Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) by Maeve Christopher Read Free Book Online Page B

and Pizarro fell to the floor.
    The men left only Pizarro’s wife, his four young children, and three of the maids alive.
     
    ***
     
    Their next target was one of Juan Rodriguez’s most profitable cocaine processing centers. They were dismayed to find the guards were well prepared for them. It was a difficult and lengthy battle. At last they destroyed the building, all its occupants, and guards. They cheered as the explosion finished the once valuable contents of the factory, and unused ammunition became fireworks that lit up the sky.
    Only two of Pearson’s men were slightly injured in the skirmish. They dressed their wounds and marched on. The following day Juan Rodriguez was assassinated as he left his mistress’s apartment.
     
    ***
     
    “Ya know this is a fuckin’ Godforsaken place!” Eduardo Clemente dumped his heavy backpack on the riverbank, and wiped his hands over a sweaty brow and on through thick black hair.
    David took a seat beside him. “You ought to host a travel show, Clemente.”
    Their colleagues laughed, and volunteered titles for this offbeat, and most certainly off-color, travelogue.
    “You’re in a good mood. What’s got in to you?”
    David wasn’t quite sure why he was in such a good mood for one with so many professional and personal challenges at the moment. He watched Gilbert quietly sit a few feet away. With any luck they’d be in the air and out of South America in a matter of hours.
    Although they’d accomplished their mission in South America, David knew Senator Everett had also been selling Israeli government secrets he’d had access to. Gilbert was involved too, and he’d been keeping a close eye on David this trip. There was nothing he could do until their return to the United States. David knew this treason went beyond Gilbert, but until he could meet with Pearson, there wasn’t much to do but stay alive.
    He noticed Gilbert’s face change and looked up to see a stunning rainbow – and an approaching helicopter that was not theirs. The others realized it too. As he stood up, he knew it was too late. There was a blast, and he tried to stop from falling into the muddy river. But he was powerless as hell rushed up to meet him.

Chapter Four
     
    Nita
     
    Salzburg, Austria was blanketed with endless snow, and I was tired of it. There was a medical conference on hemophilia in Boston, and since my fiancé Eduardo’s younger brother suffered from that genetic disease, it was a good excuse to go. Then I’d head south to Florida to meet some friends from medical school and relax on the beach for a few days.
    The first of February was unseasonably warm in Boston , and I was delighted by the sun on my face as I took an extended lunch and a stroll down Newbury Street . I stepped into a few of the shops to take a look around.
    I was intrigued by a boutique that carried some of my favorite European designers. There was only one saleswoman attending a couple of women in the dressing room. I busied myself flipping through a rack of blouses.
    A hand rested on my arm. “Nita.”
    I jerked aside and his other hand pulled me in. “Jimmy!” Dozens of emotions fired through me. “Eduardo? Is Eduardo-”
    “He’s fine,” Jimmy drawled, and I hugged him.
    “It’s David. You’ve got to come now. My car’s out front.”
    My eyes clouded with tears as he led me to a black sedan and deposited me in the front seat. Memories swirled with mounting fear.
    Jimmy Hollinger had been a great friend and colleague of Eduardo and David. An outstanding Navy SEAL, Jimmy was recruited by the same agency that recruited them. Jimmy was so sweet with his Texas drawl and gentlemanly manners. But just like the others, he could kill you as soon as look at you.
    I noticed we were entering the airport. “Where are we going?”
    “Los Angeles. Your bags are in the trunk.”
     
    ***
     
    “I’ve got to call Cat.” I reached for my handbag to find my phone.
    He put his hand over mine to stop me.