PaintedPassion by Tamara Hunter Read Free Book Online

was
leaving for Vegas tonight.
    Five seconds ticked by. Alfonso said nothing.
    “What’s her type?” Carlos ground out the words.
    Alfonso calmly packed up his tools. “Someone who’s
interested in her, and it’s not you.”
    Sighing, Carlos ran his hands over his head, realizing the
other man had played him. “I have an uncomplicated life. I travel often. No
woman is interested in a man who doesn’t have time to dote on her.”
    “You have a point, but Trella isn’t any woman. She didn’t
mind being married to a detective.”
    Carlos scrubbed a hand down his face. He’d never win.
“Whenever she decides to date again, I’m sure she’ll be selective.” He decided
to change the subject. “What do you know about Hector Rodriguez?”
    “The councilman?” Alfonso snorted. “He would sell his soul
for money.”
    “My impression, as well. What have you heard about his
Immigrant Work Program?”
    Alfonso released a string of curses. “Fancy name for
charging outrageous fees for smuggling people.” Alfonso’s words corroborated
Louis’ notes.
    “You sure?”
    The older man nodded. “The people he supposedly helps end up
light in the pocket, and the ones who can’t afford to pay end up working for
him by doing whatever he asks.”
    “Blackmail?”
    “And selling women.” Alfonso shrugged. “It’s what I hear.
The man’s a snake. I wouldn’t put anything past him.”
    Carlos tightened his jaw. Had Louis confronted Rodriguez?
And if he did, had he been killed to silence him?

Chapter Four
     
    From his office window, Hector watched Trella’s progress
across the parking lot. That husband of hers must have shared his suspicions.
Too bad they would end with her. His operation lasted only because he didn’t
allow loose ends.
    He’d have to be on his best behavior if he intended to
discern what she knew. Afterward, he’d get rid of her. He knew how to make it
look clean. Her death would be unsolved…just like her husband’s was.
    He stroked his cock through his slacks as he watched her
climb into the car, revealing a flash of toned leg. She’d divulge what he
wanted to know willingly…or unwillingly. Then he’d allow himself the pleasure
of taking her.
    * * * * *
    After lunch, Trella and Miguel stopped at a nearby
coffeehouse. Trella ordered three lattes as she waited for her friends. Selina had
called with an urgent request to meet, saying she had important news.
    Trella found a table far enough from Miguel where they could
chat without him hearing but that also provided him a clear view of her and of
the door. Two minutes later, Selina breezed through the cafe. Dressed in a
black pencil skirt and a cranberry-colored ruched top, she sashayed through the
maze of tables. Face beaming, she slid onto a chair.
    Before Trella could question her, Melissa joined them. Clad
in black pants with a white t-shirt and a gray vest, she dropped onto an
adjacent chair. She smoothed her hands over her copper-colored bob.
    “Someone better be damn near dead. My shift at the hospital
ended only three hours ago.” Melissa picked up one of the drinks, took a sip
then smiled appreciatively. “Spit it out before I fall asleep.”
    Selina patted Melissa’s arm. “Sorry for the last-minute
notice. You guys recall me talking about the account I was trying to land for
the CPA firm?” She cleared her throat. “I signed the account as a client this
morning, and…I’ve been offered a partnership.”
    Trella grinned. “You go, girl.”
    Melissa squealed, causing several patrons to glance their
way. “Sorry, it’s all I can manage without a full seven hours of sleep.”
    “I couldn’t wait to tell you guys.” Selina sipped her drink.
“So, am I forgiven for having you two haul ass to hear my news?”
    Melissa nodded. “Yeah…this once.”
    “Amen, sister.” Trella laughed. “But since I’m probably
behind on the latest, Melissa, have you had any more contact with the
radiologist hounding you for a