No One Lives Forever by Jordan Dane Read Free Book Online

overtly, but the man seemed to know everything that had happened . . . even before I told him." She avoided his eyes.
    The thought of Jasmine being involved in her employer's kidnapping had not occurred to him. He chastised himself for not being more alert to her potential deception. The scenario she painted suddenly sounded like a house of cards, ready to collapse at the slightest provocation.
    And damn it—he sensed plenty of provocation gusting his way.
    Jasmine must have read his mind. She pointed her finger in anger. "And do not insult me by asking if I am involved in Nicky's abduction. I would have to slit your throat."
    "I believe you . . . that you might try to slit my throat, that is. But I'll be the judge on whether you're guilty of anything else."
    "Then you will help?" Her face brightened with hope.
    But the real question remained. "You still haven't answered me. What do you want?"
    She took a moment to slow her breathing. Leaning toward him, she reached across Raven to grasp his forearm, pale skin stark against her red nails. "Money."
    "Oh yeah, here it comes," Raven muttered. "The big con job."
    Jasmine glared at her but overlooked the remark. "I need the funds wired. I cannot trust Nicky's lawyer to follow through with something so vital." She tightened her jaw, then stole a quick glance toward Raven again before focusing on him. "And I would like you to accompany me back to Brazil."
    "What? Why do you need Christian?" Raven responded before he had a chance. She leaned forward on the couch, her fingers tightening around his.
    He shifted his gaze toward Jasmine and waited for her answer.
    "I could use the Dunhill jet . . . for greater flexibility. And I am hesitant to take advantage of my flying privileges with the syndicate's aircraft." Jasmine raised her chin. "The local military police were less than cooperative. It seems corruption is a way of life down there."
    "I bet that offended your genteel sensibilities." Mumbling under her breath, Raven made her feelings known, as if there might be some doubt.
    Ignoring her, Jasmine continued, "I didn't know whom to trust. A local police captain shadowed my every move. And believe me, that is not an easy feat. Someone is covering up the whole thing and discrediting me in the process. I no longer have resources of my own. And I am afraid Nicky will forfeit his life for my failure."
    "Even if I believed you . . ." Christian fell back against the leather couch, frustration tainting his mood. He shook his head. "I don't have access to that kind of money, Jasmine."
    "No, but your mother does. I believe Fiona would help if she knew what happened to Nicky." She averted her eyes and spoke softly. "It is my belief they still care deeply for each other . . . even after all these years."
    Glaring at Jasmine, he narrowed his eyes in doubt, then found comfort in Raven's loving gaze. Severing ties with Fiona had been painful enough, but to go back to her now was nearly unthinkable. Still, a life hung in the balance. Would he really have a choice?
    "Even if I can get the money, you're suggesting we conduct our own search and rescue mission before the funds are wired. Is that it?"
    "Yes. And I am certain since the kidnapping took place at the Hotel Palma Dourada in Cuiabá, it must have been an inside job. It was too perfectly executed to think otherwise. We could start there. Between you and I, we would split up, stay one step ahead of the local law. We can trust no one."
    "I'll say. Christian, this doesn't add up." Raven turned and placed a hand on the nape of his neck, stroking his hair. "From the way she's talking, this is one big conspiracy—from the local sheriff to the bellhop and the maid. And let's not forget Charboneau's lawyer too. Hell, I'm sure we can trace this all back to the suspicious creation of the blue M&M and the government cover-up of the alien autopsy at Area 51. Are you really buying all this?"
    Raven had a good point, despite her vivid conspiracy analogies.