentrate. “You’ve got Pam’s phone number, right?”
    â€œI’ve called often enough to know it by heart.”
    â€œGood, what is it?”
    â€œIt’s 555-761-4359.”
    Dirk phoned Sadie. “The babysitter’s on the move. I need you to ping a number, give me a location.” Dirk rattled off the number.
    â€œHang on, hot stuff. Let’s see if we can find your girl.”
    Dirk waited tensely, looked up to see the color back in Meg’s face. He could read the tension in Luke’s wide shoulders. It matched his own.
    â€œGot her,” Sadie said into the phone. “House in Kirkland.” She gave him a number on 105th Avenue NE.
    â€œThat’s the other side of the lake,” Dirk said. “I’m on my way. Listen, Sadie, it’s getting late. Why don’t you go home and get some sleep? This doesn’t work out, we’ll start again in the morning.”
    â€œI think I’ll just catch a nap here,” Sadie said. There was a sofa in the employee lounge the guys used when they were working a case and got in too late to head home. “Good luck tonight.”
    â€œThanks, sweetness; you’re the best. I’ll get back to you in the morning.”
    â€œSooner if you find the boy.”
    â€œWill do.” The call ended and Dirk shoved up from the chair. “We’ve got her.” He repeated the street number on 105th Avenue in Kirkland. “That’s nearly a thirty-minute drive from here.” Pulling his Browning nine mil out of the holster clipped beneath his work shirt, he dropped the magazine to check the load, then shoved it back in and reholstered the weapon. He glanced up at the sound of Luke’s M9 Beretta sliding back into his shoulder holster.
    â€œIf she’s with the boy, the kidnappers could be there,” Luke said. “You’re going to need some backup.”
    â€œSomeone needs to stay with Meg.”
    Meg shot him a look. “Luke doesn’t need to stay with me because I’m not going to be here. I’m going with you.”
    â€œBullshit. It’s too dangerous. You’re staying right here in the house.”
    â€œIf my son is there, he might need me. I’m going, Dirk. I heard the address. If you won’t take me, I’ll go by myself. I’m going to be there—one way or another.”
    Dirk started to argue, saw Luke’s mouth edging up. His friend cast Meg a different sort of glance, one Dirk thought held a trace of respect.
    â€œShe’s the boy’s mother” was all Luke said.
    â€œFine. She can come, but she stays in the car.” He turned. “You don’t get out no matter what happens. I don’t care if you look up and see the goddamn sky falling down. You stay in the car till we come back. If Charlie’s there, we’ll bring him out to you.”
    Her chin went up. “Fine.”
    â€œNo arguments. You do exactly what I tell you. Got it?”
    â€œYes. I’ve got it. I haven’t